Indiana Motorcycle Season Is Here

It is summertime in Indiana, and there is no more thrilling way to get around than by motorcycle. Indiana has many scenic stretches of highway that thousands of motorcyclists enjoy each year.

Still, as bikers know all too well, riding a motorcycle does come with risks. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable in accidents than other motorists, particularly because they don’t have the same safety features.

The risks go up as the temperature rises. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities occur between May and September.

While you can’t control other drivers’ behaviors on the road, you can take steps to protect yourself and your motorcycle before you hit the road this summer.

How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Riding Season

Before you head out on your motorcycle trip this summer, consider taking some of the following steps to make sure your bike is ready for riding season:

• Check tires – Low tire pressure can make it difficult to steer or cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. Make sure you check the tire pressure and add air if necessary before you ride. While you’re at it, check your tires to make sure they are in good condition. The last thing you want to deal with on your journey is a blowout, which can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.

• Check brakes – Check both your front and rear brakes, preferably separately, to ensure they are both in good working order. When you take your motorcycle for a test drive, listen for any squeaking noises, as this can indicate that your brakes need to be replaced.

• Fill up on fresh oil and fluids – Just like with your car, it’s important to change your motorcycle’s oil regularly. You can do this yourself or by taking it in to an oil and lube shop. As oil ages, it becomes less effective, and bad oil (or worse, no oil) can be bad for your motorcycle’s engine. If you recently changed the oil, check to see if it needs to be topped off.

• Try out controls – Don’t neglect to check all your controls – including the throttle, the steering device, and the clutch – because you don’t want to lose control of your motorcycle on the road when you’re surrounded by other vehicles.

• Test ride – Take a test ride in your neighborhood before you take your motorcycle out on the open road. Test out the steering and other controls, test out the brakes by braking hard, and get fluids moving through the engine.

Top 5 Roads for Riding Your Motorcycle in Indiana

Indiana has many scenic and inviting routes for motorcyclists looking for an adventure. Some of the top roads for riding include:

1. Historic National Road – This stretch of highway runs for 152 miles between Richmond and Terre Haute. Along this gorgeous route, you’ll encounter the small town of Philadelphia, which boasts many interesting historical buildings and farmhouses.
2. Ohio River Scenic Byway – This route along the beautiful Ohio River runs from Clarksville to Greenville over a 92-mile stretch of rural highway. Along the way, consider visiting the Falls of the Ohio State Park, where you can check out a site containing 390-million-year-old fossil beds. It’s also worth checking out the Lanier Mansion, a gorgeous home built in 1844.
3. Indiana’s Historic Pathway South Spur – The Historic Pathway’s South Spur runs from Vincennes to Louisville, Indiana, totaling 135 miles. Though shorter than the northern spur of the highway, the South Spur runs through a beautiful portion of the Hoosier National Forest. The South Spur is also home to the Potts Creek Rockshelter Archeological Site, once inhabited by Native Americans during different periods, including the Archaic, Woodland, and Paleo periods.
4. Indiana’s Historic Pathway North Spur – The Historic Pathway’s North Spur stretches from Vincennes to Aurora for a 163-mile journey. Notable locations along this route include the Freeman Army Airfield Museum in Seymour and the Hillforest Victorian House Museum in Aurora.
5. Lincoln Highway – Named after one of America’s most famous presidents, Abraham Lincoln, the Indiana section of the Lincoln Highway stretches 188 miles from Dyer to Townley before continuing on all the way to New York. You can stop to view a replica of Lincoln’s log cabin in Foster Park and the Studebaker National Museum and Archive in South Bend along the way.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

Accidents happen, and they can be particularly severe for motorcyclists. If you are injured in an accident in Indiana while on your summer motorcycle trip, these steps can help you protect your health and your right to compensation from the at-fault party:

• Seek medical attention – Because motorcyclists tend to bear the brunt of a collision, it’s crucial to get a complete medical exam as soon as possible, even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first. The chaos of the crash and the adrenaline your body releases can mask the symptoms of potentially life-threatening injuries.
• Gather documentation – Keep all of your medical records, medical bills, out-of-pocket expense receipts, and any other documentation related to the accident. Also, get a copy of the police report about the accident. This documentation could provide strong evidence to support your case later on.
• Take notes about your recovery – Keep a journal of your injuries and symptoms throughout the recovery process to help show how your injuries have impacted your life. Describe how your injuries prevent you from participating in activities and record how your pain changes from day to day.
• Consult with an attorney – An attorney can help you investigate the accident, identify the at-fault party or parties, and build a strong case for compensation.

The seasoned attorneys at Truitt Law Offices are dedicated to fighting for motorcycle accident victims across Indiana. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, motorcycle damage, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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What Are the Biggest Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle riders are approximately 27 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcycles lack the protection that automobiles have, and riders are much more vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash.

Although motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons, some types of accidents occur more frequently than others. Negligent automobile drivers who fail to look out for motorcycles or yield to motorcyclists on the road cause many crashes.

Following a motorcycle accident in northeast Indiana, turn to Truitt Law Offices for help in seeking compensation for your injuries. For more than 40 years, our law firm has been fighting to protect the rights and interests of accident victims. Our Fort Wayne motorcycle accident attorneys focus on helping clients pursue full compensation from at-fault drivers and their insurers.

Contact our firm for a free case review. We will review the details of your motorcycle accident and discuss the steps available to you to pursue a financial recovery for your injuries.

Lane Switching Accidents

These accidents typically occur when a motorcycle is located in an automobile driver’s blind spot, and the driver fails to check the blind spot before attempting to change lanes. A motorcyclist may be sideswiped or forced off the road if another vehicle unexpectedly merges into the lane occupied by the motorcycle.

Motorcycle riders can avoid lane switching accidents by speeding up or slowing down if they find themselves in a driver’s blind spot. If a rider cannot see a driver’s face in the vehicle’s side-view mirror, that means the motorcycle is probably in the driver’s blind spot.

Riders should try to look for signs that a vehicle may be changing lanes, including blinking turn signals, turning of the wheel, or the driver turning their head or looking into their mirrors.

Accidents Caused by Left-Turning Cars

Motorcycle accidents caused by cars turning left represent one of the most dangerous types of crashes for motorcyclists. These accidents occur most frequently at intersections. An automobile driver waiting to turn left may overlook an approaching motorcycle or misjudge its speed and turn in front of the motorcycle. Left-turn accidents also can occur when cars turn left into parking lots or driveways.

Motorcycle riders should take precautions to avoid being hit by a left-turning car by entering intersections cautiously and looking for signs that a driver may be about to turn, such as cars stopped in the middle of an intersection.

You can protect yourself by slowing down and preparing to brake or take evasive action if a driver turns in front of you unexpectedly. If possible, make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle so that the driver can acknowledge that you are approaching.

Head-On Collision Accidents

Head-on collisions typically account for the greatest share of fatalities for motorcycle riders in accidents. A head-on collision can violently throw the biker off the motorcycle onto the road. Head-on collisions typically occur because a motorist negligently drifts into lanes of oncoming traffic due to fatigue, intoxication, or distraction.

Motorcycle riders can protect themselves by riding in the right-most lane to give themselves as much room as possible to avoid a head-on collision if a car drifts or veer into the motorcycle rider’s lane.

Lane Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting involves a motorcycle riding in between columns of vehicles, usually in heavy or gridlock traffic. Motorists may not be looking for a rider in that location, making the situation dangerous.

Indiana law makes lane splitting illegal, so motorcycle riders should avoid the practice of lane splitting.

Corner-Turning Accidents

A motorcycle rider may lose control of a bike while rounding a corner. A rider may not see ice, gravel, or leaves, or other loose debris that can cause tires to lose traction in time to avoid the hazard. A rider may take a corner at too fast a speed.

In addition to potentially losing control of a bike in a corner-turning accident, a rider also faces the risk of being hit by oncoming traffic that may not see the rider before entering the corner.

Riders can take steps to avoid corner-turning accidents by taking all corners at safe speeds and entering the corner wide to allow as much of a view of the corner as possible. Riders should pay special attention to road signs that alert motorists to hazards in certain corners.

Accidents Caused by Intoxication

Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents are caused by alcohol or drug intoxication.

Intoxicated automobile drivers may have impaired judgment and fail to see an approaching motorcyclist or misjudge its speed.

A motorcycle rider under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have a harder time controlling their bike and cause an accident involving other riders sharing the road.

Intoxicated drivers pose a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the road. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your medical bills and other losses related to the accident.

High-Speed Motorcycle Accidents

Some motorcycle accidents result from riders operating their bikes at unsafe speeds. Some sportbikes can reach speeds of more than 160 mph with blistering acceleration performance. These bikes can pose a danger to riders who don’t have the experience and skill to handle a high-performance motorcycle.

When Do You Need Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a Fort Wayne motorcycle accident, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. If you have a personal injury claim, an attorney can deal with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf for a just settlement that covers your losses.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident to gather evidence to prove your claim, especially if the other driver or the insurance company tries to argue that you were at fault. A skilled attorney will seek a settlement that provides fair compensation for your injuries. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our personal injury attorneys at Truitt Law Offices will be ready to seek compensation in court.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, turn to the Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys of Truitt Law Offices. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys about your case.

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