Indiana Motorcycle Law*

 

Indiana motorcyclists are protected under Indiana motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Indiana motorcyclists. A biker who is involved in an Indiana motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Indiana.

 

If you sustained an injury due to an Indiana motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Indiana motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer. 1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

 

IC 9-13-2-108

9-13-2-108 Motorcycle

Sec. 108. “Motorcycle” means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground. The term does not include a farm tractor or a motorized bicycle.

 

Ø      Indiana is an at-fault state. This means that the law of negligence governs Indiana motorcycle and Indiana motor vehicle accidents. The person who is found to be “at fault” for the Indiana motorcycle accident can be held accountable for your injuries and damages in your Indiana motorcycle accident.

 

Ø      Indiana Helmet Law: If you are riding on or operating an Indiana motorcycle, it is required by law that you wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. It is also required by law that you wear a helmet when riding on or operating an Indiana motorcycle if you are an instructional permit holder.

 

Ø      Indiana Motorcycle Eye Protection Law: If you are riding on or operating an Indiana motorcycle, it is required by law that you were protective eye wear.

 

IC 9-21-10-9

9-21-10-9 Drivers or passengers under 18 years of age; headgear and goggles

Sec. 9. If a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age is operating or riding on a motorcycle on the streets or highways, the person shall wear the following:

(1) Protective headgear meeting the minimum standards set by the bureau.

(2) Protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield.

 

Ø      Indiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: In the state of Indiana, you are required to insure your Indiana motorcycle. The minimum state-requirements for your Indiana motorcycle are as follows:

 

·        Bodily Injury Liability (1 Person): $25,000

·        Bodily Injury Liability (All persons, 1 accident): $50,000

·        Property Damage Liability: $10,000

 

Ø      Indiana Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you are involved in an Indiana motorcycle accident with an at-fault driver who has no insurance, or inadequate insurance, to cover your claims, uninsured motorist coverage may protect you in this situation.

 

·        Underinsured Motorist: If you are involved in an Indiana motorcycle accident with an underinsured motorist who is at-fault for the Indiana motorcycle accident, UIM coverage may protect you if the underinsured at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance to cover your claims.

 

·        Uninsured Motorist: If you are involved in an Indiana motorcycle accident with an uninsured motorist who is at-fault for the Indiana motorcycle accident, UIM coverage may protect you if the uninsured at-fault driver does not have any insurance to cover your claims.

 

IC 27-7-5-4

27-7-5-4 “Uninsured motor vehicle" and "underinsured motor vehicle" defined; insurer's insolvency protection

Sec. 4. (a) For the purpose of this chapter, the term uninsured motor vehicle, subject to the terms and conditions of such coverage, means a motor vehicle without liability insurance or a motor vehicle not otherwise in compliance with the financial responsibility requirements of IC 9-25 or any similar requirements applicable under the law of another state, and includes an insured motor vehicle where the liability insurer of the vehicle is unable to make payment with respect to the legal liability of its insured within the limits specified in IC 9-25-4-5 because of insolvency.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter, the term underinsured motor vehicle, subject to the terms and conditions of such coverage, includes an insured motor vehicle where the limits of coverage available for payment to the insured under all bodily injury liability policies covering persons liable to the insured are less than the limits for the insured's underinsured motorist coverage at the time of the accident, but does not include an uninsured motor vehicle as defined in subsection (a).

 

IC 27-7-5-3

27-7-5-3 Property damage coverage; authorization

Sec.3. (a) Insurers shall additionally offer to provide uninsured motorist property damage coverage without any deductible amount and may offer uninsured motorist property damage coverage with a deductible of not more than the first three hundred dollars ($300.00) of property damage caused by collision. However, any such deductible amount for property damage shall be waived for damage resulting from collision if the insured motor vehicle is legally parked and unoccupied when involved in a motor vehicle accident for which the insured is legally entitled to recover damages from an uninsured motorist.

 

Ø      Indiana Statute of Limitations: If you wish to commence suit as a result of your Indiana motorcycle accident, you must do so within 2 years from the date of the Indiana motorcycle accident.

 

IC 34-11-2-4
Injury or forfeiture of penalty actions

Sec. 4. An action for:
(1) injury to person or character;

(2) injury to personal property; or

(3) a forfeiture of penalty given by statute;
must be commenced within two (2) years after the cause of action accrues.

 

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

 

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

 

***Law portion of site in progress. Indiana motorcycle law regarding Indiana motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.