Motorcyclists should always know they are at risk of getting into accidents and sustaining serious injuries. Motorcycle accidents include single-bike crashes, getting run off the road, and collisions with cars making turns—but one of the most dangerous collisions for a motorcyclist is a rear-end crash, which can be devastating whether the motorcycle is the front or rear vehicle.
If a motorcycle gets hit from behind, the impact often lifts the back wheel off the ground, throwing both the bike and the motorcyclist forward. This usually results in a direct impact between the road and the face and head of the motorcyclist. Even if victims have time to reflexively put their hands out to try to catch themselves, the force of the impact is usually too great and they only end up suffering worse injuries.
If a motorcyclist is riding behind a car that suddenly stops, or if he gets cut off by a car, the crash into the back of the car can also cause him to go flying forward off the motorcycle. He can then tumble and have multiple points of impact with both the car—possibly the rear window—and then eventually landing hard on the ground. Because of the mechanics of rear-end motorcycle collisions, severe injuries can result.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents
Because of their relative lack of protection, motorcyclists are vulnerable to many types of traumatic injuries in an accident. Injuries regularly sustained by motorcyclists in this type of crash include:
- Fractured or shattered hands, wrists, or arms
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to the teeth
- Broken jawbone
- Broken nose, cheekbones, or other facial fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
All of these injuries require emergency treatment, and an accident victim may face long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects from their injuries.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
In Florida, unlike drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, motorcyclists are not required to first seek compensation from their own insurance policies. Instead, an accident victim can determine who was responsible for causing the accident and can seek compensation for their losses from that party’s insurance company or by filing a legal claim in court for personal injury. Some parties who may be liable for a rear-end motorcycle crash include:
- Distracted drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Reckless or aggressive drivers
- Drivers who were speeding, tailgating, or violating other traffic laws
It is important to seek help from an attorney who knows how to identify any possibly liable parties as well as how to seek the compensation to which you are entitled.
Find Out How Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Can Help You
The Florida Law Group has helped many accident victims recover financially for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and many other losses stemming from their injuries. Please do not hesitate to call (833) 899-0310 to discuss your situation for free with our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys today.