Motorbikes are hugely popular in the UK, with over 1.4 million people riding regularly.

Despite making up less than 3% of road traffic, motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and fatalities. This is why it is so important to take extra precautions to stay safe and to know what steps to take if you are involved in an accident.

Michael Green, a solicitor in our Road Traffic Accidents team & volunteer with Greater Manchester Blood Bikes has put together this guide to help riders stay safe on the roads.

6 Tips for Motorcyclists to Stay Safe

It’s always better to prevent an accident than to deal with the consequences. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the roads:

  1. Wear a helmet– As you will know this a legal requirement and could save your life! Your helmet needs to be well maintained and meet specific safety requirements.
  2. Wear protective gear – This is not a legal requirement, but protective jackets, trousers, gloves and footwear are essential for your safety. You should ensure they are well maintained as not only will this help prevent more serious injury but may strengthen your case if you ever need to make a claim.
  3. Follow road rules – A significant number of accidents occur when pulling out of junctions, filtering through traffic or overtaking. When making these manoeuvres it’s important to take extra care, adhering to the Highway Code is important, for your safety and any future claims.
  4. Stay visible – Wear reflective clothing and make sure your bike has appropriate lighting, especially in low visibility conditions. You must have a bright white (or yellow) headlight, a red stop lamp, red taillights and indicators that flash.
  5. Be aware of road conditions – Potholes, oil leaks and overall poor road conditions can lead to an accident. Stay alert and drive to the conditions.
  6. Maintain your bike – Regularly check over your bike, ensuring brakes, tyres and lights are all working and roadworthy.

Bonus tip!

Over recent years, with advancements in technology, bike and helmet camera footage has become increasingly common as evidence in motorbike personal injury claims. Investing in such equipment could therefore be worthwhile.

Steps You Should Take After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm and gather key information to help support your claim.

  1. Seek medical attention – The most important step, even if your injuries seem minor at first, as they may become more serious over time.
  2. Gather evidence – Take pictures of the scene, your injuries and any damage to your bike. Take your bike to a mechanic for assessment and a quote. Even if the damage seems minor, there may be underlying issues.
  3. Review helmet footage – If you have a dash or helmet camera, it can serve as key evidence, helping to establish fault and support a claim.
  4. Ask for witness details – Get the contact details of any third parties and witnesses to the accident.
  5. Report the accident – Inform the police and your insurance company.
  6. Speak to a solicitor – Speak to a specialist law firm that deals with Motorcycle Accident Claims. At Express Solicitors, we offer free legal advice and can inform you of your legal rights.

As Experts in Motorcycle Accident Claims, We Are Frequently Asked…

What Injuries Can I Claim For?

If you’ve had a motorbike accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can claim compensation for injuries like broken bones, soft tissue damage, PTSD, or severe brain and spinal injuries.

Can I Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

By law, you must wear a helmet. However, you can still make a claim if you weren’t wearing one. If a helmet could have prevented or minimised your injuries, your compensation may be affected, this is called contributory negligence.

Can I Claim for a Hit and Run Motorbike Accident?

Yes, you can claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene. Speak to a qualified solicitor who can advise you on your legal rights.

Can I Claim if I Was Thrown Off My Motorbike but Didn’t Hit Another Vehicle?

Yes, if your accident was caused by potholes, debris, or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Can I Claim if I Was Filtering When the Accident Happened?

Yes, you may be able to claim but proving fault while filtering (lane splitting) can be complex. Liability depends on factors like traffic conditions, road positioning and driver awareness.

I was Riding as a Pillion Passenger, Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim?

Yes, a pillion passenger can make a personal injury claim. If another vehicle or motorbike caused the accident, you could claim against that driver or rider. If the rider of the motorbike they were on was at fault, you could also claim against that rider’s insurance.

Can I Make a Claim on Behalf of Someone Else?

Yes, sometimes motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries such as head, brain, and spinal injuries that may mean the injured party is unable to claim for themselves. In this instance, you will be able to claim on their behalf as a ‘litigation friend’.

Who Can I Make a Claim Against if I Have Had a Motorbike Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim against:

  • A negligent driver – If another motorist caused your accident.
  • Local authorities – If poor road conditions (e.g. potholes) contributed to the crash.
  • A pedestrian – If another road user’s negligence led to the accident.
  • Employers – If the accident occurred while at work (e.g. delivery riders).

How Long Do I Have to Make a Motorbike Accident Compensation Claim?

In the UK, the general time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Exceptions may apply, such as claims for children or individuals without mental capacity.

How Do I Make a Motorbike Accident Claim?

To start your claim, consult a qualified personal injury solicitor who specialises in motorbike accident claims. You can contact our team here.

Why Should I Choose Express Solicitors for My Motorbike Accident Claim?

At Express Solicitors, our dedicated team specialises in road traffic and motorbike accident claims. We offer:

  • No Win, No Fee representation.
  • Expert legal advice from experienced personal injury solicitors.
  • A proven track record of securing compensation for motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists we have recently helped…

  • We assisted a motorcyclist who was on her way to work when a car pulled out in front of her, leaving her with a broken leg. With the support of Express Solicitors and her solicitor, Daniel Jamieson, a settlement of £25,000 was agreed before trial.
  • We also supported a motorcyclist who sustained a brain injury when an animal ran in front of his bike. Unable to work again and requiring additional care, he was awarded £200,000, secured by Leanne Rowley.
  • Our client was knocked off his bike when a car suddenly changed lanes, clipping his wing mirror. Represented by Jennifer Friedrich, he received over £45,000 in compensation.

Contact us 

If you have been injured in a motorbike accident, contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.