Many people turn to motorbikes as a mode of travel as they are not only attracted by its speed and exciting image, but also as a practical and quick way of manoeuvring around traffic This very image, however, is not without stigma, as statistics have shown that motorcyclists are more likely then car drivers to be involved in an accident.
There are various reasons why motorcyclists are at greater risk on the road then car drivers. For instance, the impact of a motorcyclist colliding on an object on the road will be higher and potentially more fatal then for a car or lorry driver. The motorbike offers little protection to its user due to its structure. Many of the statistics have consistently demonstrated that motorcyclists involved in the accident are more likely to suffer from serious physical injury, and most likely to be killed.
In taking these points into consideration, it is essential that at the scene of the accident, depending on the mental or physical state of the person involved, important visual information is recorded, so that the solicitor can help you in your claim.
The most common types of motorcycle claims involve the following:
Filtering
This type of accident usually involves the motorcyclist overtaking outside or between lines of traffic. In most cases the other driver would claim that the accident happened due to the motorcyclist speeding or having insufficient regard to the safety of others. However, if there is enough evidence available, the solicitor may be able to refute these claims even if speed was a factor.
Encountering defects in the road
In some situations an accident occurs due to a defect in the road, such as a pothole. It will depend on the individual situation in deciding whether a defect in the road, will count as being sufficiently defective enough to pose a real danger to drivers using the road. The local council and the highway authority are responsible in ensuring that the road surfaces are regularly maintained and repaired in order to keep up with safety regulations. Hence, any applicable photographs that can be taken of the defect in the road will be useful in making a claim. Any measurements that can be taken of the defect will be even more helpful to the solicitor handling your case. It is best to do this as quickly as possible, as once the highway authorities have been alerted to the hazard, they will work to quickly fix the defect to avoid any other potential accidents.
Spills on the highway/objects
Various substances that are spilled onto the road can prove to be fatal for motorcyclists. These can involve anything from fuel, leftover debris, or even water that freezes into ice. If the motorcyclist collides with the object on the road, or slips on the ice, then the first steps would be to identify the person responsible for the object or spillage. In order to refute the motorcyclist’s claim, the person will have to prove that they took all reasonable steps to stop this from happening; however they will need to prove this in order to make a defence.
If you have been involved in a motorbike accident, we will work with you to ensure that you gain the best legal advice possible, and assist you in your claim for compensation. There will be specialists with experience in compensation claims that will be able to help you in your process.
