Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end motorcycle collisions occur less often that front-impact collisions, but often result in fatal injuries.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, our motorcycle injury attorneys represent clients and families dealing with serious and fatal motorcycle accidents throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples and Port Charlotte.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports rear-end collisions account for only six percent of motorcycle wrecks. These collisions often occur at intersections and result in a biker being run over or ejected from the motorcycle. Ejection injuries most often result in broken bones and serious head trauma, including traumatic brain injury – particularly in cases where a rider isn’t wearing a helmet.

Such collisions may also result in hit-and-run, particularly in cases where a rider is sideswiped or struck from behind at night. In cases where the at-fault motorist is not located or has inadequate insurance, a rider may be forced to pursue an underinsured or uninsured injury claim through his own insurance carrier.

In some cases a rider may downshift or roll out of the throttle, thereby slowing without activating his brake lights. This may result in a motorist striking a rider from the rear. However, in many cases motorists attempt to lane-share or fail to stop as they approach an intersection. However, in a majority of rear-end collisions it is the motorcycle that is recorded as the striking vehicle.

In cases where a vehicle stops abruptly, is illegally parked, or otherwise creates a hazard that leads to a serious or fatal motorcycle accident, it may still be possible to collect damages under Florida’s pure comparative fault laws. However, these are complex cases best handled by an experienced personal injury or wrongful death law firm.

Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Handbook is an excellent resource riders should review at the start of every riding season. Riders who know when they are most at risk of rear-end motorcycle accidents are better able to recognize the risks and react in time to avoid serious or fatal injury. High-risk times for riders include when changing lanes, following another vehicle, being closely followed, passing or being passed, or when merging or traveling alongside another vehicle.

Florida Statute 316.294 requires all motorcycles to be equipped with at least one rearview mirror. Using your mirrors, avoiding blind spots and not following too closely can all reduce the risk of motorcyclists being involved in rear-end collisions.

At Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, we have been fighting for the rights of riders and their families since 1971. For more than 40 years we have earned our reputation as leading advocates of the Southwest Florida riding community.

We believe riders and families dealing with the aftermath of a serious or fatal motorcycle collisions deserve immediate access to experienced legal representation. Contact any of our Southwest Florida offices for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. We stand by our reputation and our experience. Our promise to you is simple: You’ll Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win.

Motorcycle Injury Attorneys – 800-646-1210 – Free Consultation