Motorbikes or Motorcycles represent approximately 1% of the traffic on our roads but they suffer 19% of deaths and severe injuries. Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a car driver.
Visibility plays a major role when it comes to collisions with motorbikes. A motorbike makes up to a 1/3 of a car's visibility. Approximately 60% of motorbike accidents involve a collision with other cars, often because other road users fail to see them during overtaking manoeuvres or at road junctions.
A report, provided by the Department of Transport, found that over 65% of motorbike accidents, the rider is not to blame and the accident was due to the other driver failing to see the rider. Failure to see a motorbike rider can be a result of a multitude of factors from simple human error to design factors of the vehicle and road layout.
Factors that would make a substantial contribution towards motorbike injuries on the road include potholes, missing grid covers, spillages and debris.
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than car users as they have less protection. The injuries sustained as a result of a motorbike accident could be more severe. Mainly because the rider will be either thrown from their motorbike or crushed by their motorbike leaving them vulnerable on the road. Broken bones, burns and spinal damage are just a few examples of the serious injuries that can be caused by accidents involving motorbikes.
As a pillion passenger you can bring a
personal injury claim either against the vehicle that hit you if they were at fault or against your own driver if they caused the accident. As a passenger, you are not in control of the motorbike. Therefore, it is likely to be relatively simple to prove that the accident was not your fault. Often you will know the driver. However, you are still the victim as the accident occurred through no fault of your own and therefore, are entitled to bring a claim.
Any claims made against your own motorcyclist will be covered by their insurance policy and in most cases they will not have to pay your compensation out of their own pocket.
If you have been injured in a motorbike (motorcycle) accident, expert solicitors working with Legal Advice Helpline will help you make a
No Win No Fee personal injury claim and guarantee that you will recover 100% of any compensation.
For more information on
claiming compensation for personal injuries suffered in a motorbike (motorcycle) accident, call
Legal Advice Helpline on 0800 612 3042.