Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries, cause expensive damage to your motorcycle, and affect your confidence on the road, and many drivers are not tuned in to look out for them, particularly at junctions.

As a motorcyclist, you should not have to take any risks that other road users do not have to worry about, especially not because of the lack of care of these road users. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Doing so can help you to recover any funds that you lost due to expensive medical care, lost income, or making repairs to your motorcycle. It will also compensate you for any pain and suffering you experienced due to the severity of your injuries.

To learn more, browse the information below and consider calling the motorcycle accidents experts at Ramsdens Solicitors. We will discuss your situation over the phone and help you to understand your options. All of our personal injury claims are no win, no fee, meaning you face no financial risk when choosing to pursue compensation for a motorcycle accident with us. Call us today on 01484 821 500, or fill out an online contact form and we will be in touch at a time convenient for you.

How can Ramsdens Solicitors help with motorcycle accidents?

Ramsdens Solicitors offers comprehensive legal support for motorcycle accident victims. We have a dedicated team of experienced personal injury solicitors who specialise in motorcycle accident claims. When you first call us, we will hold an initial consultation to understand the circumstances of your accident, assess the potential for a claim, and advise you on the best course of action. Our team will gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim and represent you in all negotiations with the opposing party or their insurer.

If it is necessary to take your claim to court, our experienced solicitors will represent you in court throughout the legal proceedings, guiding you through each step.

Ramsdens has decades of experience in handling personal injury claims from road traffic accidents, including motorcycle injuries and fatalities. We understand the stress that can arise when motorcycle accidents occur and will work with you to provide you with the service you require.

How much compensation will I receive for a motorcycle accident claim?

The amount of compensation you may receive following a motorcycle accident varies greatly depending on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and any financial losses you have incurred. These can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, costs for future care and support, and expenses for damage to your motorcycle. Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity is also factored into the total.

The exact sum can only be estimated once all these elements have been thoroughly assessed.

What is included in motorcycle accident compensation?

Motorcycle accident compensation includes various elements designed to restore your financial position to what it would have been had the accident not occurred.

General damages: aim to compensate you for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you have experienced due to your accident. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, and is calculated based on recommendations given by the Judicial College Guidelines
Special damages: cover out-of-pocket expenses directly associated with the accident. This may include costs such as medical treatment and rehabilitation, travel expenses to and from medical appointments, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle
Loss of earnings: compensation can help if your injury has left you unable to work or has affected your future earning capacity. You can claim compensation for lost earnings during your recovery period, and projected future loss of income if your injury has left you unable to work
Care and assistance: if you require support with day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning or personal care, you may also claim for the cost of care, even if this has been provided by a family member

Please note that each case is unique and the specific elements that can be claimed for will depend on the individual circumstances of your accident. For an estimate of how much you may be able to claim, call our motorcycle accidentl experts today.

Can I make a no win, no fee claim?

We offer a no win, no fee service for all of our personal injury claims, including motorcycle accident claims. This means you will not have to personally pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, a portion of your compensation will be deducted as a contribution towards our fees. This approach is designed to reduce your financial risk and make the process of seeking compensation as accessible as possible.

What happens in a no win, no fee motorcycle accident claim?

In most cases, the personal injury claim process follows a general structure:

Initial consultation: your solicitor will discuss the details of your case, the likelihood of success, and explain how the no win, no fee agreement works
Agreement: if your case is deemed to have a reasonable chance of success, you and your solicitor will enter into a no win, no fee agreement. This agreement outlines that you will not pay any legal fees if the claim is unsuccessful. If the claim is successful, your solicitor's fees will be deducted from the compensation you receive
Evidence gathering: your solicitor will then build your case by gathering evidence. This may include medical reports that require you to undergo examinations, as well as witness statements, photos and finanial records.
Negotiating: once we have built a strong case, we will approach the other party with your claim and attempt to negotiate your compensation amount with them
Court proceedings: while personal injury claims are rarely taken to court, our solicitors are well-versed in presenting arguments and evidence in court and will be able to represent you should this step become necessary
Outcome: if your claim is successful, you will receive your compensation. a percentage of your compensation will be taken to cover your legal fees, which will be agreed upon in advance. If the claim is unsuccessful, you pay no legal fees. Some solicitors may recommend taking out an insurance policy to cover any other potential costs associated with the claim

Can I receive interim compensation payments?

You may be eligible to receive interim compensation payments. This can be extremely helpful in cases where you have suffered significant injuries and are facing immediate financial difficulties, such as inability to work, ongoing medical treatment costs, or a need for urgent care or rehabilitation.

Interim payments are made at the discretion of the court or the agreement of the party at fault, and typically occur when liability has been admitted but the final settlement amount is still being negotiated or awaiting court approval. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we understand the importance of interim payments in easing financial pressure during your recovery and will strive to secure them where possible.

Can Ramsdens help with my rehabilitation and recovery?

During our initial consultation, we will aim to understand your condition and recommend support structures for your recovery during the claims process. Your condition may warrant early rehabilitation, and we can look to assist with this in accordance with the Rehabilitation Code and the requirement for an Initial Needs Assessment (INA).

However, the most important way in which we can help you is by claiming the compensation you are entitled to and helping you to understand the purpose of it. Your compensation will not only help you to cover any costs you have incurred due to your injuries; it can also help you to seek further support and adaptations that you may need, but which were previously out of your financial scope. These may include changes to your living situation, travel provisions and therapy for your physical or mental health.

FAQs about motorcycle accidents

What are the symptoms of a serious motorcycle accident injury?

The symptoms of a serious motorcycle accident injury can vary widely based on the specific type of injury sustained, and can involve a range of physical, cognitive and emotional changes. Here are some common symptoms associated with specific types of serious injuries:

Head and brain injuries due to motorcyle accidents are common and serious, and they can manifest in many ways and have a range of symptoms, including severe headaches, memory loss, difficulty speaking and loss of consciousness. In more subtle cases, symptoms could include changes in personality, mood, or behaviour
Spinal cord injury symptoms can include loss of movement or sensation, including feeling and mobility in the lower parts of the body. Other signs may be loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, changes in sexual function, or severe pain
Bone fracture signs can include intense pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the affected limb
Internal injuries can be hard to detect, as they may not present obvious symptoms immediately after an accident. Signs to watch out for include pain in the abdomen, chest or neck, difficulty breathing, and dizziness or fainting (which could indicate internal bleeding). Visible signs may include deep bruising or wounds
Psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest following a particularly difficult experience, such as a motorcycle crash. Symptoms can include recurring, distressing memories or nightmares of the traumatic event, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping, and irritability or angry outbursts

These symptoms can emerge immediately following a motorcycle accident, or they may develop over time. Some symptoms, particularly those of serious internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. It is vital to seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, even if you do not initially feel seriously injured. A thorough medical evaluation can detect any serious injuries and underlying conditions, ensure you receive appropriate treatment, and provide vital documentation for any subsequent legal claims.

What situations allow for a motorcycle accident personal injury claim?

Motorcycle accident personal injury claims can typically be made in a range of situations where you have been injured due to the fault of another party. These situations can include:

Accidents caused by other road users: if another motorist, such as a car driver or cyclist, acted negligently or recklessly and caused the accident, you may have grounds to make a claim against them. This could include instances of speeding, dangerous overtaking, failing to yield, or driving under the influence
Accidents caused by poor road conditions: if your accident was caused by a poorly maintained road - for example, due to potholes, oil spills, loose gravel or inadequate signage - you could make a claim against the authority responsible for maintaining the road
Accidents involving uninsured or untraceable drivers: if you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident or by an uninsured driver, you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB)
Accidents at work: if your accident happened while you were riding a motorcycle for work, and was caused by a fault with the vehicle or other negligence on behalf of your employer, you could make a claim against them
Accidents involving defective motorcycles: if your accident was caused by a defect in your motorcycle that was due to the manufacturer's or servicing mechanic’s negligence, you could make a claim

In all of these cases, it is essential to prove that the other party was at fault and that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.

Can I make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of someone else?

You can make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of someone else in certain circumstances. These include:

A child: if the person involved in the motorcycle accident is under 18, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf
Someone who lacks mental capacity: if the injured person is unable to make the claim themselves due to mental incapacity, a representative can make a claim on their behalf
A deceased victim: for those involved in fatal motorcycle crashes, a representative, typically a close family member or the executor of their estate, can make a claim for the losses suffered as a result of their death

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we can assist you in making a claim on behalf of another person, providing guidance and support throughout the process.

Who pays motorcycle accident compensation?

Motorcycle accident compensation is typically paid by the insurance company of the party at fault for the accident.

If the accident was caused by another motorist, for instance, their motor insurance company would be responsible for paying the compensation. If the accident was caused by a road defect, the body responsible for maintaining the road would typically be liable to pay compensation. This may be a local council or highways agency.

In cases where the other party is uninsured or cannot be traced, as in a hit-and-run accident, claims can be made through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB is funded by insurance companies and was established to compensate victims in these situations.

What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Many motorbike accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers, but they can also be caused by rider error and other issues.

We have helped clients to claim compensation for motorcycle accidents caused by:

Road problems (potholes, debris etc.)
Error on the part of another motorist
Error on the part of a mechanic, instructed to maintain the motorcycle

We have also handled a variety of claims made by those riding pillion on a motorcycle who have been injured through no fault of their own.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, and you are unsure of where to go next, call us for a no-obligation conversation about your situation and your options. Our expert legal team will be happy to advise you.

What should I do directly after a motorcycle accident?

After a motorcycle accident, it is critical to follow these steps:

Ensure safety: first and foremost, ensure your safety and that of others. If possible, move to a safe location off the road to avoid further accidents
Call emergency services: dial 999 to report the accident and seek immediate medical assistance, even if injuries appear minor. Shock can mask the severity of injuries
Gather information: collect details of any other parties involved in the accident, including names, contact details, vehicle registration numbers and insurance information
Record details: note down specifics about the accident, such as the time, location, and weather conditions. Document the sequence of events leading up to the accident as you remember them
Witnesses: if there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact details. They may be called upon to provide a statement later
Photographs: if possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, visible injuries and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident
Report the accident: notify the police within 24 hours if you have not already done so. Also, report the accident to your insurance company
Legal advice: contact a motorcycle accidents specialist at Ramsdens Solicitors as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process to secure compensation

How are road and motorcycle accident injuries classified in the UK's legal system?

In the UK's legal system, road and motorcycle accident injuries are typically classified into three categories based on severity:

Minor injuries are injuries that result in minimal disability or disruption to everyday life. They typically require minimal medical treatment and have a good recovery prognosis, but are no less relevant in the claims process
Moderate injuries can cause significant pain and may require more extensive medical treatment. They may cause some level of temporary disability or disruption to your daily life
Severe or catastrophic injuries are life-altering injuries that can cause long-term or permanent disability. They typically require intensive medical care and rehabilitation, and they can have significant impacts on your quality of life and ability to earn a living. Examples of these types of injuries can include head injuries and paralysis

The classification of an injury will influence the amount of compensation awarded from a general damages perspective, with more serious injuries typically warranting higher compensation amounts. However, every case is unique, and the exact amount you could receive will depend on the individual circumstances of the claim.

Can motorcycle riders claim for accidents caused by poorly-maintained roads?

If it can be demonstrated that the authority responsible for maintaining the road - usually a local authority or highways agency - failed in its duty to maintain the road, then a claim can be made against them. Potholes, debris, or inadequate signage are examples of poor maintenance that can lead to serious motorcycle accidents.

These claims can be complex, as it needs to be shown that the authority was aware, or should have been aware, of the problem and had sufficient time to resolve it before the accident occurred. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have experience in handling such claims and can provide expert guidance in this area

Can I make a no win, no fee compensation claim after a motorcycle accident injury?

In the UK, you generally have three years to make a personal injury claim. Ramsdens deals with any valid claim under a no win, no fee approach. As long as you bring your claim within the three-year time limit following your accident, you can make a no win, no fee motorcycle accident claim with us.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit:

If you are claiming on behalf of a child, or you were a child at the time of your accident, the claim can be brought any time before the child's (or your) 21st birthday
If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has lost mental capacity, you may not be subject to a time limit

Contact us

Claiming compensation is essential following a motorcycle accident as you should not have to pay for costs that you incurred due to no fault of your own.

To find out more about our motorcycle accident claims service, call the Ramsdens team now using our free phone number 01484 821 500, email us or request a call back.