Motorcycle Rear Ended
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.

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.
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.