Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Indianapolis?

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. Without the protective shell of a car, riders absorb the full force of an impact. Before doing anything else, assess whether you or anyone else is injured.

Call 911 immediately. Under Indiana law, any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported. The responding IMPD officer or Indiana State Police trooper will create an official crash report — essential evidence for any future claim.

Even if you can stand up and walk, do not assume you're okay. Broken bones, road rash, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries are common in motorcycle crashes and may not produce obvious symptoms right away due to adrenaline.

If you can safely move, get yourself and your motorcycle off the roadway. Indianapolis's interstates — I-465, I-70, I-65, and I-69 — see heavy traffic and high speeds, and a downed rider on these roads is in extreme danger.

If you can't move, try to make yourself visible. Turn on any lights still functioning and wait for emergency responders. If bystanders are present, ask them to direct traffic around you.

If your injuries allow it, use your phone to photograph everything: your motorcycle's damage and resting position, the other vehicle(s) involved, the roadway, skid marks, debris, traffic signs and signals, road conditions, and your injuries — including road rash, torn clothing, and helmet damage.

Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number, and license plate. Collect witness names and phone numbers.

Do not apologize or admit fault. Insurance companies often look for ways to blame the motorcyclist, and anything you say at the scene can be used against you.

If law enforcement responded to the scene, a report will be generated automatically. If they didn't, file one through IMPD's Community Online Reporting system or in person at the Records Division at 50 N. Alabama Street, Room E100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Obtain your crash report through the BuyCrash portal or by calling IMPD Records at (317) 327-3811. Reports cost approximately $5 and take several business days to process. For interstate crashes, Indiana State Police reports are also available through BuyCrash.

Motorcycle crash injuries tend to be severe. Road rash can lead to serious infections. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days, even with a helmet. Fractures, especially to the hands, wrists, and collarbone, may feel like soreness at first.

See a doctor or go to an emergency room within 24 hours of the crash. Indianapolis's Level I trauma centers — IU Health Methodist Hospital and Eskenazi Health — are equipped to handle severe motorcycle injuries. Ascension St. Vincent and Community Health Network facilities also provide emergency care throughout Marion County.

Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions. This documentation links your injuries directly to the accident and is essential for your claim.

The other driver's insurance company will call you. They may sound sympathetic. They are working to minimize what they pay you.

You are not legally required to give a recorded statement. Politely decline. Insurance adjusters are particularly aggressive in motorcycle accident claims — there's a persistent bias that motorcyclists are reckless, and they will look for any statement that supports that narrative.

Indiana is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused your accident is responsible for your damages. But the insurance company will work hard to shift blame to you. Don't give them ammunition.

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is firm — miss it and you lose your right to compensation entirely.

Indiana's modified comparative fault rule (Ind. Code § 34-51-2-6) applies to motorcycle accidents. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Motorcycle riders often face unfair bias in fault determination, which makes early legal involvement critical.

If your crash involved a government entity (such as a poorly maintained road), the Indiana Tort Claims Act requires filing a notice within 180 days (city/county) or 270 days (state).

Motorcycle accident claims are frequently undervalued by insurance companies due to anti-rider bias. An experienced attorney can level the playing field. They understand Indiana motorcycle law, know how to counter bias arguments, and can calculate the full value of your claim — including future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Most motorcycle accident attorneys in Indianapolis offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they win your case.