Posted on Friday, September 5th, 2025 at 6:14 am
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable travelers on Chicago’s busy streets. Even a moment of inattention from another driver can have devastating results. One of the most common and most dangerous scenarios occurs when another motorist fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes or merging.
For motorcycle riders, the consequences can be catastrophic injuries, months of recovery, and a fight to secure fair compensation. Understanding how blind spot accidents happen and how to prove fault is critical in pursuing justice.
Why blind spot accidents are so dangerous for motorcyclists
Every vehicle has blind spots, which are areas around the car that cannot be seen through mirrors alone. Although all drivers are required to account for these spaces by turning their heads and exercising caution, many fail to comply. For drivers of motorcycles, which are smaller and harder to see than cars, this oversight can be deadly. A driver who moves into a lane without looking may sideswipe a motorcycle, force it off the road, or cause a high-speed collision.
In a city like Chicago, where traffic congestion and constant lane changes are routine, blind spot crashes pose an exceptionally high risk to riders.
How Illinois law handles blind spot crashes
Under Illinois negligence law, drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care. That duty includes checking blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning. When a driver fails to do so and causes a motorcycle crash, they may be found legally responsible for the resulting injuries.
Even if a motorcyclist was not directly struck but was forced to swerve and crash to avoid a careless driver, the driver can still be held liable. Establishing this link often requires strong evidence, which is why immediate action after a crash is necessary.
Evidence that can help prove fault
Blind spot accident claims can be challenging because drivers often deny responsibility or claim they could not see the motorcycle. Collecting compelling evidence is essential to counter these defenses.
Valuable evidence may include:
- Police reports and statements documenting the scene.
- Eyewitness testimony confirming unsafe lane changes.
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage.
- Vehicle damage patterns that show side-impact or forced evasive maneuvers.
- Accident reconstruction analysis to demonstrate how the crash occurred.
- Helmet or dash cam video footage, if available.
With the proper evidence, attorneys can build a strong case that clearly establishes negligence.
Common injuries in motorcycle blind spot crashes
Because motorcycles offer little protection, even a low-speed blind spot collision can cause serious harm.
Victims may face:
- Traumatic brain injuries can occur even when wearing a helmet.
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Road rash and severe lacerations.
- Internal organ damage.
- Long-term emotional trauma and anxiety.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work, making full compensation essential for recovery.
What damages may be available to riders
Motorcyclists injured in blind spot crashes can pursue both economic and non-economic damages. This means financial compensation for tangible losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as intangible harms such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Emergency care, hospitalization, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress or PTSD.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases where the driver’s behavior was reckless, such as texting while driving or conducting aggressive lane changes, punitive damages may also be possible. Punitive damages are financial awards meant to punish especially dangerous conduct and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.
How Wallace Miller helps riders after a crash
At Wallace Miller, we understand the biases motorcyclists face after crashes. Insurance carriers frequently attempt to place responsibility on motorcyclists, even in situations where the evidence shows the driver caused the crash. Our attorneys push back against these tactics by conducting detailed investigations, consulting experts, and telling the full story of how your injuries have affected your life. We are committed to securing the compensation riders need to heal and move forward.
Contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer today
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver’s blind spot, you have the right to hold them accountable. Wallace Miller is ready to stand by your side and fight for the results you deserve. Reach us at 312-261-6193 or start your free case evaluation online today.