Last updated 27th October 2025. Despite their unwelcome reputation, motorcycles are a popular form of transport across the UK. According to the National Travel Survey completed by the Department for Transport, there were 1.11 million licensed motorcycles in England at the end of 2016. However, many users find themselves making motorcycle accident claims due to suffering injuries while using the roads.
When driven safely, motorcycles can be a quick form of travel. However, if other road users fail to adhere to driving laws, accidents may occur, resulting in riders becoming injured. Therefore, this guide will explain the motorcycle accident claims process and discuss how much compensation you may receive if your claim is successful.
Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle accidents may result in minor or life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the accident.
- You may be eligible to start a motorbike accident claim if another road user was responsible for your injuries.
- Your compensation is calculated based on the injuries and financial losses you suffered following the accident.
- You must obtain evidence that demonstrates how the other road user was responsible for your injuries and losses.
- Our experienced panel of solicitors may help you claim compensation on a No Win No Fee Basis.
If you would like to learn more about the motorcycle accident claims process or how much compensation you may be entitled to, get in touch with our advisors today.
We are here to help you
Here at HowMuchCompensation.co.uk our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free legal advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation Could I Get For A Motorbike Accident?
- How Is Compensation Determined In Motorcycle Accident Claims?
- Is It Worth Claiming For Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
- How Common Are Motorbike Accidents?
- Am I Eligible To Claim After A Motorcycle Accident?
- Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Who Is Incapacitated Or Deceased?
- How To Start Your Motorcycle Claim
- What Is The Time Limit For Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims?
- Finding Motorcycle Accident Claims Solicitors
- More Information
How Much Compensation Could I Get For A Motorbike Accident?
Compensation awards for motorcycle accident claims vary from case to case. This is because they are calculated from the injuries motorcyclists sustain and their financial losses.
The table below provides examples of suggestive compensation brackets that were taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). However, please note that the top bracket was not sourced from the JCG, and the brackets that follow are not guaranteed.
| Injuries | Compensation Guideline | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries and Significant Financial Losses | Up to £1,000,000 plus | This award is for multiple serious injuries and significant financial losses. |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 | This award is for severe brain damage that results in a limited life expectancy, physical deficits, the need for a gastrostomy for feeding, serious impairment, and communication and behavioural problems. |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | This award depends on the injured person's degree of pain and independence, whether they are suffering from depression, their age and life expectancy, and their sexual function. |
| Severe Back Injuries (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | This award is for injuries to the spinal cord and nerve roots causing significant pain and incomplete paralysis. The injured person may also have an impaired bladder, bowel and sexual function. |
| Severe (i) Neck Injuries | In the region of £181,020 | This award is for neck injuries associated with incomplete paraplegia, little to no movement in the neck, and headaches. |
| Above-Knee Amputation of One Leg | £127,930 to £167,760 | This award is for a single leg amputation. The figure depends on phantom pains, stump pain, psychological problems and side effects such as backache and osteoarthritis. |
| Loss of One Arm (i) | Not Less Than £167,380 | This award is for a single arm amputation from the shoulder. |
| Severe Shoulder Injuries | £23,430 to £58,610 | This award is for shoulder injuries that cause neck problems and damage to the brachial plexus, causing disability. |
| Fractures of Jaws (i) | £37,210 to £55,570 | This award is for multiple fractures, prolonged treatment, severe pain, restricted movement and the risk of arthritis. |
| Multiple Noticable Laceration Scars or A Disfiguring Scar | £9,560 to £27,740 | This award is for multiple noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring one to the leg(s), arm(s), hand(s), back or chest. |
Unfortunately, at this early stage of the claims process, we cannot specifically state how much compensation you will receive if your claim is successful. However, you can contact our advisors to discuss your injuries in further detail and find out how much compensation you could be entitled to.
We are here to help you
Here at HowMuchCompensation.co.uk our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free legal advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
How Is Compensation Determined In Motorcycle Accident Claims?
In compensation claims for motorcycle accidents, awards are typically calculated under the heads of claim, general and special damages.
Motorcycle accidents can result in road users sustaining both physical and psychological injuries. These are both covered under general damages. This award is typically valued in line with compensation guidelines presented in the JCG and your independent medical assessor’s report.
If your injuries led to out-of-pocket expenses and costs, then special damages can be sought in your motorcycle accident claim for compensation. These financial losses might consist of:
- Past and future earnings: Including impact on bonuses, holiday entitlement, pension contributions, and overtime.
- Medical treatments: Encompassing private care and prescriptions.
- Rehabilitation costs: To support your recovery in the short and long term, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and other mental health services.
- Property damage, repairs, and replacement: For any damage to your motorbike, helmet, motorcycle gear, and other equipment.
- Home or vehicle adaptations: These aim to improve accessibility, ranging from car ramps to grab rails and walk-in bathrooms.
- Care: This may involve support from professional carers, extra help with childcare, or day-to-day assistance from loved ones.
- Specialist equipment: Depending on the severity of the motorcycle injury, this may include prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids.
- Travel expenses for attending medical appointments: Bus or train tickets, taxi fares, or petrol and parking costs.
When claiming for special damages, it is important to obtain evidence of the losses you incurred, such as receipts, bank statements, and payslips. You can get help with gathering these financial documents by connecting with a solicitor from our panel.
Interim Payments To Assist With Recovery
If you need financial support for factors associated with your injuries or claim, you may be eligible to apply for an interim payment. This is an advanced payment of part of your compensation, typically made in critical situations when liability has been established but a settlement hasn’t been reached.
For example, if you need to pay for private medical care for a brain injury that you cannot afford, a request will be made to the court for an interim payment. If accepted, the defendant will be required to pay a percentage of your compensation in advance to cover the cost of your treatment.
If you have any questions about how compensation is calculated in motorcycle accident claims or would like more information on interim payments, please contact our helpful advisors.
Is It Worth Claiming For Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
Motorcycle accidents can negatively impact a myriad of areas of your life. Therefore, if you sustained injuries in one, it is worth starting a compensation claim, even if this feels overwhelming to you right now.
In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries and financial losses, you may also be awarded it for loss of amenity. This relates to how your injuries affect your quality of life.
For example, if you suffered spinal cord injuries and paralysis as a result of your accident, you may no longer be able to complete the activities you enjoy, such as going to the gym.
As such, it is worth starting a motorbike accident claim, as each aspect of your life is considered when valuing your compensation. If you have any questions about this, please contact our advisors.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are common, causing thousands of people to suffer each year. The Department for Transport analysed the number of reported casualties due to motorcycle accidents in Great Britain in 2023. Their findings show that there were:
- 315 fatal accidents
- 5,481 serious accidents
- 11,182 minor accidents
Furthermore, the report notes that between 2014 and 2020, the number of motorcyclist casualties decreased each year. However, between the years 2021 and 2022, they increased. Therefore, motorcycle accidents are becoming more common.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may benefit from seeking legal support, as you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. You can contact our advisors at any time to learn more about this.
Am I Eligible To Claim After A Motorcycle Accident?
You may be able to start a motorbike accident claim if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The third party owed you a duty of care
- The third party breached their duty of care
- This resulted in your injuries
A duty of care is a legal obligation imposed on all road users. As such, road users must adhere to the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code to ensure others remain safe. In doing so, they must use the road safely and responsibly to avoid causing harm to other road users.
Therefore, if another road user breached their duty of care, resulting in your injuries, you may be eligible to start the motorcycle accident claims process to be compensated for your suffering.
Can I Still Claim If I Was At Fault?
If you were partly responsible for your motorcycle accident, you still may be entitled to compensation. However, you must start a split liability claim.
In such motorcycle accident claims, you and the third party must admit liability for your share of responsibility for the accident. Your compensation will be calculated based on how much responsibility you hold.
For example, if you were 30% liable for the accident and the third party was 70% liable, you would be awarded 70% of the compensation.
Claims For Accidents Caused By Uninsured Drivers
Motorcycle claims for accidents caused by uninsured drivers work a little differently, as they are generally made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This organisation is funded by insurance premiums and steps in to compensate individuals when an uninsured or untraced driver is responsible for a road traffic accident.
As with any motorcycle claim, uninsured drivers have an obligation to meet the duty of care that applies to all road users. Moreover, you’ll need evidence to support your version of what happened to you. If you’re unsure where to get started, a solicitor from our panel can help you gather this proof and guide you through the process of claiming via the MIB.
Can I Claim If Road Surfaces Caused My Accident?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred due to a defect on the road, you may be eligible to claim compensation. However, this claim will likely be made against your local council, as they are responsible for maintaining roads and pathways.
If you have any questions regarding the eligibility criteria of your motorbike accident claim, please do not hesitate to contact our advisors. They can answer any of your questions and help you start a claim.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Who Is Incapacitated Or Deceased?
Sometimes motorcycle accidents are so significant that they result in riders suffering life-changing injuries or passing away. Under such circumstances, another person may start a claim on their behalf.
If the motorcyclist becomes incapacitated after suffering severe injuries such as brain damage, a litigation friend may be appointed to claim. This is because the claimant lacks the mental capacity to start a claim independently.
If the motorcyclist passes away, their estate may claim for their pain and suffering. However, they can only do so within 6 months of their death. Following this, the motorcyclist’s dependents may claim for how their death impacted them. However, they must qualify to do so under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
If your loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident that was not their fault, discuss this with our advisors today to find out if you are eligible to start a claim on their behalf.
How To Start Your Motorcycle Claim
To start your motorcycle claim, you need to collect supportive evidence as soon as possible and consult with a specialist road traffic accident solicitor. The following steps can make the process of claiming a smoother experience:
- Seek medical care: This will ensure you get appropriate medical treatment and create a paper trail that can be used as evidence for any compensation claim you make.
- Detail what happened: Photograph any visible injuries or damage to your motorcycle, and try to collect CCTV, dashcam, or helmet footage of the accident.
- Keep hold of documents: These should include financial documents, as well as contact information for witnesses and road users involved in the accident (along with their vehicle registration and insurance information).
- Speak with a solicitor: Connecting with a solicitor with a proven track record in motorcycle accident claims can maximise your chances of successfully pursuing compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
If you’d like more tailored guidance on starting a motorcycle accident claim, please feel free to have a chat with one of our friendly advisors. They would also be happy to discuss how a solicitor from our panel could help you build a strong claim on your behalf by gathering evidence of negligence.
What Is The Time Limit For Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims?
You generally have 3 years to start a motorbike accident claim. This typically begins from the date you sustained your injuries. Although the Limitation Act 1980 imposes a 3 year time limit on personal injury claims, there are some exceptions to this rule.
- If a minor was injured, the 3 year time limit does not begin until their eighteenth birthday, as minors cannot start a claim themselves.
- If the claimant does not have mental capacity, the time limit will not apply. However, the 3-year time limit will begin if they regain it.
To determine if you are still within the claims time limit, please contact our helpful advisors.
Finding Motorcycle Accident Claims Solicitors
When claiming compensation for a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal support from solicitors who are the best fit for you.
At How Much Compensation, we have an excellent panel of solicitors with extensive experience in motorcycle claims. They have utilised their education and specialised skills to assist many individuals in obtaining the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our panel of solicitors can help you claim by:
- Walking you through each stage of the claims process
- Explaining key terminology
- Explaining how compensation is calculated
- Helping you apply for interim payments
- Setting you up with specialist appointments such as physiotherapy
- Negotiating settlements with third parties on your behalf
Our panel of solicitors will work tirelessly to ensure your claim is successful and you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Can I Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?
You may be able to claim on a No Win No Fee basis with our panel of solicitors through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). By doing so, you will not be required to pay ongoing or immediate service fees for your solicitor’s work. If your claim is not successful, you will also not be required to pay these fees.
If you sign a CFA and your claim wins, you will pay your solicitor a success fee. However, this will be a small and legally capped percentage of your compensation.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the contents of this guide or want to start your motorbike accident claim today, please contact our advisors by:
- Visiting our ‘contact us‘ page
- Calling them on 0800 408 7826
- Making a free online enquiry
More Information
If you would like to learn more about motorcycle accident claims, please visit the following links.
- Read our road traffic accident claims guide
- Read our guide on compensation for car accidents
- Access our compensation calculator
References:
- Learn about the different categories of motorcycles, GOV.UK
- Learn about safety equipment for motorcycles, GOV.UK
- Learn about PTSD and driving, GOV.UK
We appreciate you taking the time to read this guide that discusses motorcycle accident claims. We hope this was helpful. Please do not forget to contact our advisors if you have any questions.
