Are the majority of motorbike accidents rear ends?
Most motorcycle accidents are not rear-enders. However, they still happen, and when they do, they can have serious consequences. Information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that seven percent of fatal florida motorcycle accidents attorney are rear-end collisions.
Fatal rear-end motorcycle accidents cause irreplaceable losses to the family members left behind, but even non-fatal motorcycle accidents rear enders can cause life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover financial compensation from the driver who rear-ended you or their insurer.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident?
In most rear-end motor vehicle accidents, anyone who strikes another from behind is at fault for the accident. If someone rear-ended you while you were on your motorcycle, that driver is usually responsible for the accident and any financial losses you suffer because of it. In most cases, you can seek damages from the other driver’s insurance company. However, if necessary, you can seek damages directly from the driver.
Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries and Death
Generally speaking, motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than other motor vehicle accidents because motorcycles offer less protection than cars or trucks. Motorcyclists are easily thrown from their motorcycles in an accident, too, which can result in serious injuries and death. According to the NHSTA, 5,579 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents in 2020, which made up 14% of all traffic deaths.
Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain in accidents include:
- Head injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), brain swelling, and hemorrhaging
- Spinal injuries, such as whiplash and spinal cord injuries
- Thoracic injuries, such as fractured ribs or sternum and lacerated lungs
- Facial injuries, such as a broken jawbone, nose, or cheekbone, broken or missing teeth, and cuts and scrapes
- Injuries to the extremities, such as broken bones in the arms or legs, shoulder injuries, bruises, and lacerations
One study published in the Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine found that motorcycle riders who sustained head, thoracic, and abdominal injuries were more likely to pass away from the accident than riders with other injuries. Motorcyclists who survive may face a long recovery period and lifelong disabilities such as paralysis or brain damage.
Potential Damages Available After Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents
The financial fallout from motorcycle accidents can be tremendous, but it varies. In general, people who sustain more serious injuries recover greater damages than people who sustain minor injuries. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand how much your rear-end motorcycle accident is worth. Your potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses, such as your emergency care, ambulance bill, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, follow-up appointments, medical equipment, prescription medications, and more
- Future medical expenses, such as anticipated surgeries, long-term rehabilitative treatment, and home medical support
- Home modifications, such as widened doors and hallways, accessible bathrooms, and wheelchair ramps
- Property damage for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Loss of income for the wages, tips, or salary you missed if you had to take unpaid time off work to recover
- Pain and suffering if you became permanently disabled or disfigured, endured a long recovery, suffer from chronic pain, developed a mental health condition, or have a permanently reduced quality of life because of the motorcycle accident
Wrongful Death Damages You Could Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Case
If you lost a loved one in a rear-end fort myers motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages. Florida Statutes § 768.20 says that only the decedent’s personal representative can sue the other party on the surviving family members’ behalf. This person is usually named in the decedent’s will.
Damages they seek may include:
- Final medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household support
- Pain and suffering
How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Rear Ender Motorcycle Accident Case?
A lawyer can help you with every step of the legal and insurance processes after a rear-end fort lauderdale motorcycle accident case. They can:
- Investigate the motorcycle accident
- Handle correspondence with others involved
- Estimate the value of all of your damages
- File an insurance claim on your behalf
- Negotiate an insurance settlement
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and represent you in court
Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato For Legal Assistance Today
You may be entitled to seek damages for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering after a motorcycle accident rear ender another driver caused. A fort lauderdale personal injury lawyer with the Law Offices Wolf & Pravato is ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve. We offer free case consultations and work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (954) 633-8270. During the consultation, we can listen to your story and explain your options.
