Understanding Crashes: Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Illinois motorcycle accident statistics may help to shed some light on common factors in serious crashes. Before taking to the road on your motorcycle, learn more about some of the numbers associated with motorcycle accidents in Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2008 there were 130 fatal accidents involving a motorcycle. Only 5 of those deaths were of victims who were not riding a motorcycle. The risk of a motorcyclist driver or rider being killed is much greater than a driver or passenger of an automobile.

This number of motorcycle fatalities represents a 31% increase in comparison to the 103 motorcyclists who were killed in 1999.

Listed below are other 2008 statistics for motorcycle accidents in Illinois: 

• Most of the fatalities were of victims ages 45 and older;
• 90% of the fatalities were male victims;
• More than 75% of the victims killed were not wearing a helmet;
• The deadliest periods of time occurred over the weekend;
• 50% of the crashes took place in the summer months; and
• 44% of the motorcyclists killed were impaired.  

Even non-fatal motorcycle accidents can mean serious consequences for accident victims, including head trauma, spinal injury and motorcycle burn injuries. 

Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation - 312-263-1080.