It's all too common for motorcyclists to be injured due to inattention and carelessness of other road users, and for many of those injuries to be serious. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation for many, and their usage is only increasing. Between 2020 and 2022, the government noted a 12% increase in motorcyclist traffic.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are also among some of the more vulnerable road users, and are all-too-often victims of the inattention or carelessness of other road users. In 2022, nearly 17,000 motorcyclist injuries were reported – including 350 casualties.
Lives can be changed in an instant as a result of a motorbike accident. If you’ve suffered injuries as a result, you are entitled to claim compensation, not just for the pain and suffering caused, but also for any lost wages, treatment or rehabilitation you may need to aid in your recovery.
Compensation might not be the first thing on your mind after a motorbike accident, but pursuing a claim can help provide the resources you need to put your life back together – whether that is helping you and your family come to terms with the accident and any injuries caused, or covering the cost of any financial losses.
At Slater and Gordon, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible support for those who’ve suffered as a result of a motorbike accident. Our specialist motorcycle accident lawyers are recognised as leaders in the industry, and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for our clients, whatever their circumstance.
What does a motorcycle accident compensation claim include?
When making a claim for a motorbike accident, the damages you can claim for fall into two categories; general and special.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
You will also be able to claim for the cost of any repairs your motorcycle may need or, if it is beyond repair, you can claim for the market value of your motorcycle so you can replace it.
How much compensation will I receive for a motorcycle accident claim?
The level of compensation you might expect will depend on how serious the injuries are and how many financial losses you've incurred, such as travel expenses, medical expenses and loss of earnings. If you need any rehabilitation, physiotherapy or treatment as a result of the accident, we can also seek to recover these costs.
Watch Nick's story
Watch Nick's story and how we helped him recover after a horrific motorcycle accident that resulted in him losing a leg.
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What are the time limits for making a motorcycle accident compensation claim?
In the majority of cases, you have to submit your claim to the court within three years of a motorcycle accident. However, time limits vary in different circumstances, and you can sometimes have more or less time.
For instance, if your accident happened abroad, you may be subject to different rules depending upon the country you were in at the time. The time limit may also be different if you’re claiming on behalf of someone else.
It's therefore extremely important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible following a motorcycle accident.
How long will a motorcycle accident claim take?
There are many factors that contribute to how long your motorcycle accident claim might take to process. As you might expect, how serious your injuries are can be a significant factor, as well as whether the insurer of the driver you believe was responsible for the accident accepts responsibility.
Once our experts understand the circumstances of your case, they'll advise you on how long you may expect the claim to take.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
The injuries caused by a motorbike accident can be life-altering. We understand how difficult a time this can be for injured motorcyclists and their families, which is why we strive to provide a service that surpasses expectations.
Our team is consistently ranked highly in reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are among the best and most experienced injury lawyers in the country. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure each and every one of our clients receives the best possible outcome, both in terms of finances and future care. We also have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
Can I still make a motorcycle accident claim if I was partly at fault?
Not every motorcycle accident is caused entirely because of the inattention of other road users. As with any road traffic accident, there are many instances where both parties are partly to blame. However even if you believe you may have been partly responsible, you may still be entitled to compensation, so it is always best to seek specialist advice.
Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?
If you’ve been injured in a motorbike accident, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon.
What should I do if the motorist to blame was uninsured or cannot be traced?
It is still possible to pursue a motorcycle accident claim if the driver at fault is uninsured or cannot be traced. The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) was set up to help people who have suffered as a result of an uninsured or untraceable driver, and any claims made through them will consider damage to your vehicle and property, as well as any injuries sustained.
Can I make a no win no fee motorcycle accident claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a conditional fee arrangement, more commonly known as No Win No Fee. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, no win no fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team.
Can I make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in an accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity
Claiming for someone with life-changing injuries
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert solicitors will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson