Rear-end crashes with motorcycles frequently happen on American roads. These severe crashes are especially hazardous because of the vast size difference between a bike and other vehicles. Unsurprisingly, motorcyclists who are rear-ended by drivers suffer severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
Below is more information about rear-end motorcycle accidents, including distracted driving, the leading cause of these incidents. If you suffered injuries in a rear-end motorcycle crash, you might wish to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to consider legal action.
Why Do Drivers Rear-End Motorcyclists?
Most drivers do not know there are two types of rear-end crashes with motorcycles:
- The driver hits the motorcycle from behind when the bike is moving.
- The motorcyclist must stop suddenly because of traffic, and the driver rear-ends the motorcyclist.
The latter type of motorcycle accident can lead to more severe injuries. The motorcycle may throw the operator over the handlebars into the ground or moving traffic. This type of accident can cause severe injury or death.
Drivers can avoid many rear-end crashes if they practice safer driving and adhere to traffic rules.
Common Reasons Drivers Rear-End Motorcyclists
Distracted Driving
The biggest reason these serious accidents happen is distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates there were 2,841 distracted driving deaths in 2018. Among the dead were 1,730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians, and 77 bikers.
The NHTSA states that distracted driving is any activity that removes the driver’s attention from their driving tasks.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports there are three major types of distracted driving:
- Visual: Taking your attention from the road
- Manual: Taking hands from the wheel
- Cognitive: Your mind drifts from attention on driving
Far too many drivers today are busy while they are driving. From talking on a smartphone to texting to looking at a GPS, they may not see that a motorcycle slowed down or stopped in front of them. The consequences can be catastrophic for the motorcyclists.
Many states now have a distracted driving law that bans texting and driving. If you rear-end a motorcyclist and are at fault, law enforcement can access your cell phone records to determine if distracted driving factored in the accident.
Inattention
When a driver “zones out” or is inattentive, they may not see a motorcycle stopped in front of them. Many drivers only look for cars and other large vehicles. But it is the responsibility of each driver on public roads to drive safely and use care to ensure they do not injure other people.
Not Slowing Down
All drivers must keep a safe distance from any vehicle that is in front of them. It is especially important to give motorcyclists more space as hitting such a small car can have dangerous consequences for the operator.
Drunk Driving
Driving while drunk or drugged can affect the driver’s reaction time and reduce the ability to drive safely. The driver may not see the motorcycle stopped in front of them and hit them at high speed.
Speeding
When a driver is speeding, they may not have enough time to come to a controlled stop behind the motorcycle.
Common Rear-End Motorcycle Crash Injuries
A motorcyclist usually has no warning of an impending rear-end collision, so that the injuries can be devastating. Common injuries include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Arm, leg, hand, or foot amputation
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Disfigurement
If you have suffered severe injuries in a rear-end motorcycle crash, please speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to see if you have a case.
