Rear-end accidents, like all other accidents, are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause traumatic brain injury, paralysis, blunt trauma, broken bones, and other life long injuries. The lighter weight and smaller dimensions of a motorcycle may make a rear-end collision more likely to result in serious harm.
Further, the fact that a motorcyclist does not have the protection of metal framing like a car makes individuals on motorcycles more susceptible to serious injuries.
If you’ve been the victim of a rear end accident, reach out to our experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys right away.
Understanding the dangers of motorcycle rear end accidents
Seven percent (7%) of fatal, two-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles are rear-end crashes. UC Berkeley reports that 14.8% of fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes are rear-end crashes. They are the fourth-most common type of motorcycle collision resulting in serious injury or death.
Why Rear-End Collisions Are Particularly Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Rear-end collisions are especially dangerous for motorcyclists because of the size and shape of the motorcycle. A motorcycle is smaller and lighter than a passenger vehicle so in a rear-end accident, it is more likely to:
- Tip at the rear, throwing the motorcyclist forward
- Be crushed
- Get run over
The danger—the weight of a motorcycle
Typically weighing about 700 pounds, motorcycles can range from 300 to 1,000 pounds.
By comparison, the base curb weight of a Ford Explorer starts at 4,344 pounds. Weight can help absorb force in a crash.
Heavier vehicles have greater inertia. Inertia means that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. In other words, the heavier something is, the more force it takes to move it.
In a passenger vehicle, a rear-end collision might be a fender bender. But take the same forces and apply them to something that weighs only 25% as much, and the harm can be much greater. A person may be thrown from their bike and suffer blunt force trauma because of the light weight of the motorcycle.
The danger—the size of the motorcycle
Not only is a motorcycle lighter than a passenger vehicle, but it’s also smaller.
Let’s compare a motorcycle with a common passenger vehicle.
Dimensions Comparison: Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Toyota Camry
| 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Glide | 2025 Toyota Camry Dimensions | |
| Length | 94.9 inches | 194 inches |
| Width | 38.4 inches | 72 inches |
| Height | 28.1 inches (seat height, unladen) | 57 inches |
A smaller vehicle may be more easily crushed in a rear-end collision than a larger vehicle. In addition, there is an increased likelihood of an underride, where the motorcycle is pushed underneath the vehicle that strikes it.
The danger—the design of the motorcycle
When a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind, it can lift the motorcycle upwards, causing the bike and its rider to tip. The rider may be thrown from the vehicle with strong force. Motorcycles don’t have the same structural protection, including large frames, crumple zones, and airbags.
Are motorcycles more dangerous than passenger vehicles?
Per miles traveled, the collision fatality rate for motorcyclists is 24 times the collision fatality rate for passenger vehicle occupants.
Although motorcycles account for only 3.5% of registered vehicles, 14% of vehicle fatalities are motorcyclists.
There may be factors other than motorcycle size and design, such as higher rates of alcohol impairment among motorcycle riders than the general driving population, that contribute to this. However, accident severity, including rear-end accidents, may contribute to the elevated traffic fatality rate for motorcyclists.
Common Causes of Rear End Motorcycle Accidents
- Failing to leave sufficient following distance for a motorcyclist
- Poor road conditions
- Brake failure, other mechanical failure
- Not accounting for changing road conditions and weather
- Misjudging stopping distance
- Not respecting the rights of motorcyclists on the road
- Distracted driving, diverted attention, failing to watch ahead
- Poor coordination and manual driving skills, from fatigue and drunk driving
- Loss of vehicle control, including from an animal or obstruction on the road or overcorrecting
Severe Injuries Associated with Rear End Motorcycle Crashes
When a motorcycle is rear ended by a car, serious injury can occur. Injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injury, concussion, skull fracture
- Spinal cord injury, paralysis
- Road rash, skin burns, with risk of infection and complications
- Broken bones, fractures
- Whiplash, soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage, bodily system damage
- Lacerations, cuts and bruises
- Scars, disfigurement
- Mental health injury
- Chronic pain
How To Prove Liability in a Rear End Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle is rear ended, the victim may claim compensation but must prove liability to receive payment. In a rear end motorcycle accident, this might seem straightforward, as the vehicle in the back is usually at fault. However, victims must still prove their right to compensation.
Proving liability means showing what happened to cause the crash. Usually, negligence, or the lack of reasonable care, is the underlying cause of a collision. You must show what happened—whether it was inadequate following distance, drunk driving, or another cause.
There may be multiple factors that cause a rear end motorcycle collision. Establishing negligence and causation of harm proves liability and the right to compensation.
Are damages different when a motorcycle is rear-ended?
A rear-end accident victim is treated the same under the law whether they are a motorcyclist or riding in a passenger vehicle. You may claim your damages whatever they might be, even if damages may have been less if you had been riding in a different vehicle. You may have to overcome bias against motorcyclists, but you may have help from an attorney. There is nothing in the law to diminish compensation because of the type of motor vehicle involved.
Legal Options for Injured
If you are injured, you may:
- Seek monetary compensation
- Pursue compensation through insurance
- File a legal claim
- Use the discovery process to gather information
- Investigate independently beyond the police report
- Question and cross-examine witnesses
- Challenge the insurance company’s determination of fault
- Claim damages allowed under law including pain and suffering
- Have representation from an experienced lawyer
When you have a consultation with LA Century Law, you can discuss your legal options and the circumstances of your case.
Lawyer for Motorcycle Rear End Accidents
At LA Century Law, we represent motorcyclists who are involved in rear-end accidents.
Work with a legal team with a 99% success rate. That’s LA Century Law.
Talk to a lawyer for motorcycle rear end accidents. Call or message us now.