Two of the Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle · Originally published April 7, 2015 · Updated November 2026

If you understand how the most common motorcycle crashes happen, you can spot the setup before it turns into a collision. Two situations deserve special attention from southwest Missouri riders: intersections where a car turns left in front of you, and curves where a rider runs wide or goes down without another vehicle involved.

Crash type 1: The left-turning car

This is the classic motorcycle crash. You're riding straight through an intersection or past a business entrance, and an oncoming driver turns left across your lane. Often the driver says they never saw you. A motorcycle's narrow profile makes it easy to miss, and it can be hard for drivers to judge how fast a bike is approaching.

How to reduce the risk:

• Treat every waiting car as a threat. Watch the driver's wheels and head, not just the car. Wheels starting to roll is your cue.
• Cover your brakes. Through intersections, keep fingers on the front lever and a foot ready on the rear brake so you can react immediately.
• Adjust your lane position. Moving within your lane can help you stand out from background traffic and give you more room to maneuver.
• Slow down near busy corridors. Commercial stretches with many entrances, like Glenstone Avenue in Springfield or Range Line Road in Joplin, give drivers plenty of chances to turn in front of you.
• Practice emergency braking and swerving in a parking lot so the skills are there when you need them.

Crash type 2: Losing control in a curve

The second common pattern doesn't involve another vehicle at all. A rider enters a curve too fast, misjudges how tight it is, or hits gravel or a wet patch, then runs wide off the road or lays the bike down. The hilly, winding roads around Branson, Table Rock Lake and the rest of the Ozarks are great riding, but they reward patience.

How to reduce the risk:

• Set your speed before the curve. Do your braking while the bike is upright, then roll on gently through the turn.
• Look where you want to go. Your bike tends to follow your eyes. Staring at the ditch is a good way to end up in it.
• Expect surprises. Gravel washed onto the pavement, leaves in fall, and deer near dawn and dusk are all part of riding here. (Deer strikes are a risk for cars too; see deer collisions in Missouri.)
• Avoid riding beyond your sight line. If you can't see the exit of a curve, you can't see what's waiting there.

What insurance does in each case

The coverage that matters depends on the crash. If a driver turns in front of you and is at fault, their liability insurance should pay for your injuries and bike, up to their limits. If that driver is uninsured or carries only minimum limits, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help cover the gap.

In a single-bike crash, there's no one else to bill. Collision coverage on your policy is what typically pays to repair or replace your motorcycle, minus your deductible. If you ride a bike with aftermarket parts, read about covering custom parts and gear so those items aren't overlooked.

Talk to a local agent

Want to know how your policy would respond in either situation? Review your motorcycle insurance with us by calling 417.865.4800, or request a quote below.

Common questions

Who pays if a car turns left in front of my motorcycle?

Usually the at-fault driver's liability insurance. If they have no insurance or not enough, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help.

Does liability-only motorcycle insurance cover my bike if I crash alone?

No. Liability covers damage you cause to others. Repairing your own bike after a crash generally requires collision coverage.

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