Motorcycle Rear Ended

Name: Motorcycle Accident Injury Guidebook: A Roadmap for Accident Victims to Assist Them With Their Financial Recovery
Author: Jonathan Rosenfeld

Motorcycle riders have a well known phrase, aptly depicting their love for riding, "Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."

Yet, riding motorcycles poses several life-threatening dangers to the motorcyclist, including possible life-altering injuries from a motorcycle accident. A motorcyclist injured in a rear-end motorcycle crash can claim compensation against the at-fault party.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC represent people injured in motorcycle rear-end accidents. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

Our law firm offers counsel on which legal action best fits a client's needs.

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Rear-End Motorcycle Collisions

Rear-end collisions typically occur when a biker is stopped and hit by the vehicle behind it. In most cases, the collision happens when one vehicle tries to switch lanes or deals with hazardous road conditions. The extreme negligence of the other driver often results in many rear-end collisions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than half of all motorcycle accidents involved motorcycles that got hit from behind.

Rear-end motorcycle accidents are among the most common motorcycle crashes resulting in serious injuries. Motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of rear-end accidents because they have less protection than drivers and passengers of larger vehicles.

In many cases, motorcycle riders face much more significant danger and severe injuries from collisions due to the physical forces exerted by a larger vehicle striking them. Considering a motorcycle weighs about 400 lbs and an average passenger car weighs 4,100 lbs, an enormous force is exerted when two vehicles meet on rear-end impact.

In addition to proper helmet use, motorcyclists can use other means to protect themselves from rear-end collisions. They can do so by paying attention and doing everything to avoid accidents with distracted or negligent drivers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

During 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists were killed, 14% of all traffic fatalities
The number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2020 increased by 11% from 2019, from 5,044 to 5,579
An estimated 82,528 motorcyclists were injured in 2020
Per vehicle miles traveled in 2020, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger-car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes
36% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses
Motorcyclists had the highest percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, 19% for light trucks, and 3% for large trucks)
41% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2020 were alcohol-impaired
In US states without universal helmet laws, 57% of motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11% with universal helmet laws

Common Causes of a Motorcycle Rear-End Collision

Some of the common causes of rear-end collisions include:

Tailgating
Inattentiveness
Blind curves
Lane changing or overtaking
Driver failing to stop on time
The brake lights are not working properly

How Motorcyclists Can Avoid a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident

Use your rearview mirrors - A motorcyclist should check their rearview mirror to avoid being hit from behind by other motor vehicles. A cautious motorcycle rider takes the time to clean and adjust the motorcycle mirrors allowing them to spot any other vehicles that could be a risk.

Installing two completely working rearview mirrors for each motorcycle side can mean the difference between life and death.

Keep an eye on your surroundings - It can be tempting to check the phone or take a break at a red light, but distracted driving can have life-altering consequences. Cautious motorcyclists should always remain alert and aware, paying attention to their surroundings.

Negligent car drivers can hit even motorcycles and vehicles at a standstill. Be watchful of cars behind or in front of you. Check your mirrors regularly to avoid any out-of-control vehicles coming from behind and being rear-ended.

Avoid breaking unexpectedly - A motorbike rider failing to allow the car in front of them adequate time to come to a complete stop is the cause of many rear-end motorcycle accidents. Others will see your brake light and know you're slowing down, giving them time to do the same. To prevent a rear-end accident, ensure your brake lights are functioning correctly.
Make your presence known - Make yourself as visible as possible, enabling the other driver to see you and avoid a rear-end collision. Visibility is crucial when a motorcyclist stops at an intersection, blind curves, or in heavy traffic.
Stay in the proper lane position - You will make yourself and your motorcycle more visible on the road. Use reflective clothing that will allow you to stand out on the road. Use your helmet to enhance visibility by sticking reflective tape on it.
Plan for the worst-case scenario - When stopped at a red light, consider how you will avoid colliding with an oncoming vehicle that shows no indications of slowing down. Make sure you have enough room to safely pull over to the side of the road if necessary.

Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents FAQs

Our attorneys understand that victims of motorcycle and car accidents have unanswered questions. A lawyer from our legal team has answered the below-mentioned questions.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC at (888) 424-5757 or complete the contact form for a free consultation, or should any further information be required.

What are the common injuries in motorcycle crashes?

Most rear-end collisions result in serious injuries that require emergency room medical treatment and can lead to permanent disabilities and even fatalities. Examples of injuries sustained in rear-end crashes include -

Traumatic brain injury
Neck injury
Spinal cord injury and herniated discs
Internal organ damage
Internal bleeding
Soft tissue damage and bruising
Amputations
Optic nerve damage due to whiplash
Whiplash
Burns
Road rash
Cuts and lacerations
Fractures
Chronic pain

How do I claim compensation for a motorcycle injury?

You may seek compensation for injuries and damages by filing a claim with your insurance company. You can also file a lawsuit against the other drivers involved in the accident. Civil litigation aims to recover monetary damages and expenditures caused by the other party.

In a claim or lawsuit, you may include the expenditure linked to your accident, such as the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages from the rear-end collision.

Providing details and evidence will allow you to obtain sufficient compensation to pay off your medical bills and recover other losses. Many accident victims retain a lawyer to seek maximum financial recovery.

What are the compensations available after a motorcycle collision?

Victims of motorcycle crashes may recover the following economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party:

Medical expenses and treatment for injuries
Lost wages and future loss of income
Motorcycle damage
Other property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Nominal and punitive damages

What happens when you are involved in rear-end crashes?

Depending on the circumstance, you may be liable for the motorcycle crash if your vehicle hits the bike and causes a rear-end motorcycle collision. However, there are instances when the motorcyclist is to blame for the rear-end motorcycle collision.

When involved in a collision, your first concern should be to check the well-being of all other participants involved in the incident. Call 911 to report the accident and wait for first responders who may initiate medical attention.

Check on the motorcyclist, but don't move them if they appear hurt to avoid aggravating their injuries, as they could have sustained spinal cord injuries or might suffer internal bleeding.

When the responders arrive, answer their inquiries but avoid saying things that can be considered an admission of guilt to not complicate your position in future legal procedures about the accident.

How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help you?

The recovery from a motorcycle accident can be much more frustrating and lengthy than initially expected by victims. When a victim has sustained severe injuries, having legal representation can allow them to concentrate on recovery.

A lawyer can also assist with the following -

Giving legal counsel regarding your legal options to protect your rights and recover maximum compensation
Gathering evidence regarding the rear-end collision or other types of motorcycle accidents
Filing all the motorcycle accident case paperwork correctly and within the statute of limitations
Negotiating with insurance companies
Litigating on your behalf for full and fair financial recovery

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve Your Compensation Claim

Were you hurt in a rear-end motorcycle accident? Did a loved one suffer a wrongful death in a rear-end crash? We can help recover financial compensation for loss and damages.

Contact the personal injury attorneys at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free) or use our contact form for a free consultation.

Contingency Fee Agreement

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC accept all serious personal injury claims and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee agreement.

Our law firm advances all expenses in resolving a rear-end crash claim and gets paid only when negotiating a settlement or winning a jury trial award. Our "No-Win/No-Fee" Guarantee is simple: We do not get paid if you do not win!

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Resources:

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Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld. Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own. Ethan Armstrong

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you. Daniel Kaim

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan! Giulia

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

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