Motorcycle Accident Claims
Despite the fact that motorcycles only make up one percent of the vehicles on the roads in the UK, motorcycles are involved in just over nineteen percent of all roadside accidents. Worse yet, a motorcycle driver is over forty times more apt to sustain serious injury in a vehicle accident than the driver of an automobile.
There are a number of reasons why motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury. One is the fact that the vehicle itself does not provide any protection to the driver like an automobile does. It can, in fact, trap the rider beneath it and cause additional injury. Another reason is the fact that unlike in an automobile, there are no passive restraint systems such as seatbelts or airbags to protect a motorcycle rider. In addition, a motorcycle is also highly vulnerable to extenuating conditions such as road hazards (sand, gravel, debris) or inclement weather.
Because of the higher risk of injury and even death, as well as the disproportionate number of motorcycle accidents that occur on an annual basis, resolving a motorcycle accident claim quickly is not something that happens very often. Just as with a car accident claim, there is an need to determine the liability of those involved as well as gauging the extent of the injuries and disability that might be a result of the accident. One of the most common motorcycle accidents occurs when the driver of a nearby automobile simply doesn't see the other vehicle and cuts in front of or swerves into it unknowingly.
Just as with a car accident claim, it is important to obtain the services of a trained personal injury solicitor to help you understand not only your rights in the event of an accident, but also the risks and potential benefits of pursuing a personal injury claim against the party that is responsible for the accident. Motorcycle accident claims are also handled on a 'no win no fee' arrangement, with the same caveat that applies to automobile accident claims being in effect here as well, namely the fact that the losing party pays the winning parties legal fees.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is always best to proceed as if you intend to file a claim even if you have not yet decided to do so. This way, if you do make that decision, you will already have the necessary information to move forward. You are probably already aware that you should get the name, address, license number and insurance information from the other driver as well as noting down the make and model of the car. It also important to get the name and contact information of any witnesses who were present at the scene as they may be able to verify your version of what happened. If there have been any serious injuries, then you should contact the police immediately.