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 hurt in an incident that wasn't your fault, our motorcycle accident lawyers could help you claim compensation.
Can I claim compensation for injuries in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcyclists are amongst some of the more vulnerable road users and are all-too-often victims of the inattention or carelessness of other road users. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Compensation might not be the first thing on your mind after an accident, but pursuing a motorbike accident 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, accessing rehabilitation 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 injuries because of other road users. 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.
How common are motorbike accidents?
It is a sad truth that motorcyclists are disproportionately injured on the road in the UK, as they are much more vulnerable.
According to data published by the government, motorcycle accidents on UK roads caused an average of six fatalities and 101 serious injuries a week between 2020 and 2024. The most common cause of these accidents was recorded as ‘ineffective observation by either the driver or rider or pedestrian’.
Lives can be changed in an instant by inattentive and reckless behaviours on the road. If you’ve suffered injuries as a result, you are entitled to claim motorcycle accident compensation, not just for the pain and suffering caused, but also for any lost wages, treatment or rehabilitation you may need to aid you in your recovery.
What are common motorbike accident injuries to claim for?
In 2024, motorcycle accidents accounted for a wide range of injuries caused on UK roads; 10,152 motorcyclists suffered ‘minor’ injuries in collisions, while 5,468 were seriously injured and 340 sadly died due to their injuries.
There are many ways a motorcyclist could be injured in an accident on the road. Some of the most common injuries we support clients with include:
Road rash: this is caused when a motorcyclist skids across the ground, damaging the skin. It can vary in severity and be incredibly painful, with more serious cases sometimes requiring a skin graft.
Broken or fractured bones: this is a common injury in motorcycle accidents, often caused by the collision or from falling from the bike.
Head injuries: head injuries can be incredibly dangerous, ranging from mild concussion to traumatic brain injuries that can have a significant and potentially life-long impact.
Spinal injuries: spinal injuries carry significant risk of long-term or permanent damage. Again, the severity can vary, from temporary loss of movement or a mild loss of sensation to long-term paralysis.
Leg injuries: this is a common area of the body to suffer injury in a motorcycle accident, including dislocations, fractures, broken bones, and crush injuries. In the most severe cases, leg injuries can result in amputation.
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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How does a motorbike accident injury claim work?
Making a motorcycle accident claim can seem daunting, but our industry-leading motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. With a holistic and compassionate approach that prioritises your care and recovery, we take the hard work and stress out of making a claim. Our experienced team will handle the paperwork, communications, and negotiations, providing industry-leading legal expertise and guidance at every stage.
To start your motorcycle accident claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team, who will discuss the details of your case with you.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible.
To support your claim, we’ll help you gather all the relevant evidence, including accessing your medical records (with your permission) and arranging for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence in cases such as this.
As part of your claim, our experts will advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and support to maximise the chances of you achieving a full recovery and future independence. This includes support from our in-house rehabilitation coordinator and relationship manager
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court to be decided on by a judge.
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: this 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: this 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). Special damages include financial losses up to the date of settlement and any future financial losses that you are likely to incur, for example for future care and rehabilitation.
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 injury claim?
The level of compensation you could be awarded for a motorcycle accident depends on a range of factors, most notably the severity of your injuries and the extent of any financial losses you may have incurred as a result.
Generally, the more severe your injuries, the more compensation you could be owed. This is because severe injuries have a significant impact on your well-being and day-to-day life, as well as carrying the potential to impact your earning capabilities in both the short and long term.
The compensation you are awarded will consider many different factors, including financial losses during your recovery (such as travel expenses, medical treatment costs, and loss of earnings) and in the longer term (if you have, for example, had to change job roles due to your injuries or can no longer work, and future care and rehabilitation costs).
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
If you’ve been involved in a motorbike accident, you will understandably be shaken and emotional. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. However, it is important to take steps to protect yourself (and potentially others) from further harm and safeguard your legal right to compensation.
Where it is possible, you should attempt to follow the steps below:
Check yourself and any others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for an ambulance (and the police) immediately.
Move to safety. If possible, move yourself off the road to prevent any further risk of injury or harm to you or other road users.
Exchange details with the other parties involved. Try to collect the names, contact details and insurance information from any parties directly involved in the accident, and collect the contact details of any witnesses.
Gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident, including where on the road it occurred, any relevant signage or road markings, road conditions, the damage caused to your bike and any other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
Speak to a specialist motorbike accident lawyer. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation to help support your recovery and cover any financial losses you have suffered. Speak to our specialist motorcycle accident claim team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to find out how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s motorbike accident lawyers?
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 are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), showcasing our dedication to providing the highest quality of legal services
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
Our team includes an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Why choose Slater and Gordon as your motorcycle accident law firm?
Expertise
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 with a motorcycle accident lawyer via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Can I still make a motorcycle accident compensation claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, you can still make a claim for motorcycle accident compensation if you were partially 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.
In these cases, you can still make a claim for compensation, though it will be reduced to reflect your own role in the accident. This is known as contributory negligence or split liability. We will negotiate with the Defendant to agree the extent to which your actions contributed to the accident/your injuries. This contribution is then reflected in a percentage deduction from any compensation you receive.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, the final sum of compensation awarded for your injuries and financial loss will be reduced by 20%.
Can I change solicitors when I’ve already started my motorcycle accident claim?
Yes, you can. You are entitled to choose your own representation in any legal proceedings, which means that you can change your solicitors whenever you wish, even if you have already started your claim.
There are many reasons you may wish to switch your solicitor, including a lack of expertise, poor communication, and delays in progressing your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a motorbike accident, and you feel that you're not getting the support and 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?
You can still make a claim against a driver who fled the scene or was uninsured at the time of the accident, though the process will differ slightly.
In cases where a driver cannot be tracked down or they were uninsured, the claim is instead handled by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB was set up by the government to provide compensation to those injured in accidents involved uninsured or untraced drivers.
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 after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert motorcycle accident lawyers will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
What are the time limits for making a motorcycle accident compensation claim?
In the UK, the time limit for making a motorcycle accident claim is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim for compensation.
There are exceptions to the three-year time limit. For instance:
If you were in a motorcycle accident abroad, the time limits could vary depending on which country you were in at the time.
If you are claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so for themselves, there is no time limit for starting the claim.
If the injured person is a child, they have until their 21st birthday to start the court claim for compensation.
We strongly recommend that you start your claim as soon as possible, to avoid losing access to any important evidence.
What evidence do I need to make a motorbike accident claim?
To make a successful motorbike accident claim, we will need to gather all the relevant information and evidence to support your case and prove the other party (or parties) involved were at fault.
Evidence you may be asked to provide could include:
medical records that detail your injuries and their impact on your quality of life
photographic evidence from the scene of the accident, including the location, any damage caused to your motorbike and other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries sustained in the accident
video evidence (if available), such as CCTV or dashcam footage
witness statements from those involved in the accident and anyone who witnessed it occur
a record of any financial losses you have incurred due to the accident and/or your injuries
Who pays the compensation in a motorcycle accident claim?
This will largely depend on the circumstances of the accident, though generally speaking it is the responsible party’s insurance company who pays the compensation awarded in a successful motorcycle accident claim.
However, in cases where the party at fault was uninsured or fled the scene and could not be traced, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) will pay the compensation. The MIB was set up by the government to provide the victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers compensation after an accident. It is funded by all insurance companies who operate in the UK.
How long will a motorbike accident claim take?
There are many factors that contribute to how long your motorbike accident injury 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.
Will I get help with my recovery as part of my claim?
Yes. At Slater and Gordon, we take pride in our holistic and compassionate approach to the personal injury claims we pursue – including motorcycle accident claims.
Our priority is your recovery, and we work closely with rehabilitation professional, and support organisations to provide our clients with access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation possible.
We can help secure your access to a range of services, including physiotherapy, counselling, and private medical care, as well as any mobility and recovery aids, equipment, or adaptations to your home that you may need.
To find out more about how we can support you with your recovery throughout your claim and beyond, speak to a member of our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will I have to go to court for a motorbike accident claim?
It is very unlikely that you will need to go to court for your motorcycle accident claim, as most of the claims we pursue are settled through negotiations with the other party (or parties) involved.
Where disputes about liability or the amount of compensation you are entitled to arise, we will work hard to resolve these issues quickly. Both sides of the claim must follow the Pre-Action Protocols to attempt to resolve the issue without going to court.
In rare cases, when disputes cannot be settled, and a court hearing is necessary ask a judge to decide on the case. In this situation, your solicitor will talk you through what will happen next and will continue to represent you throughout proceedings.
Do I need to have a medical exam for a motorcycle accident claim?
Yes, you will likely be required to undergo an independent medical examination with an independent medical expert.
This is an essential part of collecting the evidence we will need to support your case. The report produced by the expert will document the severity of your injuries, the impact they have on your daily life now and in the future, and any care or treatment needs you may have.
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