Motorcyclists make up only 1% of the road users, but according to 2012 statistics, there were 5,656 killed or severely injured motorcyclists while there were 9,834 people killed or seriously injured in car accidents. Figures also show that approximately 19% of accidents that are reported by motorcycle drivers result in serious injuries or death.
Although it’s true that it’s how we drive than the mode of transportation we use that accounts more to the accident, motorcyclists often comes off with worse conditions than car drivers. In view of this, it is very important that you motorcycle accident claim is handled properly.
First Things First
In cases of motorbike accident, it is commonly the head that gets the worse injury. The violent movement of the head resulting from the impact causes the brain to shift in the skull, leading to the stretching and squeezing of the brain tissues and blood vessels that lead to serious damage. Thus, the first thing that you need to do is to prioritize your health and well-being and seek medical assistance.
After you’ve received medical treatment, consult a personal injury solicitor to help you file a compensation claim. You may want to visit our page in Compare Compensation Claims to compare some of the top UK personal injury solicitors and get the best service for your case – always pick the one who specialises in motorcycle accident claim.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation Claim
Motorcyclists are often generalised as driving too fast or too dangerously, being blamed for most accidents they’re involved in. Thus, it is all the more imperative that you get an experienced personal solicitor who will know what it takes to make a successful motorbike injury claim.
There are two things that you will have to consider: liability and damages. When you say liability, it means the person who is at fault for the accident. If you cannot prove that the other party was negligent, you may not be able to make a successful claim. Damages refers to the injury you got from the accident and the losses you suffered in relation to it. The amount you will receive for your motorbike injury claim depends on the seriousness of the damages.
An industry research reveals that 23% of the motorcyclists who make compensation claims suffer from multiple injuries on different parts of their body. 18% of the claimants will suffer head injuries and permanent disabilities while 10% will suffer from spinal injuries which lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, in serious cases.
Compensation Claim for Head Injuries
Motorcycle drivers often sustain head injuries despite the use of helmet. Depending on the length and severity of the injury, your insurer will determine the payout. For a minor injury in which the recovery may last up to a few weeks to a few years – you can check you compensation claim calculator to see what you could be entitled to. If the injury has caused you to change your character or personality, you can expect a payout increase up to $45,000, and $365,000 for severe head injury that results in mental disability.
Varying compensation will awarded to claimants depending on the nature of the injury and severity of the condition.
Income and Earning Capacity Loss
As in most cases, your accident will have prevented you from reporting to work, and depending on the severity of the accident it may have limited you to perform as you did before the accident. With a personal solicitor, you will get advice with regard to the evidence or documents you need to produce in order for compensation for these damages.
On the other hand, calculating your future earning is much harder. In such case, your lawyer may need to hire an economic expert to rightly determine your future lost earning capacity. You see, the present value of your earning will change over the years, so you would need for an economist to present before the jury the amount and its value in the future.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle related accident, then you are eligible for a motorbike injury claim, as anybody else who uses the road. After receiving medical attention, the best that you should do is consult a personal injury solicitor to give you advice on how to make a successful claim.