Compare Motorcycle Accident Claims
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users when it comes to road traffic accidents. They are not protected by the body of their vehicle in the same way that car, van and lorry drivers are, leaving them open to sustaining severe and sometimes life-changing injuries.
They are also difficult for drivers to spot on the road, meaning they are particularly at risk of being involved in collisions. In fact, motorcycle riders have the highest rate of accidents and injuries per mile travelled of all road user types. Being in a motorcycle accident can also cause long-lasting psychological trauma that may manifest in symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia and memory problems.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, taking legal action can help you to secure the funds you need in order to get the rehabilitation you deserve. You can get on the path to recovery by comparing personal injury solicitors and starting a motorcycle accident personal injury claim today.
What should you do after a motorcycle accident?
The obvious priority after any accident is to ensure that anyone who has sustained injuries receives the medical attention they need. Once you have done this, there are a number of important steps that should be taken.
1. Preserve the scene of the accident
Motorbikes and other vehicles should not be moved as it may not be safe to do so. Keeping all vehicles involved in an accident where they are can also help police to investigate the accident.
2. Notify the police
The police should be contacted as soon as possible, especially if you or any other road users are in danger or if there is a dispute about the cause of the accident. The police can record and investigate the incident. This can help later down the line when it comes to making a motorcycle accident compensation claim. Ensure you give the police a full report of what happened but avoid taking the blame or saying the accident was your fault. You may not know all the factors that contributed to the accident at this stage and it is possible that after an accident, you may be suffering from shock. Leave it up to the authorities to investigate and decide who is liable.
3. Exchange insurance details
Remember to swap insurance information with the other parties involved in the incident. Get their names, addresses and phone numbers too and make a note of the licence plate numbers and the make and models of the other vehicles involved.
4. Take photos
If possible, take photographs of your bike and the incident scene, as well as any injuries you have suffered.
5. Keep a log of physical and psychological effects
Note down the physical and psychological problems that follow on from the accident, as well as any treatment you receive and any medication you’ve had to take. Log any income loss or travel expenses too.
6. Don’t repair your motorbike
Postpone getting any damage to your bike fixed until an engineer has prepared a damage report. Also, where applicable, wait until the accident has been investigated by the police as it may be used as evidence.
7. Report the incident to your insurance provider
Inform your insurance company of the incident within a reasonable time. A specialist personal injury solicitor can advise you on making a claim on your insurance and help you to receive the payout you’re entitled to.
Am I eligible to make a motorcycle accident personal injury claim?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault within the last three years, you should be able to make a claim. In fact, even if you were partly to blame for the incident, you may still have a right to compensation. If you were under 18 years old when the accident took place and a claim was never made on your behalf, you have three years from the date you turn 18 to file a claim. In certain situations, for example if you sustained a head or brain injury, you may have longer to take legal action. This is where the ‘date of knowledge’ of your injuries attributed to the accident occurs later.
How much compensation will I get?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to working out how much compensation you’ll be entitled to after a motorbike accident. Details such as the type of injury you sustained, how severely you were hurt, any loss of earnings and any travel or medical expenses you had to pay will be taken into consideration. To get an idea of how much money you may be entitled to, check out our Personal Injury Calculator.
To give yourself the best chance of receiving the money you deserve, it’s advisable to enlist the help of a personal injury solicitor who has experience in dealing with motorcycle accident claims. They can help you get the full amount of compensation that you are owed. What’s more, you don’t need to worry about being left out of pocket as your solicitor can take your case on a no win, no fee basis.
Compare personal injury solicitors with ease
With Compare Compensation Claims, you can compare personal injury solicitors swiftly and easily. Using our comparison tools, you’ll be able to find a suitable solicitor who can help you to get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to to help you recover from your injuries and move on with your life.