Expert Motorbike Accident Solicitors

Have you been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault? You could make a personal injury claim – and that's where we can help you.

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After a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, our experienced solicitors can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, whether riding the motorcycle or traveling as a pillion passenger, we’re here to help.

Our team specialises in motorcycle accident claims, a highly specialised area of law. What’s more, we have passionate bikers on our team who truly understand the experience of being a motorcyclist and the unique challenges bikers face on the roads.

We understand that for many motorcyclists, biking is more than just a mode of transport. When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, and forced to make lifestyle changes, your quality of life is significantly affected. Alongside this loss of amenity, you’ll also face the financial burden of costly repairs, replacing gear, and even a potential loss of income.

Our commitment goes beyond securing the maximum compensation; we also ensure you have access to essential resources like specialist medical treatment, physiotherapy, and adaptations to your motorcycle which may enable you to continue riding after serious injuries.

For a free claims assessment, contact our Motorcycle Accident Claims Solicitors. Ask if we can deal with your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Get in touch today!

Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010

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What Is a Motorcycle Accident Compensation Claim?

A motorcycle accident compensation claim is a legal process that allows you to seek financial compensation if you’ve been injured in a motorbike accident due to someone else’s negligence. This could involve another driver, a poorly maintained road, or other factors beyond your control. You may also be able to claim for damage to your bike, protective gear, and other financial losses.

How Are Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Caused?

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by factors such as:

  • Driver negligence or error: Failing to check mirrors or blind spots, misjudging speed, or not anticipating motorcyclists’ manoeuvres, such as during lane changes or merges.
  • Poor road conditions: Hazards like potholes, debris, and faulty or unclear signage. Road spillages, including oil, diesel, and mud, can also cause motorbikes to skid, leading to accidents.
  • Weather conditions: Rain, fog, ice, or wind can significantly impact visibility and traction, making both riding and the reactions of other road users more dangerous.
  • Reckless driving: This includes speeding, tailgating, aggressive manoeuvres, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Mechanical failures: Issues in the motorcycle or other vehicles, such as brake failure or worn tires, which can lead to a loss of control.
  • Junction collisions: Many motorcycle accidents occur near junctions, often caused by cars pulling into the path of a motorcyclist from side roads or while turning across traffic.
  • Opening car doors: Riders can be hit by motorists opening car doors into their path, especially in urban settings.
  • Filtering accidents: Motorcyclists filtering through slow or stopped traffic can be struck by vehicles changing lanes unexpectedly or without proper checks.
  • Hit-and-run incidents: Collisions where the at-fault driver leaves the scene, leaving the motorcyclist to deal with injuries and damages.

Roundabout risks: Vehicles entering a roundabout without noticing a motorcyclist already on it can lead to dangerous crashes. Understanding these potential contributing causes, and how they’ve impacted your accident, can help identify who was at fault.

Can I Make a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation. For passionate bikers, riding is a way of life, bringing joy, freedom, and a sense of community. An accident can disrupt these valuable parts of your life, making recovery even more challenging. Compensation can help remove some of the burden by covering bike repairs, replacement gear and lost income, as well as supporting your recovery.

Even if you think you were partially at fault, you could still make a claim under contributory negligence rules. Speaking to a specialist motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to review your case in detail and explore your legal options with confidence. In most cases, you must make your claim within three years of the accident. This three-year rule typically starts from the date of the accident or, in some cases, from when you first became aware of your injuries. However, exceptions can apply. For example:

  • If the injured person is a minor, the three-year limit begins on their 18th birthday.
  • If the individual lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit may be extended.

Our legal team will fully assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.

What Injuries Can I Claim For?

Motorcycle accidents can result in physical and psychological injuries, ranging from temporary to life-altering. Common injuries in motorcycle accident claims include:

  • Road rash, cuts, and bruises.
  • Soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons.
  • Broken bones and fractures, particularly collarbones, wrists, legs and arms.
  • Spinal injuries including slipped discs, spinal cord damage and full paralysis.
  • Head and brain injuries, including fractures, concussion and brain damage.
  • Psychological injuries such as trauma and anxiety.

The extent of your injuries will influence the amount of compensation you’re entitled to claim. Whatever injuries you’ve suffered, our aim will be to secure the best possible compensation figure for you.

What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Claim?

Gathering the right evidence is an important part of the motorbike injury claims process. With the right supporting documents, we can prove liability, strengthening your case.

If you can, safely gather evidence from the accident scene as soon as it’s happened. This can include photos or videos showing:

  • The location of the accident.
  • Marks on the road.
  • Your motorbike and the extent of damage.
  • Accident debris, such as broken bike or vehicle parts.
  • Street lights or traffic signs.

If you’ve been severely injured in your motorbike accident, and weren’t able to gather evidence at the time, we will explore other options. This could include CCTV, dash cams, and helmet cam footage.

Other evidence we will gather to support your claim include:

·       The other party’s contact and insurance information, and vehicle registration number.

  • Contact details of any witnesses.
  • Medical reports detailing your injuries.
  • Police accident reports.
  • Receipts for repairs or medical treatment.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can protect your safety and strengthen any potential compensation claim. If you can, you should:

  • Move to safety, if possible, but leave your motorcycle where it is.
  • Keep your helmet and other protective gear on.  
  • Dial 999 to request both police and ambulance assistance and report the accident.
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved.
  • If it’s safe to do so, take photos including your motorcycle and location.
  • Cooperate with Police, answering all questions honestly.
  • Contact specialist motorbike accident solicitors.

How Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Funded?

We offer No Win, No Fee agreements, meaning you won’t need to pay legal fees upfront. If your claim is successful, your fees will be deducted from your compensation. If it’s unsuccessful, you won’t pay anything. This ensures you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.

How Much Compensation Can I Get?

Payouts for motorbike accidents vary case-by-case. The amount of compensation you could receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries you’ve suffered, their impact on your life, and any financial losses you’ve incurred as a direct result.

What Can Motorcycle Accident Compensation Be Used For?

Your compensation settlement will help you get the care and support you need straight after your accident, along with covering any future care you will need. Compensation can be used for:

  • Medical and rehabilitation treatment you need.
  • Damage to your bike, helmet, gloves, boots and leathers.
  • Adaptations to your bike to allow you to ride again after a serious injury.
  • Expenses you’ve had to pay because of the accident, such as medication, prescription fees and taxi fares.
  • Any care and assistance provided by your relatives. This could include cleaning, cooking, washing and personal care.
  • Any lost earnings, or future lost earnings, you will have because of your accident.
  • Insurance policy excess.

At Simpson Millar, we can also:

  • Arrange an engineer’s inspection of your bike and safety equipment.
  • Help with the repairs to, or replacement of, your motorcycle.
  • Arrange physiotherapy and other rehabilitation treatments.
  • Help with modifications to your home if your injury causes disability, or help you find a new home that meets your needs if yours can’t be adapted.

Your compensation settlement will help you get the care and support you need straight after your accident, along with any future care you will need.

Can I Reclaim the Value of My Damaged Bike and Equipment?

Yes, you can claim for the repair or replacement of your damaged motorcycle and any protective gear, such as helmets and clothing, if they were damaged in the accident.

Who Pays Motorcycle Accident Compensation?

Typically, compensation is paid by the at-fault party’s insurance provider. If the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to pursue a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) for compensation.

Can I Receive Interim Compensation Payments?

Possibly. If you have urgent medical or financial needs, we may apply for an interim payment of compensation. This means you don’t have to wait until the case settles before you can access some of the specialist care, treatment or financial support you need.

Interim payment can also help cover your daily living expenses if you're unable to work due to your injuries, offering vital support whilst your case is being resolved.

Your solicitor will let you know if interim compensation payments are an option for you, and guide you through the process.

What’s Included in Motorcycle Accident Compensation?

Your compensation will be made up of two key categories: General Damages and Special Damages.

  • General Damages covers compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, and the specific injuries you've sustained.
  • Special Damages accounts for any financial losses you've experienced as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, or the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Together, these ensure that both your personal suffering and the financial impact of the accident are fully addressed.

Can You Help with My Rehabilitation and Recovery?

When a biking accident affects your ability to ride, it impacts much more than just your physical health. That's why at Simpson Millar we believe in a holistic approach to recovery.

We will arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical specialist to ensure your unique care and support needs are fully understood and included in your claim. This means you’ll have access to the right help for as long as you need it.

We can also:

  • Arrange private medical treatment, physiotherapy and other rehabilitation treatments.
  • Help with modifications to your home if your injury causes disability, or help you find a new home that meets your needs if yours can’t be adapted.
  • Arrange an engineer’s inspection of your bike and safety equipment.
  • Help with the repairs to, or replacement of, your motorcycle.

With years of experience, we partner with top case managers and medical professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care so you can focus on getting back to the life you love.

How Long Does the Motorcycle Accident Claims Process Take?

The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the other side accepts responsibility. Some claims may be resolved in as little as six months, while others could take longer, particularly if there is an inquest or police investigation involved, which can extend the process.

For serious injuries, we need to gather detailed evidence about the injuries and medical prognosis, which can influence how long this takes. While the claim progresses, we can secure interim payments to help with immediate financial needs, such as therapy, treatment, and lost earnings. These payments ensure you have the support you need while we work towards achieving the best outcome for your case as quickly as possible.

What Are the Time Limits for Motorcycle Accident Claims?

You have three years from the date of your motorcycle accident to make a claim. The sooner you start your claim, the easier it is for us to collect evidence and prove your case. If a child under the age of 18 is injured, the three-year limitation period starts from their 18th birthday.

Can I Make a Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?

Motorcycle accident claims can result in catastrophic injuries and sometimes death. If a family member has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and is unable to make a claim themselves, you can act on their behalf. When this happens, the person making the claim is known as a Litigation Friend, typically a family member or another responsible adult.

If you find yourself in this situation, we can guide you through the process of making a claim for someone else. We understand that dealing with a loved one’s serious injury can be incredibly distressing. Our personal injury advisors are here to support you and help you understand the next steps involved in securing the compensation your loved one may need.

What Happens If the Other Side Doesn’t Accept Liability?

We are committed to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. If the other party denies liability or their offer isn’t fair, we may advise pursuing court proceedings. When this happens, we’ll continue negotiating and aim to reach a settlement before going to court wherever possible.

Whilst most road traffic accident claims are resolved without the need for court action, in some instances, it may be necessary to secure the right outcome.

If the other party believes you should accept a share of the liability, you can still claim on that basis, accepting a slightly reduced compensation package. We call this Shared Liability.

Whatever happens, our experienced solicitors will be with you every step of the way to provide support and robust representation.

Can I Claim for Accidents Caused by Poorly Maintained Roads?

Yes, if your accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, you can pursue a claim against the relevant local authority responsible for road maintenance. We can help you gather the necessary evidence to support this claim.

Motorbike Accident Claim Tips

Taking the right steps after a motorbike accident can help with your recovery and strengthen your claim. Our motorcycle accident claim tips include:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. A medical report is important for your claim.
  • Collect evidence at the accident, safely take photos of the scene, your bike, other vehicles, and road conditions to back up your case.
  • Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report for your claim.
  • Contact a specialist solicitor to handle your claim independently, rather than accepting help via an insurer, to ensures that every aspect is considered and you get the best possible result.
  • Don’t delay making a claim, acting quickly helps ensure you get the help you need when you need it most.
  • Don’t accept early offers from the other side, as they’re likely to be lower than you’re entitled to.

Why Choose Our Motorbike Accident Solicitors?

At Simpson Millar, we understand the joy of riding. With experienced bikers in our legal team, we also know first-hand the specific risks motorcyclists face on the roads.

Our specialist road accident solicitors are here to support you every step of the way, making sure you get the best possible outcome to help you recover and move forward. Whether you're looking to get back on your bike or adjust to more serious injuries, we’ll fight for the financial support you need.

When you choose us, you’ll receive expert legal representation, a No Win, No Fee agreement, and a team that prioritises your recovery above all else.

FAQs

If the other party is uninsured, you can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Our specialist solicitors are here to guide you through the intricacies of making a mib personal injury claim.

You may still be eligible for compensation even if you share some fault for the accident. This is known as a “contributory negligence” claim. We recommend you speak to one of our personal injury solicitors  to review the details comprehensively and fully understand your legal options.

Getting the right care quickly can help your recovery. That’s why we make it a priority to secure early payments to fund your rehabilitation and treatment as soon as possible.

We partner with top case managers and medical professionals to ensure you have access to the best possible care throughout. If you need extra emotional and practical support, we can connect you with organisations who can help you with your needs.

We understand that the impact of a motorcycle accident extends beyond physical injuries and financial burdens, affecting your ability to enjoy the things you love.

At Simpson Millar, experience as motorcyclists, combined with our expertise as motorcycle accident solicitors, ensures we provide the best support for injured riders every step of the way. Together, we’ll secure the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on what truly matters; your recovery.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact us today for your Free, Initial Expert Claims Assessment, and let us help you get back on track.

Get in touch, today!

Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010

This data will only be used by Simpson Millar in accordance with our Privacy Policy for processing your query and for no other purpose