Motorcycle Accident Claims in Indiana
The Indiana helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Riders and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must wear a helmet meeting the federal DOT standard and protective glasses, goggles or a face shield. The section does not apply to autocycles. IC 9-19-7-1
| Motorcycle helmet law | Riders and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must wear a helmet meeting the federal DOT standard and protective glasses, goggles or a face shield. The section does not apply to autocycles. Read in the 2025 Indiana Code on iga.in.gov on 2026-10-28. Source: IC 9-19-7-1 |
|---|---|
| Lane splitting | A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane, and no vehicle may be driven so as to deprive another vehicle of the full use of a lane. Two motorcycles (not autocycles) may ride side by side in one lane if both riders agree. Otherwise, the traffic rules for motor vehicles apply to motorcycles. Read in the 2025 Indiana Code on iga.in.gov on 2026-10-28. Source: IC 9-21-10-6, 9-21-10-7 |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar). An injured person is barred from recovery if his or her fault is greater than the combined fault of all others whose fault contributed to the damages; otherwise damages are reduced in proportion to his or her fault. Source: Ind. Code § 34-51-2-6 |
| Minimum car insurance | Minimum financial responsibility is $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25, the property amount effective July 1, 2018). Source: Ind. Code § 9-25-4-5 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for injury to a person must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for injury from childhood sexual abuse have longer deadlines. Source: Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 |
More Indiana personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Indiana
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Indiana
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Indiana
- Car Accident Claims in Indiana
- Dog Bite Liability in Indiana
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Indiana
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Indiana
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Indiana
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Indiana
- Truck Accident Claims in Indiana
- Construction Site Injuries in Indiana
- All Indiana personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Indiana?
Riders and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must wear a helmet meeting the federal DOT standard and protective glasses, goggles or a face shield. The section does not apply to autocycles.
Is lane splitting legal in Indiana?
A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane, and no vehicle may be driven so as to deprive another vehicle of the full use of a lane. Two motorcycles (not autocycles) may ride side by side in one lane if both riders agree. Otherwise, the traffic rules for motor vehicles apply to motorcycles.
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Indiana?
Modified comparative fault (51% bar). An injured person is barred from recovery if his or her fault is greater than the combined fault of all others whose fault contributed to the damages; otherwise damages are reduced in proportion to his or her fault.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Indiana?
Minimum financial responsibility is $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25, the property amount effective July 1, 2018).
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Indiana?
A lawsuit for injury to a person must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Claims for injury from childhood sexual abuse have longer deadlines.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.