Lawyers specializing in motorcycle accidents and motorcycle injury lawyers Our car accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident. We are nationally recognized for our successful track record in road accident compensation claims and are accredited by MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society). If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys at Sheldon Davidson can help. Some of the most serious road accidents in the UK involve motorcycles and often result in fatal or even fatal injuries. The government says motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to die in a road accident than motorists or passengers. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident and you believe the accident was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience and have an excellent track record of success with motorcycle-related injury claims. After an initial consultation, we will be able to tell you with a high degree of certainty whether there is a case to answer. If so, we will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible rehabilitation and an appropriate level of compensation. We handle the majority of motorcycle accident compensation claims on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, meaning that if your claim is unsuccessful you won’t have to pay anything.
What can I file a complaint about?
Our primary concern after a motorcycle accident is ensuring that you receive the medical care you need quickly, followed by thorough rehabilitation treatment for as long as necessary. Injuries suffered by motorcyclists in a traffic accident range from relatively minor to catastrophic and variable. A financial settlement allows cyclists to be compensated for any losses they suffer. A comprehensive compensation claim will include compensation for physical pain and suffering, damage to your motorcycle, property, and protective equipment, loss of earnings, and any other financial losses suffered to date and those that may continue into the future. Treatment and medical expenses The recovery process for motorcyclists can often be longer than that of motorists. A motorcyclist’s lack of protection in the event of an accident or collision with another vehicle leads to more serious injuries. Serious injuries not only cause extreme physical harm and suffering but can also prevent victims from returning to work. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work with medical experts as they work on your compensation claim, to ensure the extent of your injuries is explicitly stated. It is not uncommon for motorcycle accident victims to suffer psychologically from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be incredibly debilitating if not recognized and treated correctly. We will make sure you have access to any medical treatment and rehabilitation you need to give you the best chance of recovery available.
Financial losses
Loss of income is an important factor to consider when making a financial compensation claim. If you have been unable to work and have suffered financially as a result of the accident, we will take this loss into account in your compensation claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will review a loss schedule with you so we can put together a clear picture of every cost incurred in order to seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurance company. You can also request:
- Ongoing medical, rehabilitation, or welfare expenses as a result of long-term injuries caused by the accident
- travel expenses for trips to and from medical visits
- damage to the motorcycle, clothing and any other personal items damaged in the accident
- any changes that need to be made to your home to help with any mobility issues
- mobility aids.
Vehicle repair and replacement
Since motorcycles are much smaller than cars, vans and trucks, it is not uncommon for them to suffer serious damage in a collision. Sheldon Davidson Solicitors can arrange your repairs and provide you with an equivalent replacement in the meantime, which should allow you to carry on as normal.
How can I file a complaint?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, contact us today for a free initial consultation. One of our legal experts will assess your case and if we believe your claim has a strong chance of succeeding, we will guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have. Then we will take care of your case. The first thing we will do is arrange a medical assessment of your injuries, identifying any treatments or rehabilitation you may need for your recovery. We will then ensure that you have access to the best care available as part of your compensation claim and the information from this assessment will form the basis of your case. Once we have an idea of the value of your claim, we will begin to negotiate on your behalf, keeping you fully informed as your case progresses. For more information on the potential value of your claim, visit our helpful motorcycle accident compensation calculator.
Vulnerable road users
Motorcyclists are classified as “vulnerable road users”, as they do not have the protection on the road that others traveling in vehicles have. There are no seat belts, airbags, head restraints or outer vehicle shell protecting a motorcyclist, so in the event of a road accident, motorcyclists often fare much worse than other road users. The injuries that cyclists can suffer are often serious and often life-changing. Rates of serious injuries and deaths are vastly disproportionate to any other group of road users.
Why choose Sheldon Davidson Lawyers?
Call now to speak with an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer. Our team helps motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents get the compensation they deserve, and we’re ready to help. We know that riding a motorcycle is very different from driving a car, and we have many years of experience representing clients involved in cycling accidents. We understand that accidents involving motorcycles have a higher risk of being serious, potentially life-changing and tragically, often fatal. We will do everything in our power to ensure you get the support you need. Our experienced RTA damage claims solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester, including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.
How frequent are motorcycle accidents?
Although the number of motorcyclists seriously or fatally injured each year decreased by 76% between 1979 and 2013, motorcyclists still have the highest crash and injury rates per mile traveled among all road user groups. Unfortunately, every day an average of 30 motorcyclists suffer a fatal or serious life-changing injury in an accident on their motorcycle. The Department for Transportation reports that 349 motorcyclist road deaths were reported in 2017. Comparing this data with equivalent data for motorists, motorcyclists are at least 57 times more likely to die in a road accident than those driving a car. . Despite only accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic, a shocking 19% of deaths on UK roads involved motorcyclists. 86% of those killed were men, over a third of whom were under the age of 25. Fatal accidents tend to occur at night, when motorcyclists are less visible, and often occur on extra-urban roads (68%) where there are a greater number of curves. But in reality motorcyclists can be involved in road accidents at any time and on any stretch of road. Similarly, 2017 fatality data suggests that motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to suffer a serious injury than those driving a car. Causes of motorcycle accidents.
Accidents caused by other r oad users.
Due to the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists, other road users have a duty of care and to ensure that they ride with awareness and consideration towards them. Despite this, too many accidents are caused by other drivers making errors in judgment and failing to protect cyclists with their actions. From time to time we see accidents where drivers: failing to register a motorcyclist in your blind spot go out in front of cyclists or turn into their path, because they have not seen them or because they have misjudged the speed at which they are traveling they fail to give cyclists enough room to maneuver. We have also seen accidents caused by pedestrians walking out onto the road without looking, meaning a motorcyclist had to take evasive action to avoid them, resulting in a collision.
Accidents are caused by unsafe roads.
Not all cycling accidents are caused by other road users: unsafe or poorly maintained road surfaces pose a particular risk to motorcyclists. Unexpected road defects, such as potholes, faulty iron parts, cracked or uneven surfaces, or liquid spills on the road are dangerous for cyclists. If you have had an accident due to poor road conditions, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Highways England and local councils are responsible for keeping roads in good repair and, if they fail to fulfill their duty of care in keeping them safe, they may have to pay compensation. Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents. Drivers are required by law to stop after an accident to identify themselves. From a moral perspective they also have an obligation to ensure that no one is injured and that the accident is reported to the authorities if necessary. Unfortunately, however, not all road users have this integrity, and hit-and-run accidents are sadly common, with around 12% of accidents involving a hit-and-run driver. While not being able to track down the driver presents some challenges, it is still possible to make a claim for compensation in the event of a car accident. The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) deals with claims where the other driver cannot be found and also with accidents involving uninsured drivers. If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, we can help you make a complaint to the MIB – speak to us for information on how a complaint works in these circumstances.
Common injuries follow
a motorcycle accident. Due to the innate vulnerability of motorcyclists, more than a third of cycling accidents result in serious injuries to motorcyclists and their passengers and can leave victims with traumatic injuries. Bicycle accidents are sometimes classified as “high side” or “low side,” both causing different types of injuries. A low side accident occurs when the rear tire of a motorcycle loses grip and slips. High side crashes are usually violent, high-speed crashes that result in the rider falling off the bike or being thrown over the handlebars. In either case, injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating and often leave riders and passengers with serious and even fatal injuries. Elbow and shoulder injuries Elbow and shoulder injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, as this area often takes the brunt of the impact of an accident. Injuries can cause sprains, bruises, dislocations and bone fractures, and rehabilitation can take a long time.
Skin lesions
Even though cyclists wear protective suits, skin injuries such as lacerations, grazes and road rash often occur in bicycle accidents. The rash occurs when skin is scraped off the road surface and can be incredibly painful, especially if deep, as it can cause damage to nerve cells. Skin lesions are also prone to infection and can be difficult to treat.
Hip injuries
Hip injuries can occur in cycling accidents and are often extremely serious, impacting your mobility and long-term health. Some hip injuries may require hip replacement surgery.
Back injuries
Back injuries can be extremely worrying following a motorcycle accident, but are sadly common when a rider is thrown from a motorcycle at full speed.
Limb injuries
Limb injuries, affecting arms and legs, are common following a bicycle accident. The severity can range from broken bones, sprains or crush injuries, to amputation in the worst cases.
Head injuries
Despite wearing a protective helmet, cyclists run the risk of head injuries in a motorcycle accident. These are usually the most dangerous type of injury, resulting in facial damage and the risk of brain damage and long-term disability.
Paraplegia or quadriplegia
Very serious motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries to the back, neck or spine. Where these injuries leave a victim paralyzed, completely or partially, the impact will be life-changing. If you have suffered paraplegia or quadriplegia following a motorcycle accident, you will need extensive and ongoing support. The extent of your injuries and your long-term prognosis will affect the amount of compensation you can claim. It can be difficult to give an exact figure, as the value of your injury will depend on your personal situation, but for a more personalized estimate, speak to one of our personal injury team. Our legal specialists will do everything they can to ensure that you have the best possible chance of achieving a successful personal injury claim, ensuring that you are fully looked after, both now and in the future. Can I file a complaint on
on behalf of someone else?
If for any reason the victim of a motorcycle accident is unable to make a claim for compensation, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim on their behalf. If you wish to make a complaint on behalf of someone, we can advise you on the next steps and how to proceed. We understand that this will be an incredibly upsetting time for you and we are here to help you get through it.