As convenient and exciting that driving a vehicle may be, there’s no doubt that it can also be one of the most extreme activities that we can do in life. The Highway Code and strict driving test procedures certainly make the road safer, but there will always be careless and reckless drivers as well as uncontrollable factors such as poor weather conditions. For motorcyclists, the risk is even greater.
Run by R. James Hutcheon Solicitors, Motorbike Accident Claims is a professional service that specialises in these type of accidents. The solicitors at this law firm possess years of experience in offering support and advice following a motorbike accident, and, where a case can be pursued, they have a strong record of achieving the compensation that a victim deserves.
In this article, Motorbike Accident Claims will talk about the dangers that motorcyclists face on the road and what support is available following an accident.
An Accident Is 62 Times More Likely for Motorcyclists
When it comes to road safety, there is no group of road users that are at risk more than motorcyclists. There are several factors that can contribute to not only the likelihood of a motorbike accident occurring, but the possibility of serious injury and even fatality. Motorcyclists can drive at the same speed as motorists, even greater in some cases, yet they don’t have the same level of protection.
Whereas cars are equipped with airbags and seat belts, as well as other safety features, motorbikes are not. Motorbikes also do not have the comfort and protection of an interior design, nor do they have the stability of four wheels.
Due to factors such as this, it’s easier for a motorbike to lose control and there’s a greater chance that the rider will come off their vehicle and suffer a serious collision. Due to their smaller size, another one of the biggest risks to any motorbike rider is their visibility to other road users, especially large vehicles such as trucks. Many bikers have heard drivers say, `sorry mate, just didn’t see you.’
In 2018, we wrote a blog post covering the latest UK road accident statistics as released by the government. While these statistics as a whole were quite concerning, the most alarming figure was in relation to the fatality rate per billion passenger miles. According to this, in 2017, motorcyclists were 62 times more likely to die following a road accident than car drivers. This shows that if an accident takes place, then there is a serious risk to life for the motorcyclist due to the reduced protection they have access to.
What Support Is Available Following a Crash
If you have been involved in a serious motorbike accident, there is an extensive range of support services available to help you out. First of all, in the immediate aftermath, your health is the priority. Seek help from anyone in the area and call the emergency services as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional to examine any injuries.
Early medical intervention not only ensures that you are in good health but is also important when formulating the support documentation as part of a compensation claim. When it is safe to do so, either yourself or someone on your behalf should aim to gather evidence. This may be in the form of high-quality photographs and witness statements.
As soon as suitable, you should look around for a law firm that is suitable for you and your individual circumstances. Most solicitors will be able to offer no obligation advice and it’s important to appoint a firm that has your best interests at heart. An accident claim is not solely about receiving compensation, but also about getting the support required for a successful recovery. Solicitors will often partner with support services that can help injured motorcyclists, such as rehabilitation and physiotherapy firms.
Injuries from a motorbike accident can happen anywhere in the body and the extent of injury may be minor or severe. Serious injuries may be life-changing such as paralysis, while smaller injuries can lead to full recovery in a matter of months, such as sprains and whiplash. Motorbike accident compensation can range anywhere from £1,000 up to £340,000 depending on several factors, including how the accident came to be and the quality of life that has suffered as a result of the injuries.
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