Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles can be incredibly exhilarating vehicles to own and operate. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to sustaining severe injuries in the event an accident occurs. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 2,266 motorcyclists were injured, and 119 motorcyclists were killed in accidents during the latest reporting year across the state. A significant percentage of all motorcycle crashes result in some sort of injury or fatality for the rider. Here, we want to discuss some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents because we believe that more awareness leads to safer roadways.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While this is certainly not a complete list of the causes of motorcycle accidents, this does give you a good idea of the dangers that motorcyclists face on a daily basis.

Head-on collisions

Crashes involving motorcycles and traditional passenger vehicles account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities. Most of the fatal accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from the front. These accidents can be caused by either a motorcyclist or a vehicle driver traveling down the road the wrong way.

Vehicles making left-hand turns

When vehicles are making left-hand turns, this can present an incredibly dangerous situation for a motorcyclist who is:

  • Going straight through an intersection
  • Passing the vehicle
  • Trying to overtake the vehicle

To be sure, these accidents are common between two cars as well. However, a motorcyclist’s smaller size makes them less visible to left-hand turning vehicles.

Vehicles passing or following too closely

Unfortunately, vehicle drivers often follow or pass motorcyclists too closely. In many cases, this boils down to a lack of respect for the motorcyclist. Vehicle drivers often fail to give motorcyclists the respect and space they deserve on the roadway, which can lead to serious accidents.

Impaired and distracted drivers

Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and those who are distracted by their phones or other devices present significant dangers to everybody on the roadway, especially a motorcyclist. Impaired and distracted drivers are much less likely to see a motorcyclist or to react in time to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

Roadway hazards

Unfortunately, motorcyclists face more dangers from roadway hazards than those inside traditional passenger vehicles. Due to their smaller size and less stable nature, a motorcyclist is incredibly vulnerable to poorly designed roadways, potholes, slick pavement conditions, uneven heights between lanes, roadway debris, and more.

Do You Need an Attorney For A Motorcycle Accident?

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a motorcycle accident injury that was caused by the negligence of another person, contact the team of injury lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today. Our motorcycle accident lawyers understand that a cyclist can sustain severe injuries in these accidents, including:

  • Broken and dislocated bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
  • Crush injuries or amputations
  • Severe lacerations
  • and more

We have extensive experience handling these cases and will work diligently to secure the compensation you need. This can include coverage of all medical expenses, lost wages if you cannot work, general household out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago, please call our Chicago office at (312) 372-8822 or our Joliet office at (815) 723-8822. You can also call our toll free number at (800)-985-1819.