4 Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle Accident,Personal Injury - July 8, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Accident Prevention: 4 Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Even the safest, most cautious riders can end up in a motorcycle accident, and the resulting injuries can be severe. Motorcycles offer limited protection, and other drivers often struggle to see them, especially in traffic. Because of these risks, it is crucial for everyone on the road, motorcyclists and drivers alike, to remain vigilant and understand how quickly accidents can happen.
Here are four of the most common causes of serious motorcycle accidents:
Left-Turning Cars
A significant number of motorcycle crashes happen when cars make left turns at intersections. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 5,000 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2013, and many of these involved a car turning left in front of a motorcycle.
These collisions often occur when the motorcycle is going straight through an intersection while a car turns left across its path. In many cases, the driver of the car will be at fault unless the motorcyclist was speeding or riding in the wrong lane at the time of the crash.
Head-On Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head-on collisions are the leading cause of severe motorcycle accidents. These crashes, where a car strikes a motorcycle from the front, are often fatal or result in life-changing injuries.
By contrast, rear-end collisions between motorcycles and cars are far less common, accounting for only about 5% of serious motorcycle injury crashes.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois, but this does not automatically make the motorcyclist fully responsible if a crash occurs during the maneuver. Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.
Because motorcycles are smaller and often difficult for drivers to see, a sudden lane change by a car can cause a collision. The limited space for maneuvering also leaves riders with little room to avoid a crash, making lane-splitting accidents particularly dangerous.
Negligent Riding
Negligent riding is another major cause of motorcycle accidents. Speeding and alcohol use contribute to nearly 50% of serious motorcycle crashes.
Motorcyclists can significantly reduce their risk of an accident by following traffic laws, riding at safe speeds, and never riding under the influence. Taking these precautions can help riders avoid preventable, life-altering collisions.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Get Legal Help.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we have represented injured Illinois residents since 1924, recovering more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for hardworking families across the state.
Call us today at (800)-985-1819 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney.
