Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana
If you were injured in an Indiana motorcycle accident, you have legal rights and deadlines to protect.
What you should know
Indiana does not require helmets for riders 18+, but injuries are often severe. Comparative fault under IC 34-51-2 shapes recovery.
What typically causes them
- Driver failure to see motorcycles in traffic
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Lane splitting or unsafe lane changes by other drivers
- Road hazards (potholes, gravel, debris)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted drivers not checking blind spots
- Defective motorcycle parts or tires
Injuries we see
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Leg and foot injuries from impact
Steps to take after a motorcycle accidents
- 1
Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance even if you believe your injuries are minor.
- 2
If physically able, move to safety away from traffic to prevent additional collisions.
- 3
Do not move your motorcycle if possible, as its position provides evidence of the accident dynamics.
- 4
Exchange information with all involved parties and obtain insurance details from the at-fault driver.
- 5
Photograph your motorcycle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and all vehicles involved from multiple angles.
- 6
Seek comprehensive medical evaluation as adrenaline may mask serious injuries common in motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accident claims in Indiana are subject to the same modified comparative fault rules under IC 34-51-2-6 as other vehicle accidents, but motorcyclists often face unfair bias. Insurance companies may attempt to blame the motorcyclist or claim the rider assumed risk by riding. Indiana law under IC 9-21-8-55 requires motorcyclists to wear protective headgear if under age 18, but helmet use is not mandatory for adults. However, failure to wear a helmet does not automatically bar recovery but may affect comparative fault analysis. Indiana recognizes the particular vulnerability of motorcyclists and their right to full use of traffic lanes under IC 9-21-8-50. Motorcyclists must prove the other driver's negligence caused the accident, often requiring accident reconstruction experts to counter bias.
Indiana motorcycle accident victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, motorcycle repair or replacement value, lost income, and diminished earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent return to work. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma. Because motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, damage awards may be substantial. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault under IC 34-51-2-6 if you are found partially responsible. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage from your own policy may provide additional compensation when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
IC 34-11-2-4 provides a two-year deadline from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of your right to compensation, making timely consultation with an attorney critical.
Don't let an Indiana motorcycle accidents ruin your future.
The clock is ticking on Indiana's 2-year statute of limitations. Get a free, no-obligation case review now.