Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

Rear-end motorcycle accidents can occur either when the motorcyclist, as he is slowing down or coming to a stop, is rear-ended by another driver or when another drive abruptly stops, causing the motorcyclist to rear-end the vehicle in front of him. In either case, the potential injuries a motorcyclist may sustain can be extensive and serious, particularly if:

• The motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident (as Illinois currently does not have a helmet law in place).
• The driver of the other vehicle is going at a moderate to high speed while the motorcyclist is stopped.

Other factors, such as motorcycles being much lighter in weight than passenger vehicles (and other larger vehicles on the road) and motorcyclists lacking any protection from the elements (or any possible safety features, like seat belts or airbags, that could work upon impact), can increase the likelihood of the motorcyclist being violently ejected from his motorcycle, and, therefore, only serve to intensify rear-end motorcycle accidents when they occur.

Causes of Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of rear-end motorcycle accidents that involve the negligence or recklessness of another driver (i.e., other than the motorcyclist) include (but are not limited to):

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (While most people associated drug intoxication with illegal narcotics, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also contribute to possible intoxication.)
• Driver distraction, such as use of cellphones
• Driver fatigue, which can significantly reduce reaction times and has been likened by some researchers to be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated
• Inexperienced drivers, such as teens or truck drivers who have not been adequately trained (for example, inexperienced drivers may not know how to react to blinking red signal lights when signals lose power and may try to drive through them without stopping)

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon motorcycle accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you or a loved one has sustained any type of injury due to a motorcycle accident, contact us by calling (800)-553-3125 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.