Motorcyclist Dies After Indianapolis Area Accident
A motorcyclist has tragically passed away after injuries he sustained from a serious accident near the U.S. 31 roundabout proved too much. According to The Republic, Mike Diewert, 54, wasn’t traveling very fast when he ran his motorcycle into a Honda CRV while it was trying to pass him. The driver of the CRV was unhurt. Emergency services found Diewert unconscious at the scene, and he was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis for treatment and was originally categorized in critical condition. He died a day later.
It turns out that Diewert wasn’t wearing a helmet. While the evidence seems to suggest that the accident wasn’t his fault, not wearing a helmet is a poor choice for any motorcyclist to make. There’s currently no indication that the injuries that caused his death were from head trauma, but there’s almost no doubt he would have struck his head hard on the roadway. Motorcycles are unique when compared to other vehicles on the road in that they don’t provide the structural protection the others do. That’s why helmets are so vital. That protection has to be on the rider’s body. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration claims that of the 14,283 motorcycle deaths between 2008 and 2010, a full 42% of them could have been prevented with the use of a helmet.
Riders who don’t die even though they had no helmet, may end up with a host of other issues related to helmets. On average, those who are injured without helmets face longer times in the hospital, larger health care costs, and more instances of having a debilitating injury. This says nothing of the possibility of long-term symptoms and diminished quality of life that come from concussions and other brain trauma.
There are a few ways you can help prevent injuries and accidents while riding a motorcycle. Keep in mind that the majority of motorcycle accidents are single vehicle crashes, meaning that the rider lost control or had some other issue. First off, try not to buy a more powerful or larger bike than you can handle. You should be able to rest and maneuver easily on the bike and have good control. You should also drive as defensively as possible. Motorcycles not only don’t provide any protection, but they are also hard to see by other vehicles. Assume that no one can see you, and drive accordingly. Along with a helmet, you should take measures to protect the rest of your body as well. No sandals or t-shirts. Go with reinforced leather to protect you not just from the road, but from debris, bugs, and even the chill of the wind.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, contact the skilled attorneys at Glaser and Ebbs for a consultation. They will investigate and examine your case fully to help you get your compensation and protect your rights as well. The best time to call is as soon as possible after an accident, so don’t delay.
