Motorcycling has a reputation for being dangerous, but it’s such an exhilarating and fun way to travel, motorcyclists are often very passionate about riding in spite of the dangers. Only 1% of road users are motorcyclists, but they account for 29% of all road user deaths. Because of this motorbike users are classed as a ‘vulnerable road users’, like pedal cyclists.
Common motorbike injuries:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
Because internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries might not create obvious symptoms immediately, it’s important that you get checked out by a doctor after any road traffic accident you may have, even if you feel fine.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
(think.direct.gov.uk)
Cornering
- Make sure you are aware of the road ahead and are leaving yourself enough time to react to other vehicles. Drive at a speed that will allow you to bend safely round a corner.
Overtaking
- Only overtake if you are 100% sure it’s safe. Don’t overtake if you have to speed to do it.
Speeding
- Motorbiking is fun but do not break the speed limit. Many motorbike users enjoy driving on country roads, but these are the most dangerous roads. According to the RAC, 60% of all road traffic fatalities occur on country roads. While the countryside may seem like a safe place to speed, it’s not.
Fatigue
- Riding is strenuous mentally and physically. It also drains a lot of the bodies fluids. So it’s really important that you stay rested and hydrated. It’s possible to fall asleep on a motorcycle so if you feel yourself losing concentration or starting to fidget, take a break.
It’s not the sole responsibility of motorbike riders to prevent accidents, other road users need to take motorbikers into account when they’re driving.
Drivers should:
- Take longer to look for motorbikes.
- Keep their distance from motorbikes.
- Check for bikes when changing lanes.
- Check for bikes when turning.
- Be aware of bikes trying to pass you.
- Check for bikes when opening a car door, sometimes people on push bikes or motorbikes can end up swerving out of the way of a car door opening.
If you have an accident when riding your motorbike you could be eligible for compensation, even if it was partially down to an error you made. Accidents can be complicated and the causes may not be immediately obvious. We can advise you about whether you’d be eligible to make a claim on a no win, no fee basis. This means that if you speak to us for some face to face advice and we decide that you don’t have a claim, you don’t need to pay us a thing. To speak to us call 0114 267 8780 or simply fill in our claims form and a qualified solicitor will get back to you.
For more information about road traffic accidents, see our complete guide.
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Richard Meggitt
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Major Trauma Cases
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Year of call as a solicitor 1996.
Richard is a qualified solicitor, having joined the firm in 1996. He has deliberately restricted his case load to serious injury claims. Having acted for more than 500 Claimants in major trauma cases, his expertise is recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers; Richard is a senior litigator.
