Motorcycle accidents contribute to a disproportionately high number of traffic fatalities. While riding offers an unparalleled sense of freedom, it also presents heightened risks due to the lack of physical protection compared to passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one rides in Indiana, understanding the primary causes of these fatal crashes is crucial, not just for safety but for the legal consequences that follow when negligence is involved.
We will examine what is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents, explore the key factors that make these crashes more dangerous, and outline legal options available to families seeking justice after a tragic loss.
Staying informed is the first step toward preventing these devastating accidents and protecting your legal rights.
Motorcycles differ from passenger vehicles in several ways, making accidents more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. The lack of an enclosed structure, combined with high-speed exposure, significantly increases the severity of crashes.
Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags, or crumple zones to absorb the impact of a crash. Riders are fully exposed, which means that in the event of a collision, they are often thrown from the motorcycle, leading to direct impact on the road, other vehicles, or roadside structures.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that motorcyclists are nearly 29 times more likely to die in an accident per mile traveled than occupants of passenger cars. Even with protective gear, the human body cannot withstand the forces involved in high-speed collisions.
Motorcycle crashes frequently result in high-impact injuries due to the speeds involved and the lightweight nature of motorcycles. Common fatal injuries include:
What is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents? The leading cause is head trauma, often due to the failure to wear a helmet. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of death by 37% to 42%, according to the IIHS.
Indiana law requires helmets only for riders under 18 and those with a learner’s permit. This leaves a large percentage of motorcyclists vulnerable to fatal head injuries.
Speeding is another major factor in fatal motorcycle crashes. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of an impact. When a rider or another driver is traveling above the speed limit, the force of a collision is exponentially more significant, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities, especially when combined with:
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increase the likelihood of fatal accidents. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that nearly 30% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol impairment, whether by the motorcyclist or another driver. Distracted driving, particularly texting or using a phone while driving, is another danger.
In Indiana, liability in a fatal motorcycle accident depends on multiple factors, such as:
Indiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning if the deceased motorcyclist was partially at fault, the compensation awarded to the family may be reduced proportionally.
If another party’s negligence causes a motorcycle fatality, the victim’s family may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Indiana Code 34-23-1-1 and Indiana Code 34-23-1-2, eligible survivors may seek compensation for:
Wrongful death claims provide grieving families with financial relief and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
When a motorcycle accident results in death, the legal ramifications can be complex. Surviving family members may have the right to pursue justice through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Attorneys strive to secure compensation that fully encompasses the extent of your family’s loss. By assessing both economic damages, such as lost income and medical expenses, and non-economic damages, including emotional pain and loss of companionship, they work to ensure your settlement truly reflects the profound impact of the tragedy.
Understanding what is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents can help prevent unnecessary fatalities. Blackburn Romey is committed to guiding Indiana families through these difficult times. Call (260) 422-4400 to schedule a free consultation today.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
