How to Make a Motorcycle Accident Claim
In the United Kingdom, Motorcyclists are classified as some of the most vulnerable
demographics on the road. More so than other types of vehicles, a motorcycle accident especially is no trifling matter; it can result in permanent injuries which change the life of the driver forever. Therefore it is imperative that any prospective motorcyclist learns how to make a claim against any irresponsible drivers to get their life back on track after it has been dramatically turned upside down by the reckless decisions of someone else.
The Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The primary causes of motorcycle accidents include (but are not limited to):
- Crashes when exiting junctions
- Being clipped by the opening of car doors
- Careless filtering by motorists
- Hit-and-run collisions
- Potholes and compromised road surfaces
- Adverse substances on the road like oil/petrol
Due to the lack of protection that motorcyclists have in comparison to drivers of other vehicles, the injuries and damages caused by motorbike accidents tend to be more severe. This is why it is important to have a team of personal injury solicitors who are highly experienced in handling serious injury claims, including head and brain injuries and back and spinal claims.
What Can I Make a Claim For?
If you have suffered an injury in an accident that was caused by the irresponsibility of another, you can make a claim to compensate you for your losses. These losses may include:
- Physical damage to your person
- Mental health damages
- Loss of income due to not being able to work because of your injuries
- Associate expenses of medical appointments and travelling to facilities
- Destruction of your own personal property, such as clothes, watches, your motorbike
etc. - Other medical expenses such as physiotherapy, rehab, etc.
Beginning the Claim Making Process
- Get medical help for any injuries incurred as a result of the accident
- Collect a pile of evidence from the scene of the accident, including photographs and videos if possible of the damages to your bike, clothing, and personal property
- Get the contact information of any adjacent eye-witnesses to the incident
- Tell the police about your accident
- Tell your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident. If you do
not do this it may render your claim null - Get a lawyer on your team to go forward with the litigation process
Unknown Variables
Being a party to a motorcycle accident could very well be dramatic, traumatising
experience that changes your life forever. The last that is on your mind if you have been seriously hurt is navigating through what can be a tedious, time-consuming, and sometimes complex legal process. A lawyer however can help you through this tremendous task, and it is crucial that you get in contact with one as soon as possible after the event so that your side is properly represented in court, and you can receive the compensation you deserve.
In order to be well advised on the remedial steps you will need to take in order to make a claim and also get help in gathering evidence to support your case, you will likely need to get in contact with a personal injury lawyer. They have the expertise to walk you through the litigation process, can give you a rough estimate of what you may be entitled to, and will be able to exchange with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.
Remember that there are strict time limits set in place for making a claim, and once you exceed those your claim will become invalid. Therefore you should seek legal advice as expediently as possible if you wish to pursue the other party.
As with any motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accidents can be a challenging issue. But with a little bit of knowledge on how to deal with the process, along with the right people in your corner, these things can make a long and difficult road a little easier to walk.