Indiana Motorcycle Accident Attorney & Motorcycle Enthusiast Tom Spelman at Tofaute & Spelman Discusses Motorcycle Accidents

Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer Tom Spelman has owned various motorcycles, is a military veteran, and is an advocate for motorcycle safety. Tom and the Tofaute & Spelman legal team understand bikers, the risks, the dangers, and the thrill—he speaks your language and understands your unique culture. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you could not be in better hands.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 5,014 motorcycle accident deaths, far outnumbering typical motor vehicle accident deaths. Indiana, with its network of interstate highways, has its share. According to a July 2021 article in the Herald Bulletin, 138 motorcyclists were killed in 2020, up from 113 the year before, and motorcyclists were involved in less than 2% of overall accidents but made up over 15% of all traffic deaths.

What Causes So Many Motorcycle Accident Fatalities in Indiana?

Motorcycles have two primary and distinct disadvantages when it comes to traveling Indiana’s highways: 

• Motorcycles present a narrow profile in traffic, making them harder to spot by passenger vehicle drivers. In fact, Indiana motorcycle accident attorney Tom Spelman advocates riding in pairs or small groups to increase visibility.
• Motorcycle riders have very little protection when they are involved in an accident. Aside from (hopefully) a helmet and some thick clothing, there is nothing between a rider and another vehicle or the road itself.

Some of the main reasons for injury-causing accidents include:

• The failure of a critical component while the motorcycle is in use.
• Speeding, impaired, or distracted riding by the motorcycle rider or the drivers of those vehicles around the motorcycle.
• Motorcycles being suddenly cut off by vehicle drivers who don’t see them.
• Sharp turns or defects on the road itself, such as potholes, gravel roads, or construction zones.
• Inclement weather, causing limited visibility, slick roads, and other dangers.
• Sudden stops by vehicle drivers.

Safety Gear Can Help Protect Motorcycle Riders in Indiana

There are no fail-safe mechanisms that can guarantee the safety of a rider. The fact is, bikers take their chances every time they go out onto the roads, and even perfect riding is no guarantee. To a large degree, their fate rests on the motor vehicle drivers around them.

Still, some simple gear tips might make a life-changing difference under certain circumstances, including:

• Helmets. Helmets come in various forms, some more protective, others more stylish. However, simply wearing one is the primary goal. The different styles include skull caps, full-face, and open-face. It has been estimated that riders wearing a helmet have a 37% better chance of surviving a crash. Helmets also help protect riders from debris, bugs, the wind, and the sun. Your helmet should be DOT-approved and uniquely fit your head.
• Jacket. A riding jacket should account for weather conditions and how you are positioned on your bike, as well as protection against abrasion. Thick leather and kevlar are the best materials, and if you can resist black, consider bright colors to provide better visibility.
• Pants. When you are considering leathers or riding pants, protection is the goal. Leather, Kevlar, and other synthetic materials are available for rider-specific pants.
• Gloves. Good riding gloves offer protection from the cold, rocks, and bugs, as well as skids. You may have different sets depending on the season.
  Boots. Boots should cover the ankles and have non-skid soles to better grip the footpegs. In addition, boots help protect against debris flying off the road and burns from hot pipes.
• Eye Protection. You don’t need additional eye protection if you wear a full-face helmet. However, always wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes with a skull cap or an open-face helmet. Ideal eye protection should be made of shatter-resistant materials and provide UV protection. Keep an extra pair when you ride.
• Rain Gear. Keep rain gear handy in case the weather turns bad. Rain gear should be comfortable, compact, and easy to access.

An Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer And Biking Expert Can Help if You’ve Suffered From a Motorcycle Accident

Indiana Motorcycle accident attorney Tom Spelman at Tofaute & Spelman knows all too well about the dangers of biking and is an advocate for safe riding. However, even careful riders who follow all the rules are in danger because of the other vehicles on the road. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, we’ll represent you to your insurance company and any opposing party or their lawyers. We understand the rules and requirements of motorcycle riding and will gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim. Contact us today. We offer FREE consultations, same-day returns on phone calls and emails, a multilingual staff, and we are available 24/7/365.