5 Causes of Serious Summer Motorcycle Accidents

 Posted on July 30, 2026 in Motorcycle Accidents

For many motorcyclists, summer is the best time of the year to take to the open roads. Unfortunately, the summer is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on your motorcycle, as it is associated with higher crash rates. If you or somebody you love has been injured by a careless driver, be sure to get in contact with a Joliet, IL motorcycle accident attorney.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we have earned a reputation for our aggressive approach in injury claims, and we have earned millions in settlements and verdicts. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that we are ready to go to trial if the situation calls for it.

Five Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in the Summer

Summer is riding season across Will County, and more motorcycles share the road with cars and trucks in Joliet during these warmer months. However, more riders on the road also means more chances for a serious crash. 

Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries because riders do not have the protection that a car or truck provides, and warmer weather brings even more traffic to Joliet roads. Understanding what typically causes these wrecks can help you protect yourself this summer, and it can also help your attorney build a strong case if you are hurt. 

Distracted Driving

Many drivers glance at their phones, adjust the radio, or eat while driving. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for even a few seconds may fail to notice a motorcycle nearby. Distracted drivers often miss a rider until it is too late to stop.

Speeding

Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to a sudden hazard. A speeding driver who fails to notice a motorcycle slowing down or changing lanes may cause a serious collision. Higher speeds also tend to result in more severe injuries when a crash does happen.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment. A driver under the influence may drift out of their lane, run a red light, or fail to yield to a motorcycle with the right of way. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes each summer.

Not Checking Blind Spots

Motorcycles are narrow and can easily disappear into a driver's blind spot. A driver who changes lanes or merges without checking carefully may strike a motorcycle they never saw. This type of crash often happens on busy highways and during heavy summer traffic, especially when drivers are rushing to merge onto expressways or navigate crowded intersections.

Reckless Driving

Aggressive maneuvers such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals put motorcyclists at serious risk. A reckless driver may not leave enough space for a rider to react safely.

What Should You Do After a Summer Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your health should come first. Call 911 if anyone is injured, and seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

Once you know you are safe, try to record as many details of the scene as you can. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses, since their statements may support your claim later. 

Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce the value of a claim. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and bills related to the crash, since these documents can help support the value of your case.

How Does Illinois Handle Liability for Motorcycle Accidents in 2026?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Under this rule, you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. If you are found partially at fault, your percentage of fault will be taken out of your total payout. 

Because fault plays such a large role in the outcome of a claim, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist. Riders sometimes face unfair assumptions simply because they were on a motorcycle. An attorney can help gather evidence, such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, to show what really happened and protect you from an unfair fault determination.

How Can I Be Sure That a Settlement Offer Is Enough After a Motorcycle Accident?

Insurance companies often present an early settlement offer that seems reasonable at first. However, these initial offers are frequently lower than what a claim may actually be worth. A fair settlement should account for your current medical expenses as well as any future treatment you may need, such as surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care.

A thorough settlement should also include your lost wages if your injuries kept you from working, along with any reduction in your future earning capacity. Property damage to your motorcycle and gear, as well as pain, suffering, and the impact of the crash on your daily life, should factor into the total value of your claim.

Before accepting any settlement offer, it is worth having an injury lawyer review the details of your case. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask for more compensation later, even if your damages turn out to be worse than expected. An attorney can help you understand whether an offer truly reflects the full value of your damages.

Contact a Will County, IL Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident this summer, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Contact our Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law or call 708-888-2160 to schedule a free consultation.