FAQ: Motorcycle Accident Claims

Our motorcycle accident claim experts have provided some key information and answers here to some frequently asked questions regularly raised by those injured whilst riding about making a motorcycle accident compensation claim.

I’ve had a motorcycle accident, what can I claim for?

You can claim for any out-of-pocket expenses suffered as a result of the accident, including loss of earnings, past and future treatment costs, travel expenses incurred to attend appointments, the cost of replacing your damaged motorcycle and other equipment, as well as compensation for your injury.

How long do I have to claim for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident?

Usually, you have three years from the date of the accident in which to settle a claim or begin court proceedings. This can vary though so please contact Fosters Solicitors as soon as possible so we can advise accordingly.

What does it cost to make a claim for a motorcycling accident?

The vast majority of our motorcycle accident claims are conducted under a no win no fee agreement. There are no upfront payments needed or any financial risk to you. The costs are only payable at the end of the claim, by the defendant.

How long does a motorcycling accident compensation claim take to settle?

There is no fixed timescale for a motorcycle accident claim to reach conclusion. Many factors affect the length of a claim, including the timescale of your recovery from injury, and the other party’s view on liability. On average claims take from six to 12 months for a ‘straightforward’ claim, up to two to three years for a claim with more serious injuries. It is possible to obtain interim payments before a final settlement is achieved.

What happens if the motorcycling accident was my fault?

This would mean you are the defendant in the claim. However, we are still able to advise you. Defendant work is not suitable for a no win no fee agreement, so it would be conducted on a private paying basis.

I think I was partly responsible for the motorcycle accident, can I still make a claim?

Yes. Once investigations have concluded about who owed a duty of care to whom, we will negotiate on your behalf with the solicitors acting for the other parties. Even if you believe or accept you are more than 50% responsible (known as contributory negligence) you will still have a claim for partial loss.

Is rehabilitation something I can claim for as I am suffering from the effects of my injuries?

Yes. If physiotherapy or occupational therapy is needed, then the cost of this can be obtained even whilst the claim is continuing in the form of interim payments.

What do I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

You should obtain important information, if you are able, such as:

• The details of all parties involved; names and addresses of witnesses.
• The location of the accident and conditions of the weather/road.
• You should also take photos of the scene and record details of any damage.
• If injured, seek assistance for your injuries and take photographs.
• If you are injured report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

I fell off my motorbike and sustained injury because I hit a pothole. Is this something Fosters Solicitors can help me with?

Yes. The local authority has a duty to ensure that the road is fit for use by all road users. As a result, if you fall off due to hitting a pothole, we may well be able to help you bring a claim.

Fosters Solicitors motorcycle claim experts have vast experience of supporting those involved in motorcycle accidents and are here to provide support and advice for all claims, irrespective of the number of people involved, whether you have been hit by another vehicle, or fallen off your motorbike through hitting a pothole.

We have acted in a wide variety of claims, with many different scenarios and types of injuries. If you contact us with your motorcycle accident query, we will always give you an honest opinion as to whether we can help you bring a claim.

From the initial telephone call, we will usually be able to determine whether there are any grounds for a claim.

If there are, then we can arrange a meeting to discuss matters in detail. If you instruct us, we will advise you as to the grounds for a claim depending on the further information we gather, whether from a police report, CCTV footage or medical records.