Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents in Indianapolis: The Most Common Crash — and How Fault Gets Disputed

October 6, 2026

• The single most common motorcycle-and-car accident involves a car making a left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The resultant collision can be catastrophic and lead to years of medical bills, recovery, and lost wages.
• The claim against the driver might seem straightforward, but insurance companies may try to pin as much blame on you as they can to reduce your payout, which could leave you in serious financial trouble.
• This is why you may want to work with an Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to protect riders and has the experience to win against the big insurance companies.

When a non-rider in Indianapolis sees the “watch for motorcycle” bumper sticker, it usually triggers thoughts about blind spots and keeping an eye out when changing lanes. But riders know that one of the most common motorcycle-and-car accidents is when a driver is making a left turn and fails to see an oncoming motorcyclist.

These kinds of crashes are horrifically common. They are extremely dangerous. And, unfortunately, they are also the kinds of crashes that insurance companies love to dispute. The big insurers think that they can get away with not paying the full amount you need, and too often, their cynical assumption is correct.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can win your case after an left-turn motorcycle accident in Indianapolis. You just need to be persistent…and work with an Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney who knows the law and will ride with you until you get what you deserve.

Why Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Are So Common

We’ve talked about high-traffic corridors in Indianapolis before as well as why they are so dangerous. Let’s think about a prominent intersection, at Meridian and 38th. There are designated left-turn lanes in every direction. There are also medians, and a bus stop between the lanes on Meridian. There is a lot that can distract a left-turning driver.

What those drivers rarely look for are motorcycles. The drivers are looking for other cars. Even if the driver sees the motorcycle, judging the speed of an oncoming bike isn’t a skill most drivers possess, and the car may jump into the intersection you are going through at speed.

Accidents like these occur much more often than you might expect. As much as 42% of all motorcycle-and-car crashes involve left-turning vehicles. It is the single most common, and most deadly, type of crash for motorcyclists.

We don’t need to tell you how dangerous these collisions can be. Some of the injuries that can come from Indianapolis left-turn motorcycle accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Skin abrasions
• Neck and spinal trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

These are the sorts of injuries that can lead to extensive medical bills, years of therapy, and lost wages – perhaps the inability to ever work at the same pay rate again. And, to add insult to your injury, insurance companies may do whatever they can to avoid paying out.

Why These Claims Are Surprisingly Contentious

You might be surprised that these claims aren’t always won by the motorcycle riders. After all, Indiana law (and indeed, all state laws, and common sense) dictate that left-turners yield to oncoming traffic. Failure to do so should put the driver of the car at fault.

But Indiana is what is known as a “comparative fault” state. That means that you are entitled to compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for an accident. However, the amount of compensation you receive can be lowered if the other party can prove that you were somewhat at fault.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your $100,000 settlement might become $80,000. And the insurance companies may try to pin as much fault for the accident on you as they can in order to pay out less.

An insurance company might say you were speeding through the intersection.

It might say that you weren’t following all proper safety laws, for example that you weren’t wearing a helmet, and so the injuries are really your fault.

The insurer might say you went through a yellow or sped up at a “stale green,” and so the turning car wasn’t liable.

There are a lot of tricks. And the system is still stacked against motorcyclists.

So what can you do?

How to Protect Yourself After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Indianapolis

That sounds bleak. After all, insurance companies have teams of investigators and lawyers who may try to block your claim. So what can you do?

The first 24 hours after a motorcycle accident are crucial. Here are some steps you can take during this period to give your claim a chance to succeed:

• Call 911 so that the Indianapolis Police Department can fill out an accident report.
• Preserve evidence at the scene. Take pictures of your bike, the car, your clothes, and any skid marks. See if there are street cameras.
• Talk to witnesses and get their names and contact information.
• Seek medical attention. You might not feel bad right away (the excitement of an accident can mask pain), but you could have serious internal injuries, including to the brain. You also want to make sure you have a paper trail of your treatment.

The other thing you need to do? Contact a qualified, empathetic Indianapolis personal injury lawyer. Someone who knows the law for riders. Someone who respects motorcyclists and wants to tilt the balance in your favor.

Reach Out to Our Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The system may be stacked against riders after left-turn motorcycle accidents, but there are lawyers in Indianapolis who know how to take on the big guys. Those are the Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers at Hensley Legal Group, PC, a dedicated Indiana personal injury law firm whose experienced attorneys have been fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured since 1998.

Simply call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney.