What to Do if Your Motorcycle Is Hit by a Car from Behind

Riding your motorcycle on a beautiful day and enjoying the scenery can be a great experience. But all of that can change in an instant if your motorcycle is hit by a car from behind. Because cars are so much bigger and heavier than motorcycles, the bike and driver can be thrown in the air and several yards down the roadway, causing catastrophic injuries.

In 2019, there were 84,000 motorcycle accidents in the United States, resulting in 5,014 motorcyclist fatalities. Motorcyclists died at much higher rates in crashes than did car or truck drivers and passengers. In 2019 per 100,000 registered vehicles, fatality rates were as follows:

• Motorcycles – 58.33 deaths
• Light Trucks – 6.80 deaths
• Passenger Cars – 9.42 deaths

This data shows that the likelihood of dying in motorcycle accident is much higher than dying in a car or truck accident. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2017, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 27 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in crashes.

Roughly 7% of motorcycle crashes in 2017 involved a motorcycle being hit by a car from behind. On average, motorcycles weigh about 400 pounds, whereas the average passenger car weighs between 2,800 to 3,200 pounds, so it is not hard to see why motorcyclists often suffer much greater harm when these two vehicles collide. In most instances, when a car rear-ends a motorcycle, it is the fault of the car driver due to operator negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because your motorcycle is hit from behind by a car, talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer at Billy Johnson Law Firm. You may be entitled to financial compensation. To find out more, call us for a free consultation at 606-437-4488.

5 Steps: What to do if your motorcycle is hit by a car from behind

If you’ve been rear-ended by a car while riding your motorcycle, here are 5 important steps you should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
To get your injuries treated and to prevent further injury, seek medical attention right away, whether this means being transported by ambulance to an emergency room or visiting your family doctor immediately.


2. Call 911
Ask for police to respond to the crash scene. The police report they create will not only document evidence of the crash, but you will be able to rely on this report should you file a lawsuit. Answer the officer’s questions succinctly, but DO NOT try to explain events in great detail or acknowledge responsibility for the crash.


3. Get Contact Info from Witnesses
If you are able, get names and contact info from any eyewitnesses and bystanders who may have seen and/or heard the crash. Your attorney will want to interview them.


4. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
Use the camera on your cell phone to take pictures of your injuries as well as damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, any potholes or debris on the road, skid marks, and other evidence of the crash.


5. Hire an Attorney Right Away
Plaintiffs represented by attorneys generally receive much higher payouts after accidents than do crash victims trying to represent themselves in court. A skilled and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to argue and negotiate effectively.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

There are many ways a motorcyclist can be injured if they’re hit from behind by a car. Some of these include:

• Concussion
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Road rash and lacerations
• Burns
• Blinding
• Paralysis.

More Motorcycle Crash Statistics

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides these statistics about 2017 motorcycle accidents:

• 91% of crashes occurred on non-interstate roads, compared to 9% on interstates.
• 60% of the motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas, compared to 40% in rural areas.
• 58% of crashes occurred during daylight, compared to 38% in the dark, 4% during dusk, and 1% during dawn.
• 65% of crashes occurred at locations that were not intersections, compared to 35% at intersections.
• 97% of crashes occurred in cloudy/clear conditions, compared to 2% in the rain, and 1% in fog conditions.

The Role of Motorcycle Helmets

Kentucky requires helmets only for those riders ages 21 and younger, riders who possess an instruction permit, and riders who have had their license for less than one year. For those who wish to be proactive, it is worth noting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 22% to 37% and brain injuries by 44% to 65%.

If you have been involved in motorcycle or car accidents, seek medical attention right away and then call a personal injury lawyer.

Why Hire Attorney Billy Johnson?

Kentucky laws related to motorcycle accidents are complex and can be confusing. You need a highly qualified and experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights. With offices located in Pikeville, our Kentucky attorneys are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Billy Johnson has represented hundreds of clients who have been injured in motorcycle and vehicle accidents. He has the skill and tenaciousness to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies and ensure that they pay fair amounts to victims of motorcycle crashes. For a no-obligation free consultation, call us at 606-437-4488. We are here for you, and you are not alone!