Motorcycle Accidents

Attempting to beat congestion, and in the effort to become greener, more and more road users are turning to motorcycles and mopeds to replace their cars. As a result, the number of motorcycle accidents is on the increase.

In fact, motorcycles account for almost 18% of all road accidents in the UK. Shockingly, in 2007, motorcyclists were 51 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a road accident than car drivers per kilometre travelled.

Approximately 60% of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with other cars, often because other road users fail to see them during overtaking manoeuvres or at road junctions.

Many motorcyclists find riding their bike gives them a rush of adrenalin, and this unfortunately sometimes goes hand in hand with high speeds which accounts for a large proportion of motorcycle accidents – in fact, in 2007, 54% of riders broke the speed limit on motorways and 51% broke the limit in 30mph areas.

Sadly, alcohol and drugs also contribute to a high proportion of road accidents, and accidents involving motorcycles are no exception. Other causes of accidents include pot holes in the road, oil spills, mechanical error, loss of control and the inexperience of the driver.

Accidents involving motorcycles can obviously cause serious injury, mainly because the rider will be either thrown from their motorcycle, leaving them vulnerable on the road, or crushed by their motorcycle – some of which can weigh up to 350kg! Broken bones, burns and spinal damage are just a few examples of the serious injuries that can be caused by accidents involving motorcycles.

However, it is possible to reduce your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Avoiding overtaking on corners, keeping to the legal speed limit, leaving plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, signalling before making left or right hand turns and keeping your bike in a safe condition by regular servicing are just a few examples. Of course, getting motorcycle driving lessons before riding is the most sensible way to increase your driving skills and decrease the chances of having a serious accident.

There are also ways to decrease the chances of serious injury if you are involved in a motorcycle accident – wearing a helmet and protective clothing (preferably clothing made of abrasion-resistant material, such as leather). It is also recommended to turn on your lights while driving and to wear reflective garments to increase your visibility.

If you have been injured in a motorbike accident and wish to make a compensation claim, the National Accident Helpline™ are here to help you. If it can be shown that another party’s negligence has caused the accident, you should be eligible to claim compensation. Claims can be made for injuries sustained, damage to the motorcycle (normally covered by insurance) and any loss of earnings which results from your motorcycle accident.

Make a call today for a non-obligatory chat – many of our call handlers are trained law graduates and can advise as to whether you are eligible to make a claim for compensation.