Chicago Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Riding a motorcycle through Chicago can feel freeing, but as Chicago motorcycle accident statistics show, it also comes with real risks. Heavy traffic, dense neighborhoods, frequent construction, and distracted drivers make motorcycle accidents in Chicago a serious public-safety issue, particularly as more motorcycle accidents occur each year on busy city streets.

As a Chicago-based firm, we work closely with injured riders and families who are suddenly facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty after a crash. We stand with our clients, and we believe understanding the data behind these crashes is an important first step toward accountability, prevention, and recovery.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s most recent 2023 Chicago Crash Report, motorcycle accidents accounted for a significant number of serious traffic incidents on city streets, even though motorcycles make up a relatively small share of vehicles on the road. This crash data mirrors broader Illinois motorcycle accidents, where riders face a disproportionate share of harm compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle (Two-Wheel) Crash Statistics

In 2023, traditional two-wheel motorcycle crashes in Chicago totaled 575 incidents. Of those crashes, 323 resulted in injuries, while 244 involved property damage. During that year, 329 riders were injured, and 90 suffered severe injuries, placing motorcyclists at a higher risk of lasting harm than many other road users.

These Chicago motorcycle accident statistics highlight the heightened risk motorcyclists face on busy Chicago streets, particularly when crashes involve larger or faster-moving vehicles. Without the protection of a passenger vehicle, injured motorcyclists are far more likely to experience serious harm such as head injuries, spinal cord damage, and painful road rash, even in collisions that might be minor for occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident.

Three-Wheeled Motorcycle (Two Rear Wheels) Crash Statistics

Three-wheeled motorcycles with two rear wheels were involved in far fewer crashes, but injuries still occurred.

In 2023, Chicago recorded 13 three-wheeled motorcycle crashes, including 5 injury crashes and 8 property-damage crashes. A total of 5 riders were injured, and 1 person suffered severe injuries, reinforcing that all motorcycle types carry inherent risks in traffic accidents, regardless of design or stability.

All Motorcycle Types Crash Statistics

When all motorcycle types are combined, Chicago experienced 588 total motorcycle crashes in 2023, including 328 injury crashes and 252 property-damage crashes. Altogether, 334 people were injured, with 91 suffering severe injuries.

Taken together, these Chicago motorcycle accident statistics show that crashes happen often and that the consequences are frequently life-altering. Many of these collisions include motorcyclists involved in traffic situations where other vehicle drivers violate traffic laws, drive distracted, or misjudge speed and distance.

What Are the Statistics of Chicago Motorcycle Fatalities?

One of the most painful outcomes of motorcycle collisions is loss of life. According to the same IDOT 2023 Chicago motorcycle accident statistics, the city recorded multiple fatal motorcycle crashes, contributing to overall traffic fatalities across the city. The data shows:

• Out of the 575 motorcycle crashes involving traditional two-wheel motorcycles, there were 8 fatal crashes, and 8 total people killed.
• 13 three-wheeled motorcycle crashes with 0 fatal crashes and 0 killed.
• 588 total motorcycle crashes across all motorcycle types, with 8 fatal crashes and 8 total people killed, reflecting ongoing concerns about motorcyclist fatalities on urban roadways.

These fatal motorcycle accidents in Chicago underscore how quickly a fun ride can become a tragic event for the rider, passengers, and their loved ones.

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risk on the road, there are proven ways to prevent motorcycle accidents and reduce the severity of injuries when crashes do happen.

Wear Protective Gear

Wearing high-quality protective gear is one of the most effective steps a rider can take to stay safe. Wearing helmets that are DOT-approved dramatically lowers the risk of head injuries and fatal injuries in a crash. Gear like armored jackets, gloves, and reinforced boots can help prevent road rash, and fractures, when an accident occurs.

Improve Riding Skills Through Training

Whether you’re a new motorcycle rider or a seasoned motorcyclist, ongoing motorcycle safety training can help riders anticipate hazards and make safer decisions, particularly for inexperienced drivers navigating dense Chicago traffic.

Stay Visible to Other Drivers

One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is other drivers failing to see motorcycles in time, especially at night, in low light, or in heavy traffic. Using reflective gear, riding with headlights on, and positioning yourself in the lane where drivers can spot you are all key motorcycle safety strategies.

Obey Posted Speed Limits and Traffic Laws

Excessive speed, unsafe lane changes, and reckless maneuvers elevate the chances of a crash happening. Following posted speed limits and traffic laws, and anticipating hazards like parked cars, debris, wet pavement, and construction zones, can reduce your crash risk significantly.

Avoid Impaired, Distracted, or Reckless Driving

Like other accident victims, motorcyclists are often harmed when other drivers operate their vehicles under the influence, while distracted (such as using phones), or recklessly (weaving through traffic). Staying focused and sober, and encouraging others to do the same, remains a foundational element of motorcycle safety.

Chicago Motorcycle Safety Initiatives

Chicago and Illinois host several local initiatives designed to enhance motorcycle safety and reduce crashes:

• Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Start Seeing Motorcycles” program is an initiative that encourages drivers to actively look for motorcycles and promotes education and outreach to protect riders throughout the state.
• The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program offers free rider education and structured courses that can also help riders prepare for licensure.
• Local rider groups and advocacy organizations like ABATE of Illinois (Chicago Chapter) promote rider awareness, lobby for safer road conditions, and host community meetings focused on safety and visibility.
• Motorcycle clubs and councils such as the Chicago Motorsports Council bring together riders to foster community and promote positive engagement around motorcyclist interests.

These organizations work alongside education programs and law enforcement to raise awareness about safe riding practices and reduce motor vehicle fatalities involving motorcycles.

What Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Claim in Chicago?

Based on settlement information from recent Chicago motorcycle accident settlements, the value range for these claims can span from $2,100 to $14,564,000, with an average settlement of $2,112,376 and a median of $500,000.

Several factors influence how much a motorcycle accident claim may be worth:

• Injury severity
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Liability and evidence
• Insurance policy limits

When motorcycle accidents lead to injuries or worse, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs for which they may seek fair compensation, as economic damages refer to these measurable financial losses.

Each case is unique, and our experienced attorney team stands with you to help understand what your case may be worth, walking you through your options with care and attention.

FAQs

Is reckless driving the most common cause of motorcycle crashes?

While reckless driving, including speeding and unsafe lane changes, is a frequent cause of motorcycle accidents, it’s not the only one. Other common causes include:

• Distracted driving, where other drivers fail to see a motorcycle because they are using phones or adjusting controls
• Drivers failing to yield at intersections or during turns
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
• Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris
• Unsafe lane merging or blind spot collisions

Are spinal cord injuries the most common outcome of motorcycle collisions?

Spinal cord damage is among the most devastating outcomes of motorcycle collisions, but they are not the only serious injury motorcyclists suffer. Riders involved in motorcycle accidents may also experience:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Broken bones and joint injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries and long-term disability

What should victims do after a motorcycle crash in Chicago?

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident here in Chicago, taking the right steps at the accident scene can protect your health and your claim:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries aren’t obvious at first, internal harm and delayed symptoms can emerge later.
• Call the police and get a police officer to the scene so a formal police report can be created.
• Document the crash scene with photos of vehicles, skid marks, road hazards, and visible injuries.
• Collect information from other drivers, witnesses, and insurance carriers.
• Keep detailed records of your medical costs, therapy, lost income, and other impacts on your life.
• Consult a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyerand get familiar with the legal process and your rights.

These steps help support a strong personal injury claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit.

Can other drivers be held liable for motorcycle accidents in Illinois?

Yes. Under Illinois law, other negligent drivers can be held responsible for injuries they cause. 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 allows injured riders to seek compensation when a driver breaches their duty of care. Illinois courts recognize that all drivers, including those operating other vehicles, must drive safely and follow traffic laws.

Consult a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle collision on Chicago streets, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. As an experienced motorcycle accident attorney team based in Chicago, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents impose on motorcycle accident victims and their families.

We’re here to support you through every step of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, to pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we help you recover compensation.

Contact us for a free consultation with a traffic accident lawyer in Chicago who truly cares about your well-being and your future.