Home > Personal Injury > Road Traffic Accidents > Motorbike compensation claims advice for personal injuries following motorcycle accidents

Motorbike compensation claims advice for personal injuries following motorcycle accidents

Personal injury compensation claims advice for motorcycle accidents

• We are tenacious, tough and caring
• We guarantee that you will keep 100% of your settlement
• You will not pay any legal fees

In 2006, over 23,000 motorcyclists or their passengers were injured or killed in a motorcycling accident. The Government and all Agencies are committed to improving motorcycle safety and reducing the number of casualties with personal injuries as a result of motorbike accidents.

If you are one of the unlucky individuals who have suffered a personal injury during a motorbike accident, you need expert, experienced legal advice to ensure you receive the motorcycle accident compensation to which you are entitled.

Contact Clear Answers' personal injury solicitors, who have such experience, on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisors, who will be able to assess whether or not you have a valid motorbike compensation claim. Alternatively fill out one of our online compensation claim forms and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.

Strict time limits apply for making a personal injury compensation claim, so please seek expert legal advice as soon as you think you may have a valid accident claim.

Motorcycling – the benefits
Information about the benefits of using two-wheeled transport
Motorcycle accident statistics
Latest statistics available from the Office of National Statistics
Motorbike accidents - how to avoid accidents and personal injuries
Tips on how to protect yourself against personal injury or accident
Motorcycling – the future
Information on government initiatives to improve motorcycle safety and reduce personal injuries
Motorbike accident experts
How Clear Answers can help you if you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident resulting in personal injury
Motorbike compensation claims and other RTA cases that we have dealt with
Details of personal injury compensation claim cases which Clear Answers have successfully fought
Motorcycle and road traffic accident news stories
News stories on all types of personal injury compensation claims
Motorcycle accident compensation
What you can expect if you decide to pursue a motorbike compensation claim for personal injury
Motorbike compensation claim
How to contact Clear Answers if you think you have a valid personal injury compensation claim

Motorcycling - the benefits

Congestion on our roads has reached such a level that a growing number of commuters are turning to motorcycles, scooters or mopeds as an alternative, and usually quicker, method of getting to work or education. Moreover, the number who just enjoy the pleasure of biking is increasing too, with many who gave up motorcycling years before for various reasons, are returning to this leisure activity.

The cost of motoring by car is becoming increasingly prohibitive and has led over recent years to many choosing the motorbike option for financial reasons.

Motorcycles also provide a greater sense of independence and mobility for many, often widening their employment opportunities, particularly where public transport is limited, such as rural areas.

Environmentally, motorcycles are considered on most levels to be more friendly than other classes of vehicles, though of course much depends on the circumstances surrounding the change from a car to the motorcycle. If the choice is between car and motorcycle, clearly the latter takes up less space and burns less fuel. But if the choice is between public transport and the motorcycle, then the impact on congestion is actually detrimental.

[ Back To List ]

Motorcycle accident statistics

In 2006, overall motorcycle casualties fell by 6% over the previous year, but there were 599 motorbike users killed (including passengers) which is 5% higher than in 2005. So although the total number of motorcycle users suffering personal injury or even being killed fell, the actual number of fatalities rose.

Despite motorcyclists making up only about 1% of the total traffic, almost 19% of people killed in road accidents in 2006 were involved in a motorcycle accident. Almost another 6,000 bikers or their passengers suffered serious injuries such as brain damage, loss of limbs, paralysis and other life-changing conditions.

In real terms, the overall number of motorcycle casualties has fallen dramatically, though the government is committed to also reducing the number of fatalities. Motorcycle accident statistics show that a quarter of all accidents where people are killed or seriously injured, involve no other road users.

Statistically, motorcyclists are more likely to have an accident within the first few miles of the start of their journey, regardless of the actual length of that journey. And the cause is more likely to be due to others involved in the accident not having seen them, despite the motorcyclist having the right of way.

However, it should also be remembered that motorcycling has grown by a third over the last decade, and sales of new motorcycles have more than doubled since the early 1990’s. The Motor Cycle Industry Association reports that just over half of these new sales are under 500cc, while the DfT [Compendium of Motorcycle Statistics 2006] figures show that more than half of motorcycle mileage is for work, business or education purposes. It estimates that 4 out of 5 trips take place Monday - Friday and both the length of the journey and the time spent riding has also increased in the last few years.

For more information on motorcycle casualty trends, and other road casualties, go to the the Department for Transport website to see their latest Road Casualties Reports.

An In-depth Study of Motorcycle Accidents was also published by the University of Nottingham in 2004, which can be found on the Department for Transport website.

[ Back To List ]

Motorbike accidents - how to avoid accidents and personal injuries

Motorcycling – Defensive Riding Techniques

If you are a motorcyclist, you need to make sure that your own behaviour and performance is not going to result in an accident and / or personal injury. Although you cannot be sure other road users are not going to take actions that are going to put you at risk and cause road traffic accidents, you can make sure you have the best protection you can give yourself.

Junctions – Plan Ahead

1 in 5 accidents involving motorcycles occurs when the motorcyclist has the right of way. Poor visibility can result in other vehicles crossing the motorcyclist’s path, either to enter or exit a side road or driveway. Roundabouts are particularly hazardous for this type of accident as there are many opportunities for vehicles to exit and enter whilst trying to pay attention to several other hazards at the same time. Try to anticipate and avoid these risks by:

Scanning the scene ahead, check for vehicles waiting to enter or exit the junction and be ready to take appropriate action such as slowing down, or even taking evasive action if required. This can also apply to driveways in urban areas, particularly when vehicles might be reversing into the flow of traffic.
Making sure your speed is within the legal limits, but more importantly, within the limits for the environment and road or weather conditions at the time.
Checking the speed of any vehicles ahead, they may not be able to manoeuvre as quickly as a motorbike so you need to be aware of their limitations as you approach.
Making sure you are visible; don’t approach from behind other vehicles moving towards the junction.
Be aware of obstructions that can obscure you from the drivers of vehicles waiting to turn, such as lampposts, telegraph poles, vegetation, parked vehicles, and even vehicles exiting from driveways.

Overtaking – Consider The Dangers

1 in 5 accidents involving motorcyclists take place whilst the motorcyclist is overtaking and of those, 1 in 3 takes place when the motorcyclist is passing slow or stationary vehicles. The most common type of accident involves other vehicles turning into the path of the motorcycle, either a U-turn or turning right, without being aware of the approaching motorcyclist. Reduce your risk of being involved in this type of accident by:

Taking care when approaching from the rear of a vehicle, remember the driver may not be aware of your presence. If you are approaching quickly, even the most observant driver may not be aware every second what is behind him.
Being ready to take evasive action if the vehicle you are overtaking makes a sudden change in speed or direction.
Scanning the scene ahead for the possible appearance of other vehicles, for example from side roads, or driveways, the drivers of which may not have seen your swift approach. If possible, always avoid overtaking close to these hazard spots.
Remembering that if you are overtaking, vehicles coming in the opposite direction may not be aware that your speed will be greater than that of the more visible vehicle ahead of you. They may try to turn in front of that vehicle, not allowing for the faster motorbike reaching the cross-over point before the manoeuvre is complete.
Trying to make yourself as visible as possible by leaving as much space between you and the vehicle you are overtaking as road conditions will allow. This should have the effect of separating the bike from the outline of the other vehicle.

Bends – Beware Of The Conditions

1 in 4 motorcycle accidents take place on bends, often when there is no other vehicle involved. Take care that you are in full control of the bike at all times by:

Taking account of conditions such as road surface and the weather and adjusting your speed to allow for any eventuality.
Ensuring that your speed is not exceeding that which is safe to control the negotiation of the bend.
Anticipating hazards which may be on the other side of the bend, hidden to you as you approach.
Being prepared to take evasive action quickly but in a controlled manner.

Visibility – Be Aware Of The Need To Be Seen

A review of insurance claim evidence following many accidents involving motorcyclists, suggests that where the accident is caused by the driver of another vehicle, that driver has commented that they just did not see the motorcyclist. Whilst it is important to promote greater awareness by those drivers, the motorcyclist can play their part in making their journey safer, and reducing the risk of personal injury, by ensuring their own visibility and safety by following a few simple guidelines:

Fluorescent clothing, particularly during twilight or dark hours, will help to draw other road users’ attention to your approach. Always chose CE marked clothing that is specially designed to protect you, and reduce the risk of personal injury, in the event of an accident.
Dipped headlights should ensure you are seen both by drivers ahead of you in traffic when approaching from the rear, and drivers of oncoming traffic. Even in daylight, this is good practice.
Protective motorcycling clothing must be worn at all times to minimise the risk of personal injury should you be involved in a road traffic accident, particularly an approved motorcycle helmet. It should fit your head correctly and if it becomes damaged at all, replace it immediately.

Other Road Users – How To Avoid Accidents Involving Motorcycles

Whilst motorcyclists should take care to make themselves seen, ride in a manner appropriate to conditions at the time, and with consideration to other road users, it is also important that all road users become more aware, more observant, and act sensibly to avoid possible motorcycle accidents.

Be aware at junctions, side roads, or even driveways, look all around you and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles.
Always check all around you before opening doors onto the road.
When overtaking, check all around before pulling out.
When pulling out from the curb, check all around before pulling out.
Anticipate that a motorcyclist may be travelling faster than your vehicle, or one approaching from the opposite direction, and make allowances before turning, particularly across the path of the motorbike.

[ Back To List ]

Motorcycling - the future

The increasing congestion on our roads means that a growing number are turning to the motorcycle or other two-wheeled transport as a means of getting to work or education, as well as the many that just enjoy the pleasure of riding. This choice is also one being taken by those who find the cost of motoring by car increasingly prohibitive. Over recent years, the number of people making this choice has fluctuated, but even more recently there has been a significant increase in the numbers owning motorcycles, scooters etc.

This increase prompted the government to set about building a national strategy for motorcycling, and established the Advisory Group on Motorcycling in 1999. The group’s objective was to seek advice from a wide range of representatives of all motorbike users, and others involved in and around the safety, design and manufacture of motorcycles or the road network.

The first interim report was published in 2004, and the Government's Motorcycling Strategy was published in February 2005. Its main aim was to ensure that motorcycling was seen as part of the mainstream of motoring, and an increasingly modern and popular mode of transport on our increasingly congested roads. The report aims to provide initiatives towards the future design and development of our road networks to provide a safer environment for the motorcyclist, with smarter traffic management. Local Authorities, the police, the motorcycling community and others all need to work towards target timescales to achieve these aims.

Motorcycle manufacturers will be encouraged to develop engines and emission technology that will improve fuel efficiency as well as better environmental performance.
Maintenance of existing roads and design of new ones needs to give attention to the specific needs of motorcycling. The repair of manhole covers, and other road works, which can leave potholes or uneven surfaces that can destabilise two-wheeled vehicles, must be carried out to agreed and acceptable standards in order to reduce the number of accidents and / or personal injuries suffered by motorbike users.
The Highways Agency needs to review the design of road surfaces to prevent skidding at points where the motorcyclist might be leaning into a bend.

All these agencies have a part to play in making motorcycling a safer, environmentally friendly, and more enjoyable method of transport.

Riders in turn need to recognise their responsibilities to obtain proper training and ride within the law and driving conditions prevailing.

[ Back To List ]

Motorbike accident experts

Here at Clear Answers, our dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers that specialise in all types of road traffic accident claims, including motorbike compensation claims, has the relevant contacts to help substantiate your personal injury compensation claim.

In all cases, our specialist lawyers will provide motorbike claim advice to identify the most appropriate expert to provide an independent medical report on your personal injuries. We will arrange the appointment for you with the best expert for your circumstances, in a convenient location.

Our team of experts will ensure that:

The right doctor is instructed to report on your personal injury. This could be an orthopaedic consultant, or a neurologist.
If disputed, we may ask an accident reconstruction expert with a specialism in motorcycle related accidents, or an engineer, to help us to prove the way your accident happened and to increase your chances of a successful motorbike compensation claim. They may also be asked to give evidence in court.

[ Back To List ]

Motorbike compensation claims and other RTA cases that we have dealt with

Clear Answers has extensive experience in dealing with accidents involving motorbikes and motorcyclists, and in fact, all types of road traffic accidents, with very many satisfied clients. Please go to our Road Traffic Accidents That We Have Dealt With section to read just a few examples of our successful road accident compensation claim cases.

[ Back To List ]

Motorcycle and road traffic accident news stories

Please also visit our News Section to view stories of successful personal injury compensation claims that Clear Answers solicitors have been involved in. Below is just a sample of a successful claim for motorbike injury compensation, plus a related news story which we hope will be of interest.

20 mph speed limits reduce road accident casualties by 40%

According to the British Medical Journal, a report published in December 2009 found that the introduction of 20 mph speed limits in some urban areas of London has resulted in a reduction in road accident casualties of over 40%.

The number of pedestrians injured in road accidents fell by a third, cyclists almost 17%, and two-wheeled powered vehicles also by a third.
More about 20 mph speed limits reduce road accident casualties by 40%

Breach of regulations governing road signage leads to serious head injuries

Our client received a serious head injury when he lost control of his motorbike on a stretch of road which had been recently repaired, but which, at the time of his motorcycle accident, had no visible warning sign to alert him to the danger ahead.

Our specialist road traffic accident lawyers, who have extensive experience in both serious injury compensation claims, and motorcycle compensation claims, were asked for their personal injury claims advice on pursuing an accident claim for compensation on his behalf.
More about Breach of regulations leads to motorbike accident and serious head injuries

[ Back To List ]

Motorcycle accident compensation

Many motorcycle accident compensation claims are settled within a year. Our specialist lawyers will strive to gain maximum compensation in the quickest possible time.

However, if your motorbike compensation claim is more complicated or your injuries are more serious, then a compensation claim can take slightly longer as it is crucial that we properly identify the appropriate level of compensation. The compensation that you recover can substantially affect your future independence, and your quality of life, if you have suffered very serious injuries. Clear Answers has a history of recovering appropriate compensation for people who have suffered debilitating personal injuries and securing vital payments for those involved.

Even though many motorcycle accidents occur around similar circumstances, the injuries and effect on the individual is unique. This makes every motorcycle compensation claim different. We recognise this and tailor our specialist advice to your individual needs. Our specialist lawyers understand that you, your injuries and your compensation claim are individual and will treat you and your family as individuals.

[ Back To List ]

Motorbike compensation claim

Clear Answers Solicitors operate on a cost free basis. If your claim is successful, you will keep 100% of any compensation awarded to you. Whether you win or lose, you will not pay a penny, your legal costs are paid by the person who caused the motorbike accident.

If you or a member of your family have been injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, contact Clear Answers' personal injury solicitors on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisors who will be able to assess whether or not you have a valid motorcycle compensation claim. Alternatively fill out one of our online compensation claim forms.

Please visit our section on information and advice for more details on making a personal injury compensation claim, or our gathering information and evidence section for details on what to do if you are involved in an accident.

[ Back To List ]