Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana

Author

Vicky Nunn

Attorney Vicky Nunn joined our office in 2004 and is admitted to practice before the Indiana Supreme Court and all Circuit and Superior Courts in the State of Indiana. She is also a member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.

February 20, 2026

The Short Answer

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Indiana involve other drivers failing to see motorcycles, failure to yield the right-of-way, distracted driving, unsafe left turns, speeding, and alcohol use. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to notice than passenger vehicles. When drivers are not paying close attention or are breaking traffic laws, riders often suffer serious injuries. Speeding and alcohol especially play a major role in severe and fatal crashes.

Understanding what caused your accident is important. The cause of the crash often helps determine who was at fault and how much compensation you may deserve after an accident. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Key Takeaways

• Failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the most common factors in motorcycle crashes in Indiana.
• Distracted driving, including cell phone use, often leads to riders being overlooked and at greater risk of being hit.
• Speeding and reckless driving increase both crash risk and injury severity.
• Alcohol use is a major factor in many serious motorcycle crashes.
• Unsafe lane changes are another frequent cause of collisions.
• Defective vehicle parts on motorcycles are a less common cause of accidents, but do complicate accident cases.
• Identifying the cause of the crash is a key step in proving fault when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Failure to yield the right-of-way is the top listed cause of motorcycle accidents in Indiana. Specifically, in 2024, 569 collisions involved a failure to yield the right-of-way. The next most common cause involved a mix of environmental, vehicle, and driver-related factors, for a total of 503 collisions. The next category, at 431 reported collisions, was unsafe backing, movement, or speed. Then, following too closely was the main cause in 275 reported collisions. Finally, in 221 collisions, animals or objects in the roadway were the main contributing factor.

Source: Ride Safe Indiana Annual Report, 2024

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Failure to yield happens when a driver does not give another vehicle the legal right to proceed. For motorcyclists, this often means a driver turns, merges, or pulls out into traffic without allowing enough space for the rider to pass safely. This is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Indiana, likely because motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss in rearview mirrors and blind spots.

Many related motorcycle crash situations, like left-turn accidents and drivers changing lanes into a motorcycle, all lead back to a failure to yield the right-of-way.

Failure-to-yield crashes often occur:

• At intersections
• When a driver turns left across traffic
• When pulling out from a driveway or side street
• During merges onto highways

If your crash involved a driver turning in front of you or pulling into your lane without enough space, that may point to a failure-to-yield violation. Recognizing this can help you better understand how fault may be evaluated in your case.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Indiana and across the country. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they may fail to notice a nearby motorcycle. 

Common distractions include:

• Cell phone use (texting, calling, using apps, GPS)
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting the radio or vehicle controls
• Talking to passengers

Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible, it’s that much easier for distracted drivers to miss them. Cars can travel the length of a football field in just a few seconds, so distracted drivers can miss a lot (including motorcycle riders) even if they’re “just glancing” at their phones.

Indiana law bans drivers from holding or using a handheld mobile device while driving (Indiana Code 9-21-8-59). Even so, distracted driving continues to play a role in many crashes.

When distracted driving leads to a motorcycle crash, phone records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and crash reports may help show what happened.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. In Indiana, reckless driving generally means operating a vehicle in a way that shows a careless or unsafe disregard for others on the road.

This can include:

• Speeding well above the limit
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Aggressive driving or road rage
• Passing in unsafe areas (e.g., double yellow lines, blind drives, around corners)
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs

Motorcycles are especially at risk when drivers follow too closely. Riders may need to slow down or adjust quickly to road conditions. If a car or truck is tailgating, there may not be enough time or space to avoid a rear-end collision.

Speeding and aggressive driving also reduce available reaction time and increase the force of impact in a crash. Because motorcyclists do not have the protection of a larger vehicle around them, crashes caused by reckless behavior often lead to serious injuries for riders.

Crash reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and related evidence can help show whether reckless driving contributed to the collision. If you were involved in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can help you learn how much your case is worth and if you should pursue a lawsuit.

Alcohol Use or Impaired Driving

Alcohol use is a major factor in many serious motorcycle accidents. Drinking can slow reaction time, affect judgment, and reduce coordination. Even small amounts of alcohol can make it harder for a driver to judge distance or speed.

Alcohol-related crashes can involve:

• A driver who is impaired and fails to see a motorcycle
• A driver who speeds or makes unsafe decisions
• A motorcyclist who is riding while impaired

According to state (Indiana Crash Facts, 2023) and national traffic safety data (NHTSA, 2024), alcohol continues to play a role in a large share of fatal motorcycle crashes each year. Because motorcycles require balance and quick reaction, impairment can be especially dangerous for riders.

In Indiana, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Lower limits apply to drivers under 21 and commercial drivers.

If alcohol was involved, toxicology results, arrest records, and the crash report may help show who was at fault.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents are 1 of the most common and most dangerous motorcycle crash situations. Many of these wrecks happen when a driver turns left across traffic and fails to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming motorcycle.

Left-turn motorcycle accidents often happen:

• At intersections with a green light (no arrow)
• When a driver turns into a driveway or parking lot
• When a driver tries to “beat” oncoming traffic

If you’re hurt in this type of crash, proving that the driver failed to yield can make a big difference—and a lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to show what happened. Call the Ken Nunn Law Office to talk to a lawyer about your case and figure out your next steps.

Dooring Accidents

A “dooring” accident happens when someone in a parked vehicle opens a door into the path of a motorcycle. The rider may hit the door, get thrown off the bike, or swerve suddenly into traffic to avoid it.

Dooring crashes often happen because the driver or passenger doesn’t look before opening the door. This is also closely related to the bigger issue of drivers not noticing motorcycles—especially in busy areas with street parking.

Common dooring accident situations include:

• A driver parks and immediately opens the door without checking the mirrors
• A passenger steps out into traffic without looking
• A rideshare or delivery drop-off where the door swings open quickly

These crashes can cause serious injuries even at lower speeds because riders have little time and space to react. If a dooring crash happens, a lawyer can help collect evidence (like photos of the scene, witness statements, and nearby video) to show how the collision occurred and who was at fault. Bicycle accidents can also involve dooring due to similar circumstances. Our personal injury lawyers at the Ken Nunn Law Office are experienced with both motorcycle and bicycle accidents. Just give us a call to find out how we can help with your case.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Unsafe lane changes often happen when a driver moves over without making sure the next lane is clear. Because motorcycles are smaller, they can disappear in a driver’s blind spot. When a driver fails to check mirrors and look over their shoulder, they may drift into a rider’s lane or cut them off. That can lead to a sideswipe crash or force the rider off the road with little time to react.

Common unsafe lane change situations include:

• A driver merging onto the highway without checking for a motorcycle
• A driver drifting into another lane while distracted
• A vehicle changing lanes suddenly in heavy traffic

In some cases, motorcyclists may also make unsafe lane changes. However, drivers of larger vehicles have a duty to make sure the lane is clear before moving over.

It’s also important to note that lane splitting is illegal in Indiana. That means a motorcyclist cannot ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. If lane splitting is involved in a crash, it may affect how fault is evaluated under Indiana’s modified comparative fault law.

When a lane change leads to a collision, evidence from dashcam footage, traffic cameras, and witness statements can help show who moved into whose lane. An attorney can gather the details and put everything in order. This can make it easier to show what happened and what your injuries have cost you.

Inexperience and Unlicensed Drivers

Inexperience can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident for both riders and other drivers. Motorcycles require balance, coordination, and quick decision-making. New riders may struggle with braking, cornering, or reacting to sudden hazards. The same goes for new drivers who may forget to check blind spots, signal a lane change, or manage their speed.

Other common issues with inexperienced drivers and riders include:

• Overcorrecting during a turn
• Braking too hard and losing control
• Misjudging curves or road conditions
• Panicking in heavy traffic

Unlicensed driving can also play a role in crashes. When someone operates a motorcycle or other vehicle without proper training or a valid license, they may not fully understand traffic laws or safe driving practices. It can also lead to complications with insurance, especially if the at-fault party is uninsured. A lawyer can help untangle the facts of your case, go to bat for you against stingy insurance companies, and fight for your right to compensation. Call the Ken Nunn Law Office today to get started.

Illegal Driving Behaviors

Some motorcycle accidents happen because a driver breaks basic traffic laws. When someone ignores the rules of the road, it increases the risk of a serious crash—especially for motorcyclists.

Common illegal driving behaviors include:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Passing in a no-passing zone
• Making illegal turns
• Failing to stop for a school bus
• Driving without a valid license
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving

Motorcycles are often hit in these situations because they are smaller and may be harder for careless drivers to notice. For example, running a red light can lead to a side-impact collision at an intersection. An illegal turn can cut directly across a rider’s path.

If you were hit by a driver pulling an illegal maneuver, you’re likely entitled to compensation. Illegal driving behaviors typically result in fault, and a lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Sudden Stops

Sudden stop crashes usually happen when a vehicle brakes quickly and the driver behind does not leave enough space to react. Motorcycles can slow down quickly, but they are especially vulnerable if another vehicle is following too closely.

Sudden stop crashes may involve:

• A driver tailgating a motorcycle
• Stop-and-go traffic on highways
• Sudden braking at intersections
• A driver who is distracted and reacts too late

Indiana drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance. When they fail to do so, the rider in front often suffers the most serious injuries.

If you were hit from behind or forced into another vehicle because someone didn’t leave enough space, that can point to a preventable crash. Understanding that can help you decide what steps to take next.

Motorcycle Defects

Motorcycle defects involve mechanical or design problems that cause a bike to fail when it’s being used as intended. Unlike crashes caused by driver behavior, these accidents may happen because something on the motorcycle did not work properly.

Motorcycle defects involved in accidents often include:

• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts or tread separation
• Throttle or acceleration problems
• Steering or suspension failure
• Defective lights that reduce visibility

A sudden mechanical failure can leave a rider with little or no control. For example, if brakes fail at an intersection or a tire blows out at highway speed, the rider may not have time to recover.These cases can be more complex than typical traffic accidents because responsibility may involve a manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance provider. If a defect may have played a role in your crash, speaking with an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand whether a product-related issue needs to be investigated further.

Physical and Emotional Impairment

Physical or emotional impairment can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. This includes anything that reduces focus, reaction time, judgment, or coordination—even if alcohol is not involved.

Examples include:

• Fatigue or drowsy driving
• Prescription medication side effects
• High stress or emotional distress
• Medical episodes, such as seizures or fainting

A tired or emotionally distracted driver may drift between lanes, miss traffic signals, or fail to notice a nearby motorcycle. Drowsy driving is often as dangerous as drunk driving.

Impairment does not always look obvious at the scene of a crash. But if a driver’s physical or mental state affected their ability to operate their vehicle safely, that can play a role in determining fault. Recognizing that possibility can help you better understand what may have contributed to your accident.

Dangerous Road Conditions & Environmental Hazards

Dangerous road conditions can cause a motorcycle to lose traction or stability in ways that might not affect a larger vehicle as severely. Because motorcycles rely on 2 wheels for balance, uneven or slippery surfaces create a higher risk of a crash.

Hazards that commonly contribute to motorcycle accidents include:

• Loose gravel or sand
• Potholes and uneven pavement
• Wet or slick roads
• Construction zones with shifting lanes
• Fixed objects like guardrails, poles, or parked cars 
• Poorly marked or poorly lit roadways
• Animal crossings

Weather can also make these conditions worse. Rain reduces tire grip. Wind can push a rider off balance. Fog limits visibility for both riders and drivers.

Not every crash caused by road conditions is “just bad luck.” In some situations, a driver may have been traveling too fast for conditions, or a roadway may not have been properly maintained. Looking closely at how the environment contributed to the crash can help you better understand what happened and what your next steps may be.

What Should You Do if You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?

The moments after a motorcycle crash can feel overwhelming. Your focus should be on getting medical care and making sure the accident is reported to the police and insurance.

Beyond that, what you do in the hours and days that follow can affect your health and your ability to recover compensation. Speaking with a lawyer early can help you avoid common mistakes and understand what steps matter most.

Read More: What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Indiana

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often lead to more severe injuries than typical car crashes because riders do not have the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seat belts. When a collision happens, the rider’s body usually absorbs the impact.

Injuries are more likely to be severe in motorcycle accidents without a helmet. Spinal cord injuries may lead to long-term mobility problems. Broken bones often require surgery and months of recovery. Even injuries that seem minor at first can turn into ongoing pain or complications.Each type of injury comes with different medical challenges and long-term effects that could affect your case. To learn more about the different types of motorcycle accident injuries, visit our guide: Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Indiana.

How Can Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help?

After a serious motorcycle crash, you may be dealing with medical treatment, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies. Having the right legal guidance can make the process more manageable.

• Free Case Consultations: We learn how the crash happened, how you were hurt, and what you’re dealing with, and then help identify next steps—always with no obligation.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: We deal with insurance companies, respond to adjusters, and push back when they try to blame you or offer too little.
• Pursuing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we can pursue a lawsuit and prepare your case to be proven in court.
• Gathering Evidence: We collect and organize the key information needed to show what happened and how the crash affected you.
• Expert Consultation: When needed, we work with medical specialists and other professionals who can analyze the crash and the long-term impact of your injuries.
• Contingency-Based Fees: When you work with us, you owe us nothing unless we win.

Contact an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the cause of the accident matters. Failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, reckless driving, or other violations can directly affect who is liable under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule.

Before you talk to the insurance companies, it’s worth having your case reviewed. A careful legal analysis can uncover factors that increase the value of your case or strengthen your position if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Our team of lawyers at the Ken Nunn Law Office represents injured riders across Indiana. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn what your next step should be.

Indiana Motorcycle Accident FAQs