Motorcycle accidents compensation claims

What's included in motorcycle accident compensation?

The legal team  handling your motorcycle claim will negotiate your compensation with the other side's insurance company. The sum is calculated to cover the physical, psychological and financial impact of your injury. The final amount will depend on injury type, severity, your recovery time, the effects on your life and upon those around you.

It  means your compensation total will be completely unique to your claim. You won't know an accurate compensation figure until your solicitors begin negotiating for the amount you need and deserve.

For example, your motorcycle accident compensation could cover financial expenses like:

• Loss of earnings because of your injury. These include any future lost earnings if you're unable to return to work or need to adjust your hours.
• Expenses such as prescriptions, travel, replacement gear, changes to your home or transportation.
• Loss of spare-time activities - for example, if you played a sport and are now unable to take part.
• The cost of any specialist treatment prescribed to you not available via the NHS.

Your compensation can also cover the costs incurred by your loved ones because of your injury. For example, if your partner cared for you then you could be compensated for their time, even if it was given for free. This would also include any loss of earnings they suffered as a result.

We have over years_since years' know-how of advising on accident claims. Try our compensation calculator. Answer a few short questions about your motorcycle accident and it'll give you a rough estimate of the amount of compensation which you might receive.

How does no win no fee work?

All of our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a no win no fee basis. It's an agreement between you and your legal team that means, if your claim doesn't succeed, you don't pay anything.

At the start of the claim, your solicitors may need to take out a special legal protection insurance policy for you. It pays the costs if your claim should fail, ensuring that claiming is low-risk. Insurance must always be in place just in case that happens. You'll never have to pay anything upfront and there are no hidden charges, so you'll never be left out of pocket.

What are the time limits for motorcycle accident claims?

To make an injury claim after a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault, it must have happened within the last three years. Even if the accident was partly your fault, you may still be able to claim.

• If you were 18 years old or over when the motorcycle accident happened, you have three years from the incident date to make a claim.
• If you were under 18 years old when it happened and no-one made a claim on your behalf, you have three years from your 18th birthday to make it.

There are circumstances where time limits may be longer or waived altogether - for example, if you or a loved one has suffered a serious head or brain injury and l  to make the claim.

If you're unsure about what to do next, contact us for free and impartial advice on . We'll answer any questions you have and we'll never pressure you into starting a claim. Bouncing back from a sudden injury can be difficult. It's our job to share the useful, independent and clear motorcycle accident personal injury claim advice you need to make an informed choice, at your pace.

If we think you qualify and you decide to go ahead, we'll pair you with one of our specialist motorcycle claim solicitors. Often we can put you in touch with them on the same call.

How are road and motorcycle accident injuries classified?

Many police forces grade road traffic accident injuries into five categories. One covers fatalities and the other four, in order of severity, are:

• Very Serious - severe trauma like broken neck or spine, head and brain injury, chest or crush injury with unconsciousness or breathing difficulty. Also all internal injuries and multiple severe injuries featuring loss of consciousness.
• Moderately Serious - includes partial loss of a limb, thigh or pelvis fractures, chest injuries and deeply penetrative wounds.
• Less Serious - injuries like minor head wounds; deep cuts; fractures to the collarbone and arm or leg extremities.
• Slight - such as shock, bruising, soft tissue strains and sprains plus minor cuts or grazing.

Motorcyclists and their pillion passengers face a unique set of safety and injury risks. 'Lowside' accident injuries occur when the rear tyre loses grip and slips outwards, usually when cornering or taking avoiding action.

• The bike topples, dropping a rider onto the road on their back (or front), often at speed. It can cause severe 'road rash', soft tissue injury, bruising and bone breaks.
• Road rash isn't like a graze. Roads are grimy with dirt and bacteria that can be driven deeply through the skin. This can cause troublesome infections that are hard to treat.
• At their worst, lowside crashes can slide the rider into oncoming traffic in the opposite lane.

'Highside' accident injuries happen when the rider is thrown forward over the handlebars or flipped off the side of the bike.

• They are caused when the rear tyre suddenly regains grip after losing traction in a skid.
• A highside crash jerks the bike upright with tremendous force.

This type of motorcycle accident can leave riders or pillion passengers with serious head and arm injuries.

How much do compensation claims payout for motorbike accidents?

The Judicial College, part of the Ministry of Justice, sets the ranges of compensation for different types of road traffic accident injuries, from slight to very serious. Below, we've listed the latest edition guidelines for injuries commonly associated with a motorcycle accident. Your legal team will talk you through the details as they develop your claim.

In tragic circumstances where a loved one has died following a motorcycle accident, there's nothing that can ever replace your loss. But compensation can help you cope with everyday needs. The figure will be carefully worked out against bereavement, funeral expenses and the dependency of those left behind. Your solicitors will explain everything to you, at your pace.

Can I receive interim compensation payments?

In a serious motorcycle accident, you may need financial compensation quickly to help with your immediate needs.

It could be for expenses such as covering transport, accommodation or special equipment costs. You might be on reduced or statutory sick pay as a result of your injuries and might need help with bills or a mortgage.

If you need interim payments during your claim, the team handling your motorcycle claim will help you get these and talk you through the process.

Can you help with my rehab and recovery?

The specialist motorcycle accident lawyers we appoint for you will assess your claim. A no win no fee personal injury claim includes a free medical assessment. This helps your lawyers collect important medical evidence that supports your claim. The professionals our team work with are doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).

They use the assessment report to establish the extent and impact of your injuries. They'll also recommend any future rehabilitation or treatment you might need to get you back to how things were. Whether your motorcycle accident has left you needing surgery, physiotherapy, long-term care or counselling, we're here to help make it right for you.

What are the symptoms of a serious motorcycle accident injury?

With around a third of motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injury or worse, they're often traumatic experiences for the victims.

However, if you're unsure about the seriousness of your injuries after a motorcycle accident, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, call us on . It's likely we'll be able to help.

• Have I had repeated, lengthy or ongoing medical treatment?
• Will I need medical treatment in the long term or for the rest of my life?
• Have I taken long periods off work? Am I unable to return to work or unable to work in the same capacity as before?
• Do I need help and support with everyday things I used to take for granted?

We know that compensation can't always fix things. However, we do know it can give you the financial support you need following a motorcycle accident.

What happens in a no win no fee motorcycle accident claim?

The claims process can take time to resolve and involves a series of stages that your legal team will explain. Read our handy step-by-step guide to no win no fee road accident compensation claims to find out more. The process is identical for motorcycle accident claims.

Who pays motorcycle accident compensation?

Accidents caused by another motorist

If your motorcycle accident was caused by another motorist on a public road, their insurance company pays your compensation. This means the person responsible for your motorcycle accident won't be left with a big bill.

Accidents involving hit and run, uninsured or untraceable drivers

If your motorcycle accident injury was caused by an uninsured driver, you may still be able to make a compensation claim. A successful motorcycle accident personal injury claim made against an uninsured driver will be paid by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

The MIB compensates road users involved in problematic traffic accidents. All UK-based motor insurance companies pay into the MIB each year. This means that people injured by an uninsured or untraceable driver can claim the compensation they deserve.

Accidents caused by poorly maintained roads

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to damaged or unsafe road surfaces. For example, potholes can easily cause a motorcycle accident.

Someone is responsible for all public roads around the country. National Highways are responsible for motorways and major A roads. Local councils are responsible for all other public roads, pavements and public spaces. Both have a duty of care to keep all safe to use. If your motorcycle accident was caused by a badly maintained surface, then the body responsible will pay your compensation in a successful claim.

Can I make a no win no fee compensation claim after a motorcycle accident injury?

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident within the last three years and it was caused by someone else, it's likely you'll be able to make a no win no fee compensation claim. You may still qualify for making a claim even if the accident was partially your fault too.

We've got the experience and expertise to explain your options confidentially and impartially so you can make an informed choice about what to do next. Contact us on to find out more. All our carefully selected solicitors can work on a no win no fee basis.

How long do claims usually take?

The time it takes for your motorbike accident claim to reach a settlement can vary widely. It may depend on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries and how long it takes to gather any evidence to support your claim. Rest assured your legal team will keep you in the loop at every turn, so you'll always know what sort of timeframe you're likely to be looking at.

How does a no win no fee motorcycle accident compensation claim work?

A no win no fee agreement is the contract between you and the specialist solicitors we appoint for you.

No win no fee arrangements mean making an accident claim is low-risk because you don't pay anything if you lose your claim.

In a successful claim, you'll pay a percentage of the compensation you receive towards legal fees. You'll never have to pay anything upfront and there are no hidden charges.

This means you'll never be left out of pocket. Your legal team will explain things in detail if you decide to go ahead with your claim.

Why should I make a motorbike accident claim?

Motorcycle accident compensation can form an important part of your recovery. If you've been hurt, it can have a huge financial impact on you - and that's on top of the physical pain you're suffering. You may have to take time off work, pay for treatment not available on the NHS or make modifications to your home. All of these things cost money and any settlement you receive can help to cover these expenses.

There's a bigger picture, too. Making a motorbike accident claim can help to raise awareness about mistakes that have been made or issues that need to be fixed. By claiming, you could be lowering the likelihood of someone else having to go through a similar experience.

Should I make a claim?

Why should I choose National Accident Helpline?

We're the country's largest and most trusted provider of personal accident advice. Over more than years_since years, we've lent a helping hand to over two million people who've been injured by someone else's negligence.

We also understand the complexity of a motorcycle accident and how one all too frequently can result in serious and life-altering injury.

Talk through your situation with our friendly and personal injury advisors in complete confidence. They'll let you know if you qualify to make a claim.

Our specialist road and motorcycle accident solicitors operate across the UK.

Our no win no fee guarantee means no upfront costs, no hidden charges and you pay nothing if your claim fails. Call us free on to find out more.

What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents?

You can make a claim for any sort of motorcycle accident injury that was someone else's fault. There are several common accident causes.

Unexpected road defects that compromise your bike's stability. 

• These include broken tarmac, potholes and faulty ironwork.
• Hazards like these are acutely dangerous on a bend when both bike and rider are leaning into the turn.
• If you can prove they were due to local council or National Highways negligence, you may be able to claim.

Recklessness or negligence by other road users that caused you to crash. 

According to the Department for Transport, the most common examples of this are when a driver or a rider:

• Fails to look properly
• Fails to judge another person's path or speed
• Is careless or in a hurry
• Exceeds the speed limit
• Executes a poor turn or manoeuvre

A hit-and-run motorcycle accident where the other driver failed to stop.

• Includes accidents where the other vehicle or driver is untraceable or uninsured.
• You'll be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau(MIB).

Can I make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of someone else?

A motorcycle accident can cause a fatality. It can also mean a serious head and brain injury that leaves someone close to you lacking the mental capacity to function normally. In those circumstances, you can make a motorcycle accident personal injury claim on their behalf. That person is called a Litigation Friend and is normally a family member or similarly responsible adult.

If you find yourself in this situation, we can help. We're able to advise you about making a claim on behalf of somebody else and what the next steps might be. Dealing with a serious injury to a loved one is always distressing. Let our personal injury advisors help you through it.

Find out more about being a Litigation Friend and claiming on someone else's behalf. Alternatively, contact us free on and talk us through your position. We're here to listen and to help.

Can I still claim if the accident was my fault?

If your motorbike accident was entirely your fault, you will not be able to claim any compensation. If you were only partly responsible for what happened, though, we may still be able to help you. In those instances, it's important to remember that the amount of compensation you receive is likely to be lower than for an accident where you were blameless.

Will I have to go to court?

Of all the claims we process, only about 5% are decided by a judge at a hearing, so it's unlikely that your motorcycle accident claim will end up going all the way to a court hearing. However, if yours is one of the small number that do, your legal team will be with you every step of the way to guide you through the process.