Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users; bikers face many risks every time they get on their bikes. If you are wiped out as a result of another road user’s careless actions, injuries from these serious motorcycle accidents can be severe, even life-changing. That’s why it’s important that if you are injured, you work with experts who not only know the law but know what makes motorcyclists different from other road users.
At JMW Solicitors, we have more than 35 years of expertise working with bikers and understand that two-wheeled riders are far more vulnerable to injury than motorists. Motorbikes don’t have crumple zones and, therefore, despite moving at the same speeds as a car, they don’t have anywhere near the same level of protection. We also know that a defective road surface can be extremely dangerous to riders; a bumpy ride over a pothole for a motorist can be uncomfortable, but for a motorbike rider, it can lead to being thrown off your bike and put at serious risk of sustaining an injury. Loose stone chippings cause similar problems for bikers; they don’t just give you a bumpy ride, they put you in danger of coming off your bike.
We recognise and understand the differences between car and motorbike accidents and injuries, and how compensation can help. This enables us to ensure your motorcycle accident claim is dealt with empathetically, that you receive the right treatment, make a good recovery, and receive compensation that takes into account all losses you may have suffered after a serious motorcycle accident.
If you want to make a motorbike accident claim, JMW has experts that can work on your behalf to get the best results. To speak to a solicitor about motorcycle negligence, contact us now by calling 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will call you back as soon as possible.
How JMW Can Help
We understand what it means to be a biker, what happens after a serious motorcycle accident, and what you will need to get your life back on track. Not all motorcycling injuries are caused by collisions with other vehicles - we have handled claims for both bikers and pillion passengers.
Our goal is to make sure that you are able to focus on making a recovery, and not on the stress of dealing with any issues that have an accident may throw up. Our team act for you on a no win, no fee basis, meaning that in the event your claim is unsuccessful we won’t charge you any legal fees. It makes the process risk-free. We have established experts who will advise on every element of your case and are familiar with the evidence needed in order to get the best possible result for you.
We will arrange for you to have rehabilitation and the most appropriate medical treatments needed for your injury so that you can start the recovery process quickly and make significant progress in your recovery from the early stages. If necessary, we can work with you and a case manager to get a care plan in place that will best suit your needs.
You are also entitled to be compensated for any financial losses you have suffered as a result of your accident, including time taken off work, damaged kit and accessories, and of course, the cost of repair or replacing your bike. We will help you review all the losses you’ve suffered and put together a case that gets you money back for them.
In addition, we can arrange for a like-for-like replacement if your bike is no longer roadworthy, or for a car, if you are unable to ride because of your injuries.
Mark Challenger's Story
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident
There are a number of things you can do to help your motorcycle accident claim. However, you should only follow these steps if you are well and able.
Once you’re safe and any immediate medical needs have been attended to, you should try to:
- Take down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Photograph the scene, including what caused the accident and the damage to any vehicles involved.
- Contact the police and report the accident as soon as possible. This should be a priority if the driver flees the scene.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The amount of compensation you can claim following a motorcycle accident will typically depend on the type and severity of the injuries you sustained. If your injuries were serious and required private medical treatment or time off work to recover, you may also be able to claim for these and other financial expenses you incurred as a result of your accident.
The figures below provide a rough idea of how much you could receive for a motorcycle accident compensation claim, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your own circumstances, contact JMW today.
| Minor brain or head injury | £1,760 - £10,180 |
| Minor to moderate brain damage | £12,210 - £174,620 |
| Minor to moderate knee injury | £13,000 - £38,000 |
| Loss of one leg below the knee | £83,550 - £109,570 |
| Loss of both legs below the knee | £160,600 - £215,310 |
| Hip and pelvis injury | £3,150 - £104,370 |
| Minor to serious arm injury | £5,280 - £47,720 |
| Loss of one arm below the elbow | £76,650 - £87,410 |
| Shoulder injury | £6,290 - £15,300 |
Uninsured and Untraced Drivers
If the driver who caused your accident is found to be uninsured or fled the scene and can’t be traced, you will still be able to make a motorbike accident claim. However, rather than your compensation being paid by the defender’s insurer, which is usually the case, your solicitor will deal with the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a government organisation set up to ensure victims of road traffic accidents have access to the compensation they deserve.
To make a claim with the MIB, there are certain criteria you must have met, including:
- Doing everything in your power to identify the driver responsible for your injuries.
- Reporting the accident to the police within five days of the accident.
- Making a claim with the MIB within nine months of the accident.
Your solicitor will work with you to assist in making sure your motorbike accident compensation claim meets these necessary criteria, and work with the MIB to secure you the maximum compensation possible in these circumstances.
We understand that for many people, biking is not just a hobby, but a way of life, and we approach all motorbike accident claims with that in mind. You can be sure that our specialist knowledge ensures the claim process is as quick and efficient as possible for all motorcycle cases.
Latest case studies
Talk to Us
If you have been injured in a serious motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault and want to claim compensation, contact the JMW team to talk through the next steps of your accident claim. You can either call us on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and let us know a suitable time to contact you.
