Rear-End Collisions Involving Motorcycles

Our attorneys fight for Tampa riders when others aren’t looking

You’re cruising along on your motorcycle, maybe slowing for traffic or waiting at a red light. The driver behind you doesn’t see you in time or doesn’t react fast enough. In a split second, you’re thrown forward, maybe into the car in front of you, or off your bike and onto the pavement. That’s the brutal reality of rear-end collisions involving motorcycles.

They might seem like low-impact accidents when two cars are involved, but when a motorcyclist is on the receiving end, the consequences can be devastating. These aren’t just bumps or fender benders. They’re serious, often life-altering crashes. You could be facing a long, costly recovery while dealing with the hassle of a motorcycle accident claim. An experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer at Armando Personal Injury Law can help you sort it out.

Why are motorcycles more vulnerable in rear-end crashes?

Motorcycles don’t offer the same protection as passenger vehicles. There’s no metal frame to absorb the blow, no airbags to cushion the impact, and no rear crumple zone to shield the rider. In most cases, the motorcyclist’s body is what takes the full force of the impact.

Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, riders are exposed on all sides. A direct hit from behind can send a motorcyclist flying over the handlebars or off the side of the bike. Even with proper gear, injuries are common and often serious.

Plus, motorcycles are harder to see than motorists. Drivers often overlook motorcycles in traffic or misjudge their speed and distance. Add in tailgating or distracted driving, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

What causes rear-end motorcycle accidents?

Many of the same behaviors that lead to car crashes are also behind rear-end collisions involving motorcycles. But when a motorcycle is involved, even a small mistake can cause a serious accident.

Here are some of the most common causes:

Tailgating: Drivers often follow motorcycles too closely while underestimating how quickly bikes can stop.
Distracted driving: Glancing at a phone, changing the radio, or even daydreaming for a second can mean not noticing a slowing motorcycle until it’s too late.
Sudden stops: A motorcyclist might need to stop quickly for a red light, a pedestrian, or a road hazard. If the driver behind them isn’t paying attention, they may not react in time.
Reduced visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see in traffic, especially at night or in poor weather.
Driver inexperience: Some drivers simply aren’t familiar with how motorcycles move and stop, which can lead to dangerous assumptions on the road.

How are injuries in motorcycle rear-end crashes different?

The human body isn’t built to withstand being hit by a 3,000-pound vehicle. When you take away the protection of a car and replace it with a motorcycle, that vulnerability increases exponentially.

Rear-end crashes involving motorcycles often result in:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the rider’s head may strike the pavement or another object, which can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.
Spinal cord injuries: A sudden jolt or awkward landing can damage the spine and lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
Fractures and broken bones: Legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones are especially susceptible to breaking during a crash.
Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs, which may not be obvious right away but can be life-threatening.
Road rash: Sliding along the pavement can shred clothing and skin, which often requires painful skin grafts or leaves permanent scarring.

These injuries often require far more than an emergency room visit. Many motorcyclists face months (or even years) of recovery. Some never return to the same quality of life.

Why are these crashes often fatal?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,218 motorcyclists died in traffic collisions in 2022. Motorcyclists are already at greater risk in any collision. But when the crash comes from behind, the danger ramps up. There’s no time to brace or maneuver away from the oncoming vehicle. Some riders are crushed between two vehicles. Others are thrown from their bikes and land in the path of traffic. In high-speed situations, the risk of death increases dramatically.

What should I do if I’m hit from behind on a motorcycle?

If you’re involved in a rear-end collision while riding, the first step is to prioritize your health. Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

Here’s what you should do after a rear-end motorcycle crash:

Get medical help immediately: Call 911 to report the crash and get police and emergency medical personnel on the scene – or ask someone else to call.
Take photos and video: If you can move safely, document the crash site with photos or video. If you can’t move safely, ask a bystander for help.
Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, contact details, insurance, and license plate number.
Talk to witnesses: Get witness contact information and statements. Also, ask if they caught the motorcycle accident on a dashcam and if you could obtain the footage.
Get a copy of the police report: When the police arrive at the crash scene, they’ll document their findings in a detailed police report. This creates an official record that can support your claim.
Speak to a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer: Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of motorcycle crashes or shift blame to the rider. A lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure you’re treated fairly.

Who’s at fault in a rear-end motorcycle accident?

In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault. That usually holds true when a motorcycle is involved. But that’s not always the case.

Some drivers (and even insurance adjusters) claim the motorcyclist stopped too suddenly or wasn’t visible. Riders might be blamed for wearing dark clothing or for not pulling far enough to the side at a stoplight.

Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, if a motorcyclist is found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash, they can’t recover any compensation for their injuries or losses. That’s why documenting the crash and working with someone who understands motorcycle cases is so important. Proving fault may be more complicated than it seems.

Evidence can help cut through bias or finger-pointing and show what really happened. This might include:

Helmet or dashcam footage
Witness statements
Police reports
Photos of the crash scene
Traffic or security camera footage
Damage analysis

Get justice after a rear-end motorcycle accident in Tampa.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Tampa, you deserve to know your rights, and you deserve someone who will take your case seriously. The Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Armando Personal Injury Law understand that riding comes with risks. We also know that far too many motorcycle crashes are caused by careless drivers who simply weren’t paying attention.

Attorney Armando Edmiston has seen firsthand how devastating a rear-end motorcycle collision can be, and he’s ready to fight for the full compensation you need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.

When you contact our firm, we’ll start with a free consultation where you can tell us what happened and ask all the questions you have. We’ll go over how Florida’s laws may affect your case, what kind of compensation might be available, and how we can begin gathering the evidence needed to prove fault.

Worried about costs? Don’t be. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything upfront and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Our job is to take the legal stress off your plate so you can focus on healing. Contact us today and find out how we can help you during your recovery.

“Armando goes above and beyond. Even settled for greater than anticipated. Kept me up to date throughout the whole process. I would recommend him to anybody.” – JC, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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