Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

Even when the weather is not ideal, many Americans love riding motorcycles. For some riders, it is also the way they make their daily commute. This means that even a short commute to work can turn deadly, resulting in a serious accident with the risk of fatalities. Because riders lack the type of protective structure present in a vehicle, it is more common for people to incur serious injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, you need to contact an Illinois motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. At Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for motorcycle accident victims.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are a number of causes of motorcycle accidents, ranging from driver error, weather, or even a motorcycle defect. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois: 

• Speeding or Driving Under the Influence: Speeding or driving drunk are both major causes of motorcycle accidents. When you mix alcohol and driving, the results are almost always disastrous.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Vehicle drivers who fail to check their blind spots or not signal can strike a motorcycle rider when making a lane change.
• Left Turns: Vehicle drivers making left turns and failing to yield the right of way to the motorcycle rider can result in a collision. Some drivers do not look carefully enough to see an oncoming motorcycle before starting their turn.
• Car Doors: It is not uncommon for vehicle drivers to open car doors without checking whether or not it is clear. If there is a motorcycle rider coming up, he or she can crash into the open door, resulting in the motorcycle rider flying off the bike.
• Splitting Lanes: When a motorcycle rider is traveling between two lanes of traffic, it is called “lane splitting.” In some states, it is legal. In Illinois, it is not. If a motorcyclist is splitting lanes of traffic, he or she could be the cause of the crash.
• Weather: Weather can be a motorcycle rider’s worst nightmare. Riding a motorcycle on an icy road can be treacherous. While weather may not necessarily be the main factor in motorcycle crashes, it is important to mention because it is often a contributing factor.
• Motorcycle Defects: If the motorcycle has a defective part or was poorly manufactured, the rider may be able to hold one or more companies responsible.

Contact an Illinois Motorcycle Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver or motorcycle rider, contact Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.