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Motorcycle accident compensation claims solicitors

If you’ve been injured in a motorbike accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Contact our expert motorcycle injury solicitors and get the compensation you deserve.

Last updated on November 7th, 2023

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Key points for making an injury claim

The most important things to remember when claiming for a motorbike accident:

  • You may be able to claim compensation if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and the negligence of a third party caused your injuries
  • To receive compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove that the cause of the accident was either partly or wholly someone else’s fault
  • In most cases, you have up to three years from the accident date or three years from the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries
  • The amount of compensation you can claim for injuries caused by a motorcycle accident will depend on how severe your injuries are and the impact they may have on your life

When can I claim for a motorcycle accident?

You may be able to claim compensation if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and the negligence of a third party caused your injuries.

To receive compensation for your injuries and any other losses or costs incurred, including medical treatment and rehabilitation, you will need to prove that the cause of the accident was either partly or wholly someone else’s fault.

Depending on the cause of your accident, you can claim against another vehicle, a pedestrian or a local authority if a poor road surface caused your accident.

You may even be able to claim against the manufacturer of your equipment if it was the cause of your accident.

You may also be able to claim if you were hit by a car driven by a hit-and-run or uninsured driver.

Speak to our specialist road traffic accident claim solicitors today to discuss your accident.

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How long do I have to make a motorcycle accident claim?

In most cases, you have up to three years from the accident date or three years from the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries.

The three-year time limit does not apply if you are claiming for someone with limited mental capacity, including if the injuries suffered in the accident prevent them from claiming within three years.

You can claim on behalf of a child up until the date of their 21st birthday.

We recommend that you begin your claim as soon after your motorcycle accident as possible, as it gives us the best chance of collecting all the evidence we need to mount the strongest case on your behalf. Speak with our experienced no win no fee solicitors about your motorcycle accident today.

Can I make a motorcycle accident claim on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can. 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 such instances, you will be able to claim on their behalf as a “litigation friend” if you are a trusted family member.

You may also be able to claim in the tragic event that a loved one has died from a motorcycle accident. In these cases, you may be able to claim bereavement damages, funeral expenses and for dependents.

Recent successful motorcycle accident claims

£45,000 awarded to motorcyclist after U-turn fail.

A motorcyclist overtaking stationary traffic collided with a car that had entered his path whilst trying to turn around in the traffic.

£500,000 claimed for motorbike passenger who hit an unlit skip.

Motorcycle passenger spent two months in a specialist hospital as a result of the seriousness of her injuries.

Man with no memory of road accident still wins compensation.

A motorcyclist who suffered anterograde amnesia after he was hit by a car secured £15,000 settlement for damages.

How much compensation can I claim if I’ve been involved in a motorbike accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for injuries caused by a motorcycle accident will depend on how severe your injuries are and the impact they may have on your life.

Compensation settlements for injuries sustained following a motorbike accident can range from £1,500 for a minor facial injury to £350,000 for a severe head injury.

Motorcycle accident compensation calculator

Our motorcycle accident and injury claims calculator below provides an approximate guide to the amount of compensation you may be able to claim.

The calculator considers the part of your body you have injured and the severity of your injuries and provides an approximate compensation payout based on recent case law and the Judicial College Guidelines.

Alternatively, see our table of cycling accident compensation amounts at the bottom of this page.

Find out how much you could claim

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Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below

These amounts listed in our calculator only consider the compensation you could claim for your injuries, known as General Damages. In addition, to this amount, you can also claim for Special damages.

Compensation for special damages can be claimed to cover expenses you may have already incurred or will incur because of the injuries you’ve suffered.

Compensation could be claimed for expenses that may include, but would not be limited to;

  • The damage, repair, or replacement of your motorcycle
  • The replacement of any motorcycle equipment, such as your helmet and clothes damaged in your accident
  • Current and future earnings, including any loss of income or pension
  • Any medical costs associated with your rehabilitation or ongoing rehabilitation treatment, including physiotherapy or counselling
  • Any adaptations needed for your home
  • Any costs for the care you may have or will need to receive, even if a family member or friend provides this
  • Any out-of-pocket expenses you or anyone who has cared for you may have incurred.

Edward’s experience with Express Solicitors

What evidence do I need to make a motorbike accident claim?

To be successful in your claim, we must show that the accident was caused by someone else being at fault. This is done by compiling clear and compelling evidence.

The type of evidence that would be most useful when claiming for a motorbike accident may include the following:

  • The date and time, and location of the accident
  • Any details you can remember about the accident and who you think is to blame
  • Contact details, including registration number and insurance details of any other vehicles involved in the accident (where applicable)
  • Police reports of the accident
  • Any footage you may have of the accident from a helmet or body cam, CCTV, or dash cam
  • Any photographs or video you may have taken at the scene of the accident
  • Contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident who may be able to provide a statement on your behalf
  • Details of the medical treatment you received either at the scene or at a hospital or GP

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information. Our specialist road accident claims solicitors will help compile evidence on your behalf.

Why should you choose us?

100% No-Win-No-Fee

Contact us with the comfort of knowing you’ll never be at financial risk when you claim with us. We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you

Advanced payments available

We understand how an accident can affect your financial position. We always look to collect an early compensation (interim) payment where possible.

We can take over your case

With legal specialists for every type of accident claim, we can take over your claim at any stage from another solicitors. We take pride in winning cases other firms turn down.

Can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by a hit-and-run driver?

Yes, you can still make a claim if you were injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. However, rather than make a claim against a driver’s insurance company, hit-and-run claims can be made with the Motor Insurance Bureau, which specialises in claiming for road accidents when the party at fault can not be identified or is untraceable.

Can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by an uninsured driver?

Yes, you can still claim if you were injured on your motorbike after being hit by an uninsured driver. Our personal injury solicitors will make your claim with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, a not-for-profit organisation created to help victims of road accidents where the party at fault is uninsured.

Can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by poor road surfaces?

Yes, you can claim against whoever is responsible for the road surface if your motorcycle accident was caused by a poorly maintained, damaged or unsafe road.

Whether it’s National Highways for motorways or A roads, or local authorities for all other roads, the organisation has a duty of care to all road users to keep them safe.

Local authorities are legally required to conduct regular inspections and to take action if they identify anything that is or is likely to become, a danger to road users. Additionally, they must display warning signs to inform road users of any potential hazards caused by unsafe road surfaces.

You’ll claim more with us.

We have recovered an additional £21.2m more in compensation for clients who switched to us from their previous firm.

Contact us now to discover the real value of your claim.

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Can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by faulty or defective equipment?

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation for your motorcycle accident if your injuries were caused by defective equipment, such as a faulty crash helmet or a defect on your bike that led to your accident.

Can I claim if the motorcycle accident was partly my fault?

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation for your motorbike accident, even if it was partly your fault.

Motorbike claims differ somewhat from other personal injury claims as the responsibility for the accident may be shared. When we assess your claim, we’ll consider whether the accident was entirely your fault, entirely another road user’s fault, or a shared fault between you both. In claims where the fault is with more than one party, a split liability agreement will be set up.

What is a split liability motorbike accident claim?

These claims are when two or more road users agree to share the blame for the accident. The amount of compensation you receive relates to the percentage of the liability split. For example, if you agree you are both equally at fault, you’ll be entitled to receive 50% of the compensation amount.

We understand the financial impact of an accident.

In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer. We’ll provide financial security with our interim payments wherever possible, meaning you don’t need to rush into an offer that is lower than you’re legally entitled to.

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What are the most common types of motorcycle accident claims?

Being on two wheels makes motorcyclists more vulnerable to accidents than most other road users. Not only are they at are more significant risk of injuries caused by other road users, but they are also more susceptible to accidents if the road surface is dangerous.

With over 20 years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims, the most common type of accidents we see include:

  • Accidents caused by drivers not spotting bike riders, especially at junctions and roundabouts
  • Accidents caused by changing lanes while not looking to see if the lane is clear
  • Accidents caused by overtaking or turning into a rider’s path
  • Accidents caused by a rider having to take evasive action to avoid hitting a pedestrian or object on the road
  • Accidents from poorly maintained roads, including loose gravel spills, fluid spills, and potholes, especially on corners and bends in the road when the rider is leaning
  • Accidents from faulty traffic lights, lighting or defective signage

Such accidents are split into two categories – Lowside and highside.

Lowside accidents are caused when the front or rear wheel loses grip and slides out, usually due to too much breaking or acceleration through or out of a corner. At their least, riders can fall off the bike and suffer from severe cuts, bruises, and broken bones. At their worst, lowside accidents can lead to a rider sliding into oncoming traffic.

Highside accidents occur when the rear wheel loses lateral grip and then regains it violently or if the back wheel locks up. It is most common when the rider over-corrects a rear-wheel slide. As a result, the bike suddenly grips and sends the rider the other way.

A highside crash is extremely dangerous because the rider is usually flung over the handlebars, often in the bike’s path of travel. Severe injuries are common in such cases as the rider can collide with vehicles, the road surface and their own bike.

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Can I make a no win no fee motorbike accident claim?

Yes, you can. Our motorbike injury compensation claims legal services are provided on a no win no fee basis.

A no win no fee agreement protects the person claiming if the claim is unsuccessful from any costs during the compensation claim process, meaning you can claim without paying a penny.

No win no fee agreements are also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). This agreement means that there is only a fee on the condition that you win your claim. It means you are safe to pursue a compensation claim knowing that you have no financial risk if it’s unsuccessful.

When your claim is successful, the other side pays the majority of the legal costs, and the law firm takes a pre-agreed fixed percentage of the compensation. This means you’d never be out of pocket when claiming.

In addition, we take out an insurance policy on your behalf, which protects you in the rare event the claim isn’t successful. This is known as an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy, which means you have no upfront costs and nothing to pay if you lose the case.

We provide unlimited legal advice at the outset of all claims, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We can assess your case and explain the no win no fee claims process on our first call.

Frequently asked questions about claiming for a motorcycle accident

What should I do after a motorbike accident?

You must remember to stay calm if you've been in a motorbike accident. You should not shout at or abuse other road users, nor should you apologise or admit fault – all of these can affect your right to claim.Your first priority is to stay safe. Move out of the road and call an ambulance if you're seriously injured. You should also contact the police.When it's safe, you should exchange insurance and contact details with other drivers. You should also speak with the police about gathering evidence, such as reports or CCTV footage. The police will make sure you get home safely. Then, when you feel ready, you should contact us to start your claim.

Who pays my motorbike compensation claim?

If you claim against another driver, their insurance will pay for your claim. If you claim against a public body, such as a local council, the claim will be paid from their public liability insurance.The Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) will pay for claims involving uninsured or untraceable drivers.

How long does a motorbike accident claim take?

While there is no set time frame for claims to settle, it is usual for most claims to settle within six to twelve months.The time your claim may take to complete will depend on how simple it may be to prove who was at fault and how quickly the other party admits liability.In some cases, where injuries are severe and the lasting effects are unclear, the claim process may be delayed until the full impact of your injuries are assessed, and a compensation amount is recommended to cover the expenses needed for your medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Do I need to have a medical for a motorcycle accident claim?

You should have a medical after your accident, even if you were not seriously injured. You can use these records to support your claim. You can also claim if you had a pre-existing injury, such as a bad back, and your doctor says the accident made the injury worse.

Do motorcycle accident claims go to court?

Less than 1% of personal injury cases go to court, so there's no need to worry. If the other driver or organisation disputes your claim and we cannot settle out of court, we may ask you to appear. However, this is extremely rare, and you can change your mind at any time and give evidence from a video link.

Average compensation claim amounts for injuries caused by motorbike accidents

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
HeadMinor£1,880.00 to £10,890.00Covers head injury with recovery within a few weeks. Higher compensation if symptoms include headaches.
HeadModerate£13,430.00 to £112,130.00Symptoms ranging from poor concentration, lower and higher risk of epileptic attacks, minor personality changes, depression, more severe intellectual impairment, or injuries/symptoms leading to a vegetative state.
HeadSerious£186,890.00 £240,590.00Covers reduced life expectancy, serious physical symptoms, serious changes to personality or intellect, large dependence on others due to paralysis or otherwise.
HeadSevere£240,590.00 to £344,640.00Covers minimally conscious state (life expectancy less than 15 years), severe disability, brain damage with little/no response, vegetative states needing full-time nursing.
EyeSevere£56,080.00to £229,260.00Complete blindness on one/both eyes or severe visual impairment on one/both eyes.
FaceMinor£1,460.00 to £7,460.00Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery.
FaceSerious£15,320.00 to £26,010.00More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth.
FaceSevere£26,010.00 to £38,850.00Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health.
Ear/ hearingMinorUp to £5,980.00Possible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), slight/occasional tinnitus.
Ear/ hearingModerate£12,700.00 to £25,350.00Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus.
Ear/ hearingSerious£25,350.00 to £38,850.00Complete deafness in one ear. Severity varies based on additional symptoms (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, etc.).
Ear/ hearingSevere£77,430.00 to £120,040.00Complete deafness in both ears. Higher compensation for child injuries also resulting in a loss of speech.

Motorcycle accident compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
NeckMinorUp to £6,680.00Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3 – 24 months. Compensation factors include severity of pain and amount of negative effects on everyday life.
NeckModerate£7,410.00 to £47,760.00Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations.
NeckSevere£56,100.00 to £139,210.00Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability.
BackMinor£2,090.00 to £10,670.00Includes lighter strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries. Recovery between 3 months and 5 years.
BackModerate£11,730.00 to £26,050.00Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition.
BackSevere£36,390.00 to £151,070.00Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc.
ShoulderMinorUp to £6,730.00Soft tissue injury resulting in pain. Full recovery between 3 – 24 months.
ShoulderSerious£10,890.00 to £16,380.00Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery.
ShoulderSevere£16,380.00 to £40,970.00Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus.
Pelvis & hipsMinor£3,370.00 to £10,750.00Complete recovery after minor soft tissue injuries. Little or no disability within 2 years.
Pelvis & hipsModerate£10,750.00 to £33,430.00No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future).
Pelvis & hipsSevere£33,430.00 to £111,690.00Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery.
Scarring (not facial)Minor£2,020.00 to £7,380.00One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands.
Scarring (not facialModerateUp to £7,380.00Full recovery within 2 years, up to a partial recovery with symptoms that are not largely debilitating.
Scarring (not facialSevere£6,680.00 to £19,390.00Several noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar.

Motorcycle accident compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
ArmMild£5,630.00 to £16,380.00Fractured forearm.
ArmModerate£16,380.00 to £33,430.00Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms.
ArmSerious£33,430.00 to £111,690.00Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation.
ArmSevere£82,040.00 to £255,930.00Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life.
ElbowModerateUp to £10,750.00Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage.
ElbowSerious£13,360.00 to £27,320.00Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability.
ElbowSevere£33,430.00 to £46,780.00Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery.
WristModerateUp to £8,740.00Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters.
WristSerious£10,750.00 to £20,900.00Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability.
WristSevere£20,900.00to £51,070.00.Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function.
HandMinorUp to £4,050.00Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months).
HandModerate£4,780.00 to £11,330.00Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery).
HandSevere£24,740.00 to £171,920.00Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless).
FingerMinorUp to £4,055.00Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring.
FingerModerate£3,370.00 to £5,000.00Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger.
FingerSevere£10,380.00 to £31,350.00Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering.
ThumbMinorUp to £4,055.00Short-term, severe pain gone within 3 months.
ThumbModerate£3,370.00 to £10,750.00Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities.
ThumbSevere£10,750.00 to £46,780.00Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip.

Motorcycle accident compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
LegMinor£7,780.00 to £12,010.00Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
LegModerate£15,320.00 to £46,780.00Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability.
LegSevere£46,780.00 to £240,590.00Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee).
KneeMinorUp to £11,730.00Includes soft tissue injuries (recovery within a few months), a twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising resulting in discomfort or pain.
KneeModerate£22,340.00 to £37,070.00Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain.
KneeSevere£44,470.00 to £82,080.00Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life.
AnkleMinorUp to £11,730.00Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring.
AnkleModerate£11,730.00 to £42,710.00Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear.
AnkleSevere£42,710.00 to £59,480.00Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line.
AchillesMinor£6,200.00 to £10,750.00Minor instability due to tendon damage around the ankle. Some more severe cases might involve scarring.
AchillesModerate£10,750.00 to £17,970.00More serious injury and partially ruptured tendon. More severe cases tend to involve disability and/or permanent scarring.
AchillesSevere£21,320.00to £32,780.00Restricted movement of the ankle due to severed muscle tissue. Small likelihood of further improvement of limp and residual scarring.
FootMinorUp to £11,730.00Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp.
FootModerate£11,730.00 to £59,730.00Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion.
FootSevere£71,640.00 to £171,920.00Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation).
ToeMinorUp to £8,190.00One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery.
ToeModerate£8,190.00 to £11,730.00Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations.
ToeSevere£11,730.00 to £47,830.00Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe.

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