Motorbikes are often seen as an attractive option to those who prefer to travel around in a more practical way according to their needs. However, it is important to note that in taking on this means of transport, motorcyclists are putting themselves at higher risk of suffering from 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 examining the points mentioned above, it will be beneficial to the claimant if at the scene of the accident, important visual information is recorded, and this of course, will be largely dependent on the mental and physical condition the claimant is in. Visual evidence will be useful for your solicitor handling your case.
The types of motorcycle claims usually involve:
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
Each situation will be different in deciding whether a defect in the road, such as a pothole, will count as being sufficiently defective enough to pose a real danger to drivers using the road. The highway authority and the local council have a responsibility in ensuring that the road surfaces are maintained and repaired regularly in order to keep up the safety standards. Therefore, any relevant photographs that can be taken of the defect in the road will be helpful in making a claim. If measurements can also be taken of the defect, this will be even more beneficial. This should be done as quickly as possible, as once the highway authorities have been alerted to the hazard; they will work to quickly fix the defect as a matter of urgency,
Accidents caused by 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.
