NJ Rear End Motorcycle Collision Lawyer

Proudly serving all of New Jersey

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MOTORCYCLE REAR ENDED BY A CAR

Driving a motorcycle has inherent dangers. It’s obvious that a motorcyclist has less protection than drivers of cars, trucks, vans, or SUVs, who are protected by the vehicle’s body, as well as seatbelts and airbags. Motorcycle riders are well aware of the dangers, and operate their motorcycles with extreme caution when sharing the road. Sadly, it can be impossible to avoid a serious or fatal collision when the other driver fails to observe a motorcyclist ahead and rear ends the motorcycle.

In a majority of motorcycle accidents, the rider is not to blame, particularly when a motorcycle is rear-ended by a car. These collisions are usually associated with speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving. Often, the vehicle driver did not observe that the motorcyclist was in the lane ahead, or was stopped at a light or stop sign.

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RECOVERING COMPENSATION AFTER A REAR END MOTORCYCLE COLLISION

After being injured in a motorcycle accident, the victim will be facing sky-high medical bills, lost wages, and many other damages, both financial and personal. The losses are often extensive, and the ability to recover compensation is a matter of great importance. The value of a claim or lawsuit will be based upon the type of injuries sustained, and the financial and emotional impact upon the victim. If the motorcyclist was seriously injured, it may require many months of medical care. Damages sought in an injury claim typically include the following:

• Medical costs
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost earnings, current and future
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

Wearing a helmet and proper protective gear can be helpful in mitigating injuries sustained during an accident, but do not offer enough protection in a rear-end accident. A rear-end motorcycle accident is generally one of the least dangerous for a passenger vehicle. For a motorcyclist, a rear-ender is one of the most dangerous types of accidents.

When a motorcycle is read-ended, its rear wheel lifts off the roadway, launching the driver into the air. The secondary impact with other vehicles and the road can leave the rider with serious, disabling, or fatal injuries. The NHTSA reports that in a recent year, there were 4,500 motorcyclist fatalities, and 92,000 injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained by a motorcyclist in an accident include:

• Road rash: When a motorcyclist lands on the ground while still moving forward at a fast pace, the road can lead to severe skin abrasions, which are prone to infection and difficult to treat due to road debris imbedded in the soft tissue.
• Broken bones: Broken arms, legs, knees, elbows, shoulders, hands, and ankles occur when the motorcyclist hits the roadway or is hit by other vehicles in a secondary accident.
• Traumatic brain injury: Head injuries can not only be deadly, but can cause physical and cognitive dysfunction which may last a lifetime, or require years of rehabilitation in an effort to resolve.
• Spinal cord injury: Paraplegia and quadriplegia can be the result of a motorcycle rear end accident.

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MAKING MOTORCYCLES SAFER

While motorcyclists understand the dangers of riding, there are various ways to improve the safety of the experience. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the following items will make the most improvement in motorcycle safety:

• Antilock brake system: Braking a motorcycle can be more difficult than braking a car, and if the wheels lock up, it can launch the driver off the bike.
• Airbags: Some motorcycle companies now offer airbags on certain models.
• Helmets: Helmet use can greatly improve a motorcyclist’s chances of survival during an accident. In fact, 39 percent of motorcyclist fatalities in 2014 were un-helmeted riders.

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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FACTS

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of serious injury or death than other vehicle operators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2014, the fatality rate for occupants of passenger cars was 0.85 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. For motorcyclists, this rate jumps to a shocking 22.96 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. It is about 27 times more dangerous to be on a motorcycle than in a passenger car. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in which you were rear-ended by a car, our NJ motorcycle lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. can help.

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CONTACT OUR NEW JERSEY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

At Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., we advocate for injured motorcycle riders, and help them pursue full compensation. Read our case results for more information about our track record of success in personal injury law. Contact us today at (609) 240-0040 for a free case evaluation – you can trust our firm to fight hard for you and your right to fair compensation.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tailgating – Too Close for Comfort (or Motorcycle Safety)