Motorcycles have become more popular across the United States. A 2014 report by the United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) indicated that there are 8,454,939 registered motorcycles in the United States.1 This means that the number of registered motorcycles is equal to approximately 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States.
The increase of registered motorcycles in the United States has naturally led to an increase in the number of traffic accidents involving motorcycles. A 2013 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report found that a total of 88,000 motorcyclist injuries were reported in motorcycle-related accidents.2 In its review of motorcycle-related accident statistics, the NHTSA found that 6% of two-vehicle collisions involved motorcycles being struck in the rear.
What is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision involves two vehicles and occurs when the trailing vehicle overtakes and physically impacts the leading vehicle. Rear-end collisions can occur during both city and highway driving.
Dangerous Results for Motorcyclists in Rear-End Collisions
The nature of a motorcycle’s open body design exposes the motorcyclist to a high risk of injury. Motorcycle accidents can result in the driver suffering minor to severe injuries and perhaps even death. Several factors contribute the severity of injuries a motorcyclist suffers if he or she is involved in rear-end collision and the following are some examples of common injuries in this type of accident:
Death - A study evaluating motorcycle accidents in 2013 found that nearly 4,700 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle-related accidents.3 Death, which may be either instantaneous or caused by complications from severe injuries, can fracture families and cause significant pain and suffering for loved ones.
Spinal Cord Injury - The motorcycle’s open body design leaves the operator at greater risk of being ejected from his or her vehicle. It also offers little protection to the driver in instances of rear-end collisions. Whether thrown from his or her motorcycle or simply overtaken by another vehicle, a motorcyclist may suffer temporary or permanent spinal cord injury. These injuries, which can be minor bruising or as severe as total paralysis, can cause the driver significant pain, suffering, and long-lasting complications. Serious injuries to the spine may require extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation; the injured driver will likely have significant medical bills as a result. In addition to medical bills, an injured motorcyclist may be unable to return to work either temporary or permanently. This results in a loss of wages. Finally, lasting spinal cord injuries may prevent the injured party from enjoying life and may force the driver to restructure his or her life in order to accommodate for any disabilities caused by the injury.
Neck and Brain Injuries - A motorcyclist can suffer serious injury to the neck and/or brain. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort. In addition, they may cause lasting complications such as a loss of physical, motor, or cognitive abilities. These effects from the driver’s complications may result in regular pain, an inability to enjoy life, and suffering.
Contact a Michigan auto accident attorney for help
If you have been involved in a rear-end motorcycle collision, you should seek medical attention if necessary. After your injuries are stabilized, you should seek the assistance of a lawyer with experience in handling motorcycle accident cases. At the law office of Michigan Injury Lawyers, our team of auto accident attorneys understands the legal issues that may arise in motorcycle accident cases and will always advocate for you to recover the damages you deserve. Do not hesitate to call our office today at 313-438-4357 for a free consultation.
References:
1https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2012/mv1.cfm
2http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812148.pdf
3http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812148.pdf