When a car or truck rear-ends a motorcycle, the rider bears all the consequences of a crash that was almost never their fault. The following driver had a clear view of the road, had ample time to stop, and failed to. That failure is the core of your claim.
Fault in rear-end motorcycle crashes
A driver who rear-ends another vehicle is presumptively at fault under Arizona law — they failed to maintain a safe following distance or were driving while distracted. That presumption applies when the vehicle struck is a motorcycle. Defendants and their insurers will sometimes argue the rider braked too suddenly or was in an unsafe position, but those arguments are difficult to sustain against a rider who was traveling lawfully and was simply struck from behind.
Arizona's pure comparative fault rule (A.R.S. § 12-2505) means even if some fault is attributed to you, your recovery is reduced proportionally rather than eliminated. See our post on Arizona comparative negligence law.
Why injuries are severe
Motorcycles offer no structural protection. A rear-end impact typically throws the rider, producing road rash, fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries — often at speeds where a car-to-car rear end would cause only property damage. The physical severity of motorcycle rear-end crashes translates directly into higher claim values, including significant future medical costs when injuries are permanent or require ongoing treatment.
What a rear-end motorcycle accident claim can recover
Medical expenses past and future, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage to the motorcycle and gear, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all recoverable. In cases involving particularly reckless conduct — distracted driving, drunk driving — punitive damages may also be available.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations for exceptions.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys handle rear-end crash claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.