Most people use a motorbike as a means of travel for practical purposes as it means that they can get around busy traffic-congested areas through ease, However, despite the appeal of this, statistics have consistently shown that motorcyclists are more likely then car drivers to be involved in a traffic accident.
In a road traffic accident, motorcyclists are more vulnerable and at greater risk then car drivers. For example, a defect or a spill on the road will be far more dangerous for a motorcyclist then for a car or lorry driver. The motorbike itself is open and vulnerable to attack as its very structure offers little protection to its user. Statistics have consistently shown 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.
Accidents caused by defects in the road
In some situations an accident occurs due to a defect in the road, such as a pothole. It will depend on the individual situation in deciding whether a defect in the road, will count as being sufficiently defective enough to pose a real danger to drivers using the road. The local council and the highway authority are responsible in ensuring that the road surfaces are regularly maintained and repaired in order to keep up with safety regulations. Hence, any applicable photographs that can be taken of the defect in the road will be useful in making a claim. Any measurements that can be taken of the defect will be even more helpful to the solicitor handling your case. It is best to do this as quickly as possible, as once the highway authorities have been alerted to the hazard, they will work to quickly fix the defect to avoid any other potential accidents.
Accidents caused by spills on the highway/objects
There are many substances that can be spilled onto the road that can cause accidents for motorcyclists. These can be anything from fuel, leftover debris, or even water that freezes into ice. If the accident is caused by the motorcyclist colliding with the object on the road, or slipping on the ice, then it will be important to identify the person responsible for the object or spillage. The person identified as being responsible for the spillage/object on the road will claim 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 suffered a motorbike accident, our solicitors will work with you to ensure that you obtain the best legal advice possible, and that you are able to claim for compensation.
Ayesha Salim , editor of the UK Lawyers Network, writes articles about solicitor, Personal injury Lawyer, motorcycle accident claim, find a solicitor, legal, lawyer, law help advice, solicitors litigation
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