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 by:
- Visiting our ‘contact us‘ page
- Calling them on 0800 408 7826
- Making a free online enquiry
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?
- What Evidence Do I Need To Support My Claim And Prove Liability?
- 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 figures that were taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). By reading through them, you can see how much compensation you may be awarded for your injuries. However, please note that the top bracket was not sourced from the JCG, and the figures 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.
How Is Compensation Determined In Motorcycle Accident Claims?
In compensation claims for motorcycle accidents, awards are typically calculated under the heads of claim, general damages, and special damages.
Motorcycle accidents can result in road users sustaining both physical and psychological injuries. You may receive compensation for such injuries under the head of claim, general damages. This award is typically valued in line with compensation guidelines presented in the JCG and your independent medical assessor’s report.
If you incurred financial losses due to your injuries, you may receive compensation for this under the head of claim, special damages. Some examples of financial losses resulting from motorbike injuries include:
- Missed wages, including holiday entitlement, bonuses, and pension contributions, if you took time off work.
- Costs towards medical assessments, treatment, and specialist appointments to support your recovery.
- Costs associated with special equipment, such as prosthetic limbs, mobility aids or commodes.
- Travelling costs, if you needed to pay for transport to get to and from appointments.
When claiming for special damages, it is important to obtain evidence of the losses you incurred. However, our panel of solicitors may support you with this.
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.
What If The Third Party Was Uninsured?
If the third party responsible for your accident was uninsured, you still may be eligible to claim compensation. However, your claim will be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). You can still benefit from the support of our panel of solicitors when starting your claim through 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.
What Evidence Do I Need To Support My Claim And Prove Liability?
For your claim to be successful, you must collect evidence to prove third party liability for your injuries. This means that you must illustrate how the other road user was responsible for the motorcycle accident and your injuries.
Here are some examples of evidence that may establish third party liability in your claim:
- Any medical documents you received at the urgent care facility
- Copies of your medical reports that show the injuries you sustained
- Photographs of your injuries, such as scarring or amputations
- Dashcam or CCTV of your motorcycle accident
- Copies of police reports, if they were called to the scene
- The contact details of witnesses to the accident
- Copies of documents from third party insurers
If your injuries have limited your ability to collect evidence, please do not worry. Our panel of solicitors can help you obtain evidence and use it to build your claim.
If you need assistance with finding evidence, please don’t hesitate to contact our advisors.
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 upfront costs for your solicitor’s work.
If you sign a CFA and your claim succeeds, you will pay your solicitor a success fee. However, this will be a small and legally capped percentage of your compensation. If your claim is not successful, you will not be required to pay this.
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.