Compensation for motorbike accidents
If you've been injured in a motorbike accident that wasn't your fault, you are entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and related financial losses
How Much Could You Claim?

Motorbike Accident Claims

Motorbike accidents only make up a nominal percentage of road traffic accidents in the UK. However, injuries sustained in such circumstances can be severe, and accidents can be fatal. You may be eligible to make a motorbike accident claim if you have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence within the past three years.

An experienced solicitor will work closely with you to build a case and aim to achieve the highest compensation award possible. Your solicitor will help you understand the processes involved in making a claim. They will also help you manage your expectations about what will be required from you and how much compensation you are likely to be awarded.

To find out if you can claim motorbike accident compensation, call 0800 032 3660 to speak to a legal adviser. You can also arrange a call back by entering your details into our online claim form.

Most common situations leading to a motorbike accident claim

Statistics published by the Department for Transport show that an average of 6 motorcyclists died, and 111 were severely injured each week between 2016 and 2021. In 2022, there were 354 motorbike rider fatalities, accounting for 21% of all road fatalities.

Motorbike accidents, just like all other types of road accidents, can be due to a wide variety of factors. Some common causes of motorbike accidents are:

  • Negligent drivers. Most motorbike accidents occur due to the negligence of other drivers. Car or truck drivers may fail to check blind spots, make sudden lane changes, or disregard a motorbike rider’s right of way.
  • Distracted driving. Drivers using smartphones, texting, or engaging in other distractions while driving pose a significant risk to motorbike riders. These distractions can lead to accidents.
  • Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and can lead to a motorcycle crash, especially when drivers are unable to judge the speed of approaching motorbikes correctly.
  • Drunk driving. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making drunk drivers more likely to cause accidents.
  • Running red lights and stop signs. Drivers disregarding traffic signals can collide with motorbikes at intersections, leading to severe accidents.
  • Unsafe road conditions. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and slippery surfaces due to rain or oil spills can be hazardous for motorbike riders.
  • Motorbike defects. Mechanical failures or defects in the motorcycle itself, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to a motorbike compensation claim if somebody else is at fault.
  • Animals on the road. Collisions with animals like deer or dogs can cause motorbike accidents, especially in rural areas.
  • Pedestrians. Pedestrians who cross roads at non-designated crossing points or against traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way can also cause accidents and injuries.

Ascertaining the cause of the accident is essential. Your motorbike accident solicitor will work hard to determine what led to your accident and who may be liable for compensation.

Can I make a claim following my motorcycle crash?

If you suffered injuries due to a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses. You can find out if you have a valid motorbike accident claim within minutes. All you have to do is call 0800 032 3660 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether:

  • Your accident happened within the last three years (there are some exceptions to this rule)
  • Another party was responsible for it
  • They owed you a duty of care, which they breached by acting negligently
  • You have suffered injuries as a result

Even if you were partially to blame for the accident, you may still be able to make a motorcycle injury claim. In this event, your compensation award will be reduced to show your part of the blame. For example, if you were deemed 25% responsible for the accident, you would receive 75% of the compensation that would have been awarded to you if you had no fault at all.

To make a successful motorcycle accident compensation claim, you will need to be able to provide evidence of any injuries you sustained and prove that the responsibility for the cause of the accident lies with somebody else. Your solicitor will refer to the Road Traffic Act 1988 and other relevant laws to prove a breach of duty. They will also help you gather all the proof you need to support your claim.

If you have suffered a motorbike accident that resulted in injuries and the liability lies with another party, you will likely be able to make a successful compensation claim. Your personal injury solicitor will help you assess your eligibility and give you a guideline of the likely amount of compensation that your road accident claim could be worth.

What will I need to make a successful motorcycle injury claim?

To secure compensation in a motorbike accident claim, it is necessary to determine who was liable or responsible for the accident and your injuries. To prove liability, your solicitor will work closely with you to gather all the information you need. Supporting evidence and documents that will strengthen your case include the following:

  • Contact information of the party who was responsible for the accident;
  • Insurance details of the responsible party;
  • Name and contact information for any witnesses to the accident where possible;
  • Photographs of the accident scene. The photos should ideally show the positions of any vehicles involved in the accident, the damage caused, the condition of the road and any other relevant factors, such as weather or obstacles in your way;
  • Pictures of your injuries and damage to your property;
  • Your notes about how the accident occurred and how it has affected your life;
  • Copies of any police statements and hospital records;
  • Details of any injuries that you have suffered and medical evidence to support diagnosis and treatment;
  • Receipts for any therapies, medical care and travel-related expenses;
  • You should also try to secure any CCTV or dashcam footage if available.

Your solicitor will work with you to determine what information may be relevant to your case. Nonetheless, it is always wise to save and record as much information and documents as possible to present your legal team with as much detail as possible.

Common injuries seen in motorcycle accident compensation claims

Motorbike injuries can vary considerably depending on the scale of the accident. They can be both physical and psychological, ranging from minor to life-changing and even fatal. The type and severity of your injuries will be essential when calculating your motorbike accident compensation claim. Therefore, your solicitor will assess their full extent and any related long-term needs with the help of a medical specialist.

Some of the more common injuries leading to a motorcycle accident claim include:

  • Road rash. Road rash is a painful abrasion or friction burn that occurs when the skin comes into contact with the road surface during a fall. It can range from minor scrapes to deep, painful wounds.
  • Broken bones. The impact of a road accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, spine, and ribs.
  • Head injuries. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can result from head impacts in a motorbike accident. That is why wearing a helmet is essential for the safety of motorbike riders.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries. These may result in paralysis or loss of motor function below the injury site.
  • Soft tissue injuries. Ligament and tendon injuries, as well as damage to muscles and joints, can occur when you are injured in a motorbike accident. These can be painful and require extended recovery periods.
  • Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma during a motorcycle crash can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
  • Burns. Motorbike collisions can result in burn injuries from contact with hot engine parts, exhaust pipes, or road surfaces.
  • Amputations. In severe circumstances, amputations of limbs or digits may be necessary due to the extent of the injuries.
  • Psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological injuries can affect victims, leading to emotional distress and anxiety.
  • Lacerations. Broken glass, debris, or sharp objects on the road can cause severe cuts that may require stitches or surgical treatment. These injuries have a high risk of infection and will likely lead to scarring.
  • Facial injuries. Injuries to the face, including facial fractures and dental and eye injuries, can occur due to broken glass and impact with the road or other vehicles.
  • Whiplash. Neck and cervical spine injuries, such as whiplash, can result from the sudden deceleration or impact in an accident. Whiplash symptoms may take a few days to appear after the accident.

Can a motorbike accident solicitor help with my recovery?

Your motorbike accident solicitor will assess your claim before calculating the compensation award you may be entitled to receive. That includes a free medical assessment to determine the extent and impact of your injuries and identify your present and future medical needs.

The Rehabilitation Code is a set of guidelines and principles that promote early intervention and recovery in the motorbike injury compensation process. It provides a framework for the two parties to work together to ensure that the claimant’s health, quality of life and ability to work are restored as much as possible to the position they were in before the accident.

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than other road users and may suffer serious injuries as a result of the accident. The support they may need to recover will vary depending on the level of damages and may include:

  • Physical therapy for fractures or specialised neuro physical therapy
  • Therapy or counselling sessions to address post-traumatic stress
  • Occupational rehabilitation
  • Pain management interventions
  • Vocational assistance for reintegration into the workforce

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident, your solicitor will ensure you receive the best therapies possible to aid your recovery. The cost of any rehabilitation you may need will be included in your motorbike injury compensation to ensure you are not left out of pocket.

Can I claim motorbike injury compensation on a no win no fee basis?

Yes, your motorbike accident solicitor will process your claim on a no win no fee basis. That means that if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you can utilise expert legal advice and pursue a claim for compensation without financial risk.

You will only be required to pay any legal fees if you win the claim. The success fee paid to your solicitor will be taken from your compensation award. It cannot exceed 25% of your settlement and will be established from the beginning. There are no hidden costs you should worry about.

Moreover, your solicitor will take out an After the Event (ATE) policy for you. If you lose, this type of legal expenses insurance will cover all your costs and disbursements. These include:

  • The cost of the defendant’s solicitor
  • The other side’s legal expenses
  • Police and medical reports
  • Court and counsel fees
  • Travel costs related to the case
  • Costs of printing and copying
  • Paralegal and legal staff time
  • Barrister fees if the case goes to court

Under the no win no fee agreement, you will not be left out of pocket if your motorcycle injury claim fails. If you win, you keep the compensation awarded to you minus a few deductions:

  • The cost of the ATE insurance premium
  • The success fee that is paid to your solicitor
  • Some basic legal expenses that may not be recoverable from the defendant

To find out if you can start a motorbike compensation claim, arrange a free consultation with a no win no fee solicitor. You can do this by calling on 0800 032 3660 or requesting a call back.

What are the time limits for making a motorbike injury claim?

Successful personal injury claims must be initiated within three years of the accident date. It is wise to begin your claim as soon as possible to ensure that evidence is readily accessible, memories are fresh in your mind and that you do not miss the statutory time limits for making a claim.

There are some exceptions to the three-year limitation period, such as:

  • If you have suffered whiplash or another injury that did not become immediately apparent, the time limit begins from the date of diagnosis (date of knowledge).
  • For children involved in accidents, the three-year time limit will commence from the date of their 18th birthday. Alternatively, a parent or guardian may act on their behalf, and any compensation award can be held in a specific account for the child until they become an adult.
  • The time limit is put on hold if the claimant has suffered a severe brain injury and cannot claim. In this case, a litigation friend could act on their behalf with the help of a motorbike accident solicitor at any time. The three years begin to run only if the injured person recovers their mental capacity.
  • If you lost someone in a motorcycle accident, you could start a claim for compensation within three years of their death.
  • You can also claim motorbike accident compensation if you were injured abroad. The time limit can vary significantly from country to country and may be shorter than three years.

How much compensation will I receive for my motorbike accident claim?

The amount of compensation awarded to you will depend upon the specifics of your case. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the likely outcome of your motorcycle injury claim to help you manage your expectations.

Several factors influence the compensation amount awarded to claimants, including:

  • The severity of injuries and damages
  • The level of liability of other involved parties
  • The circumstances of the accident
  • Any out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result
  • The short and long-term medical needs

Presenting a thorough case will increase the potential of receiving a more substantial settlement award. Your specialist solicitor will offer advice and guidance to ensure your claim is presented efficiently to secure the highest possible sum. Your final award will consider two types of damages:

Special damages cover your financial losses and expenses, such as:

  • Private medical treatments and rehabilitation
  • Travel expenses to get to medical appointments
  • The cost of care and assistance during recovery
  • Any medical aids you may need, such as wheelchairs and prostheses
  • Modifications to your home and vehicle
  • The cost of repairing or replacing any personal property destroyed in the accident
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

General damages are awarded for the physical injury and how it has affected your life. The compensation for general damages covers subjective losses and consequences, such as:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional and psychological trauma
  • Physical and mental disability
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of ability to practice a hobby
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Loss of consortium and companionship

Special damages are calculated based on physical evidence, such as receipts and invoices. General damages take into account the type and severity of your injury and are based on the guidelines offered by the Judicial College. You can refer to our compensation calculator to see how much motorbike injury compensation you could receive.

Who pays the motorbike injury compensation?

If you are successful, the defendant in your motorbike injury claim will pay you compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses. Based on the circumstances of your accident, this could be:

Another motorist

If your accident was due to another driver, your compensation will be paid by their insurance company. That means the responsible person will not be left out of pocket, and you don’t have to worry about whether they have the means to pay you compensation.

The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB)

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run or the other driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to claim. In this case, the MIB will pay if you make a successful motorcycle injury claim. The MIB is an organisation that acts as a safety net for victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers. It is funded through the premiums sold by all UK-based motor insurance companies.

A manufacturer

If your accident was due to a defective vehicle or component, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer or distributor. Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe for consumers. If they have failed to supply a safe product and you suffered an injury, you could claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

National Highways

National Highways is a government-owned company responsible for maintaining the motorways and major A roads. The company may be liable for compensation if you were injured due to poor road conditions and their negligence contributed to the accident.

The local council

Local councils are responsible for maintaining all other public roads and pavements. If your accident was due to a road defect, pothole, poor maintenance, or inadequate signage, you might be able to seek compensation from the local council.

Another party

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there could be other parties involved. They could include a pedestrian or the owner of an animal who caused your motorcycle crash. Your solicitor will be able to advise on how to proceed with your claim in such cases.

Can I make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of a loved one?

If someone you love was involved in a motorcycle crash and cannot claim compensation due to mental incapacity, you could represent them in a legal case. A motorbike accident solicitor can help you apply to the court to become their litigation friend. The court will allow you to conduct legal proceedings for your loved one if:

  • You can act on their behalf fairly and competently
  • You have no conflict of interest with them
  • You agree to pay any fees requested by the court during the claims process

The litigation friend process is typically used on behalf of:

  • An adult who suffered a brain injury and has lost their mental capacity, known as a protected party
  • A child under 18

Once you are appointed as a litigation friend, you will have several responsibilities, such as:

  • Act in the claimant’s best interest
  • Keep them informed about the claims process and try to find out their wishes
  • Make sure they attend all medical appointments
  • Consult with solicitors and take legal advice
  • Deal with correspondence
  • Make decisions about the motorcycle accident claim
  • Consider any compensation offers from the defendant

If you settle the claim on behalf of your loved one, the compensation awarded must be validated by a judge. That will happen at an approval hearing, during which the judge will review the evidence and ensure the parties have agreed to a fair settlement. In some cases, the injured person may need to attend the hearing.

Claiming motorbike injury compensation for a fatal accident

If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, a solicitor could help you make a claim. While no amount of money will make things better, compensation could help ease the financial impact of losing your loved one.

Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, any dependant of the deceased could claim in case of a wrongful death, including spouses, children, parents and anyone treated as a child or parent. A claim for a fatal accident could include the following:

  • Financial dependency, if you were counting on the deceased’s income and other economic benefits;
  • Loss of services they provided in the household, such as childcare and DIY projects;
  • Funeral expenses like the cost of transporting the body to the grave, embalming and a memorial service;
  • A bereavement payment of £15,120 for your grief and suffering;
  • The financial losses and expenses incurred by the deceased if they did not die immediately, such as lost wages, surgeries or private hospitalisation.

You have three years to make a motorbike compensation claim after the death of your loved one. Alternatively, the time may start to run from when a post-mortem has confirmed the cause of death.

Is there any other support available for victims of motorcycle accidents?

If you or a family member has been the victim of a road traffic accident, several excellent charities are available to provide support and information. The British Biker Relief Foundation offer motorcyclists and their families a wide range of support, including counselling and help with mobility aids and home help equipment.

Brake is a national road safety charity that is also available to provide assistance and support following road accidents. Their helpline can be used to gain access to legal advice, support groups and advocacy.

If you would like to start a motorbike accident claim today or learn more about the claims process, please call 0800 032 3660 to speak to a legal adviser. Or, if you would prefer to receive a call back, enter your details into the contact form below, and we’ll give you a call.