Report: The Most Common Types of Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Accidents in Chicago

Our team of experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers has analyzed motorcycle collision data from Chicago in 2024 to accurately answer the question frequently asked by our clients who ride: What is the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles?

New riders will be shocked by the answer. The number one type of car accident with a motorcycle didn’t involve any complex maneuvers by the rider. According to the City of Chicago’s official traffic crash dataset, over 72% of motorcycle collisions with other vehicles in 2024 occurred when the rider was traveling straight ahead.

What Is the Most Common Type of Collision Between Cars and Motorcycles in Chicago?

Collision Breakdown by Type

Here is the breakdown of the most common types of car and motorcycle accidents in Chicago:

Top Categories of Motorcycle vs. Car Collisions:

1. Bike Going Straight and Other Vehicles Turning Left (156 incidents, 25.16%) By far the most common cause, this type of collision often occurs at intersections where other vehicles fail to yield when turning left per Illinois traffic laws as motorcycles proceed straight through the light.

2. Head-on Collisions (151 incidents, 24.35%) These collisions frequently result from either driver error or lane departures, showcasing the importance of lane discipline and awareness.

3. Bike Going Straight with Other Vehicle Backing, Changing Lanes, Merging, Etc. (83 incidents, 13.39%) Abrupt actions by other vehicles, when not coordinated with traffic flow, led to significant dangers for motorcycles traveling straight.

Other Significant Collision Scenarios:

4. Bike Passing or Overtaking (42 incidents, 6.77%) These incidents underscore the risks involved when motorcycles pass other vehicles without full visibility or when other drivers fail to notice oncoming bikes.

5. Unclear Causes or Bike “Other/Unknown” (38 incidents, 6.13%) This category highlights the necessity for better crash reporting and investigation to identify underlying circumstances.

6. Bike Going Straight & Other Vehicle Turning Right (36 incidents, 5.81%) Similar to left-turn collisions, these often occur due to a failure to yield or inadequate visibility.

Other notable, though less frequent, scenarios include bikes slowing or stopping in traffic (28 incidents, 4.52%), vehicles making U-turns or unknown maneuvers (21 incidents, 3.39%), and motorcycles executing their own left or right turns (16 and 10 incidents respectively).

Less Common, Yet Concerning Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

• Lane changes by riders accounted for 9 incidents, emphasizing the need for cautious execution and clear signaling.

• Motorcycles driving the wrong way (4 incidents) or losing control/skidding (2 incidents) were rare but significant in highlighting individual motorcyclist safety behaviors.

• Actions like entering traffic, merging, or backing contributed less than 2% of collisions but still pose risks if not executed with care.

Top Causes of Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Accidents Infographic

Implications for Road Safety

Motorcycle collisions continue to arise largely from poor visibility, right-of-way acknowledgment, and safe coordination between motorcyclists and other road users. The data reveals several actionable insights to help prevent serious injuries to riders:

Intersection Safety

Efforts must continue to improve safety at intersections where turning vehicles present a predominant risk. Enhanced signage, road markings, and public awareness campaigns about looking for riders in blind spots and left-turn behavior of car drivers can mitigate many of these incidents.

Driver Awareness

Educating all road users on safely sharing the road with motorcyclists is crucial. Increased visibility measures, such as reflective gear for bikers and better lane discipline for other motorists, are essential.

Looking Ahead

Reducing motorcycle collisions requires a collaborative approach from policymakers, traffic safety professionals, and Chicago residents. Small behavioral changes at the individual level, combined with city-wide safety initiatives, could save lives and prevent injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash with another vehicle, understanding your rights is the first step. Seeking legal guidance from a motorcycle accident lawyer can help assess next steps, such as compensation for severe injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages sustained in an accident.

Source: City of Chicago Data Portal. “Traffic Crashes – Vehicles.” Accessed 3/10/2025.