Motorbike accident claims

Motorbikes appeal to a great many people who like the freedom and enjoyment that they bring. The attraction of the open road and being able to go where you want is an added incentive.

This applies to both the UK and abroad.

This plus the cheaper costs of running a motorbike as compared to a car has resulted in an increase in the number of motorbikes on the road. Many of these new riders are women who are attracted to this form of transport for much the same reasons as men.

However, this increase in the number of motorcyclists has resulted in an increase in the number of motorbike accidents, some of which are fatal.

Note: the term ‘motorbikes’ used in this section also includes mopeds and scooters.

If you have been injured in a motorbike accident which was not your fault then you may be able to claim compensation.

Main causes of motorbike accidents

• Adverse weather conditions
• Poor road surface
• Object/s in the road
• Faulty equipment, e.g. mechanical problem with the motorbike.

Accidents are more likely to occur at roundabouts, junctions and crosswords where traffic is approaching from different directions. They also occur on hills or switchbacks in the road where it is difficult to spot other traffic.

Accidents occur in towns and the countryside and for very different reasons. But there are factors which are common to all types of terrain such as riding at an excessive speed, dangerous or reckless riding and lack of control.

Motorbike accidents usually involve the rider being thrown off their bike or becoming trapped underneath another vehicle. If a rider is thrown off their bike onto a hard road surface or another vehicle then this usually results in a serious injury.

Who is most likely to become injured in a motorbike accident?

Anyone who rides a motorbike is at risk of an accident but statistically, some people are more at risk than others. These are usually young men but older riders are equally vulnerable.

These older riders –also known as ‘born again bikers’tend to be men in their 40’s and 50’s that are enjoying a second youth. They have the disposable income to purchase large, powerful bikes which are a considerable step up from the bikes they rode in their youth.

But what they forget is that modern motorbikes are more powerful than before and much more difficult to handle. Plus they may not have the skills to handle these types of bikes in all types of weather and on roads which are far busier than they were in their youth.

The main problem for a motorcyclist is that they are more vulnerable in an accident than other road users, purely due to the fact that they do not have the same protection.

A car, lorry or other four wheeled vehicle encases its driver in a steel box: the rider of a motorbike is sat on a machine which experiences every pothole or defect in the road to a far greater extent.

A motorbike is far more likely to fall over or slip on oil on a greasy road surface.

Women motorcyclists

A note about female riders: there has been an increase in the number of women riding motorbikes which is usually for the same reasons as men. They enjoy the freedom that a motorbike brings as well as the fact that it is often cheaper to run than a car.

But this increase has been matched by a rise in the number of women injured or killed in motorbike accidents.

Women are often seen as safer riders than men but the fact remains that as the roads continue to become busier accidents happen which involve women as well as men.

Effects of a motorbike accident

A motorbike accident can have serious consequences. It can cause serious injury or death and has long lasting effects on both the rider and his/her family.

If you are the main breadwinner in your house and have to take time off due to a motorbike injury then this can have repercussions for your family finances and may result in financial hardship.

Plus there is the mental and emotional distress caused by the accident. If this is severe then it may be many years before you recover. This can impact upon your quality of life as well as that of your family.

Even with protective/high visibility clothing, skills training and a greater awareness of the risks on the road a motorbike accident can and does happen.

Motorcyclists are often blamed for an accident but if you have sustained an injury which is not your fault then you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Compensation can reimburse you and your family for a loss of earnings and any other expenses incurred as a result of your accident. These include specialist services such as physiotherapy, nursing care, specialist aids and alterations to your home.

In the latter case, these modifications may have to be made if you have become disabled due to your accident.

Making a claim for compensation for a motorbike accident

Find a personal injury lawyer or firm of solicitors who the right amount of skill and experience in dealing with specialist claims such as these. If they have experience of riding a motorbike then so much the better as this will give them a greater understanding of your claim.

Plus they will be able to empathise with you and use tact and sensitivity when dealing with your claim.

Your claim will undergo an initial assessment to determine the grounds for compensation. If there is sufficient evidence to show that your accident was caused by someone else then this gives you a greater chance of success with your claim.

For more information visit our making a claim for compensation section.

If your motorbike accident occurred whilst abroad then visit our motorbike accidents abroad claims section. This section contains useful information about who to contact in the event of an accident and the process.

Time limit for claiming compensation for a motorbike accident

Many personal injury claims have a 3 year time limit. A claim must be made within that limit and it starts from the date of the accident.

Your lawyer or solicitor will be able to discuss this in more detail with you. He or she will advise you about the deadline for your type of claim and will encourage you to do so within this deadline.