Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident claims often involve more severe injuries than car accidents because riders lack the protection of a vehicle body, seatbelts, and airbags. Common injuries include road rash, fractures, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.

Liability issues in motorcycle claims can be complex. Drivers frequently claim they "didn't see" the motorcyclist, but this is not a defence — all road users have a duty to look properly. Common accident scenarios include cars turning across the path of motorcyclists (SMIDSY — "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You"), car doors opening into motorcycle traffic, vehicles pulling out from junctions, and rear-end collisions.

Contributory negligence may be alleged if the motorcyclist was not wearing protective clothing, was exceeding the speed limit, or was filtering dangerously. However, filtering through traffic is legal and a motorcyclist is not negligent simply for filtering at a reasonable speed.

Motorcycle accident claims tend to be higher value due to injury severity. Minor injuries typically settle for £5,000 to £25,000. Moderate injuries (fractures, significant road rash) range from £25,000 to £150,000. Severe injuries (spinal cord injury, amputation, brain injury) can reach £500,000 to £5 million. The limitation period is 3 years.