Statistically, motorcyclists are at high risk of being involved in an accident on UK roads and incidents involving motorcyclists and cars or lorries are not uncommon. And when involved in an accident, the chances of motorcyclists sustaining serious or fatal injuries are, for obvious reasons, far higher than they are for the drivers and passengers of cars.
What causes a motorbike accident?
Motorbikes have a smaller outline compared to most motorised vehicles on the road, making them more difficult to spot than the average car, and this is one of the main reasons why they're frequently involved in accidents.
Acidents involving motorcycles often happen because the drivers of cars and lorries simply did not see the motorcyclist coming behind them – either because they were not looking carefully enough, or because the motorcycle was in the vehicle’s blind spot. This is especially true of lorries, as they have greater blind spots and present more danger to the overtaking motorcyclist.
Motorcyclists are also often hit by cars pulling out of junctions. Again, drivers often blame the accident on the fact that they did not see the motorbike coming, when they did not actually look properly before pulling out. But sometimes the driver of the car simply misjudges the speed of the motorcycle (it can be easy for a driver to overestimate the time available before a motorbike will reach them), and pulls out of the junction when they shouldn't have.
Stationary traffic and parked vehicles also pose a risk to motorcyclists for the same reasons. If a driver fails to properly check for a motorbike before pulling out or opening a car door, this may inadvertently cause a collision.
For a more detailed overview of the types of injury sustained in motorbike accidents as well as what to expect when you make a claim, visit our motorcycle accident section.
Claim compensation for your injuries with Thompsons
It's an unfortunate fact, but there's a high chance that a motorcyclist involved in a road accident will sustain serious or fatal injury.
Such an injury creates an extremely difficult time for the victim, and their family. Receiving the fair amount of compensation, however, can help pay for the necessary treatment and make the coping process a little bit easier. This is where Thompsons Solicitors can help.
For No Win No Fee compensation advice from expert solicitors specialising in the field of personal injury, contact our lawyers today on 0800 0891331. We will investigate matters for you and advise you of the best way forward.