Motorcycle accidents can have life-changing consequences for those involved. These types of accidents often leave victims with serious injuries and financial burdens. For those affected, pursuing personal injury compensation through a motorcycle accident claim can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, and accidents often occur due to the negligence of other drivers. If you or a family member has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, understanding the claims process is essential to securing the compensation you deserve.

At Beacon Law, we have a team of experienced road traffic accident claims solicitors who can assist you in making a claim for motorcycle accident compensation.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which involve factors outside the rider’s control. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for pursuing a successful compensation claim. Some of the main causes of accidents that lead to motorcycle accident claims that we typically see at Beacon Law include:

Driver negligence – Road traffic accidents are often caused by errors made by other road users. Drivers of vehicles such as cars, buses, or bicycles can make mistakes that lead to serious incidents.

Pedestrians – Pedestrians can also contribute to accidents by stepping into the road unexpectedly. This can force a driver to swerve in order to avoid a collision.

Road conditions – Poorly maintained roads are another common cause of accidents. Over time, road surfaces can deteriorate, leading to hazards such as potholes. It is the responsibility of the local authorities to maintain roads and ensure they remain safe for riding.

Common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries as a result of the limited protection riders have compared to other vehicles. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents:

• Head injuries: Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries. High-impact crashes can also cause serious skull fractures.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia). Motorcycle accidents can also result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Fractures and broken bones: Limbs are particularly vulnerable during crashes, especially if the motorcycle falls on the rider. Collisions often lead to chest injuries that can damage ribs or internal organs.
• Road rash: Sliding across the pavement can cause severe skin damage, which may lead to infections or permanent scarring. Gravel or glass can become embedded in the skin during a crash, leading to further damage.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a crash can harm vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Hidden injuries can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Amputations: Severe injuries may result in the amputation of fingers, hands, arms, or legs during or after the accident.

What should I do following a motorcycle accident?

Following a motorcycle accident, your immediate actions are critical for ensuring safety, addressing injuries, and protecting your ability to seek compensation.

First and foremost, prioritise your safety and wellbeing. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it is important to see a medical professional. Some injuries, like fractures or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away.

It is essential to contact the authorities and report the accident. Police will document all relevant details of the incident in an official report. These police reports can serve as valuable evidence for any future motorcycle accident claims. Cooperate fully with the authorities but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.

Documenting the scene is also crucial. Take photographs or videos of the accident site, including the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Make detailed notes about the time, location, and other relevant factors while they are still fresh in your mind. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact details.

Exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

If you are looking to make a claim, it is essential to speak to a solicitor who is experienced in motorcycle accident claims. Motorcycle accident claims solicitors can provide crucial legal advice that can help you to achieve a successful outcome.

What is the process for motorcycle accident claims?

During your initial consultation, a motorcycle injury lawyer from our team will provide you with legal advice about personal injury claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury solicitors will then ask you for details about your accident and the initial injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help us to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

In the early stages of your compensation claim, it’s essential to gather evidence to support your case. This may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your personal injury lawyer may also request that you undergo an independent medical examination to obtain a detailed report on the nature and extent of your injuries. These medical reports serve as crucial evidence for your claim. Even if you’ve already received medical treatment, a more comprehensive assessment may still be required to ensure the reports are accurate and reliable.

In cases involving minors or those who are incapacitated as a result of the accident, family members or appointed representatives can claim on behalf of someone else.

If we think that your motorbike accident claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

What if the accident involved an uninsured driver?

If you have been involved in an accident involving an uninsured driver or a hit and run driver, you should report the accident to the police immediately.

If your accident was caused by an uninsured or untraceable driver, you can still make a claim. However, the claims process may be slightly different than normal. The process for claiming against an uninsured or untraceable driver will involve your claim being submitted through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB). Beacon Law can assist you in making this type of claim.

How much compensation could I receive?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, and you decide to make a claim, the compensation for your accident will be dependent on the type of injury and the level of pain and suffering you sustained.

It is difficult to determine the amount of compensation from the outset without knowing all the details of the injury. As many injuries are complex, especially those which are ongoing, it may be necessary to obtain a medical evaluation of your injuries before we can make an estimation on the value of your injuries.

The valuation of your general damages will be based on recent case law, as well as guidelines set out by the Judicial College.

In addition to your claim for compensation for your injuries, you may also be able to make a claim for additional financial losses. Your additional losses can include the following:

• Loss of earnings if you required time off due to the accident.
• Travel costs – for travel to and from medical appointments
• Parking costs at medical appointments
• Costs of any care received
• Medical treatment costs

Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices for any additional expenses, as these will be necessary to verify your losses.

If your injuries are severe and require long-term treatment or result in extended time off work, your compensation is likely to be significantly higher than for a minor injury where recovery occurs within a few weeks.

In cases where immediate financial support is required, interim payments may be provided. These advance payments cover urgent expenses or loss of income if the claimant is unable to work due to the injury. This can help them manage their immediate needs before the final settlement.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are specialist personal injury lawyers with a wealth of experience in dealing with motorcycle accident claims. We can provide you with specialist legal advice on making a claim and guide you through the process, whilst negotiating the best settlement for your accident and injuries.

We offer our services on a no win, no fee basis, which means you only have to pay our fees if your case is successful. To find out more about making a claim on a no-win, no fee basis, have a look at the funding section on our website.

Beacon Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.