Motorbike Accident Claims

What you’ll learn

• How to start the claims process after an accident
• Who can make a motorbike accident claim and who might be responsible
• How compensation is calculated and factors affecting payout amounts
• Time limits for starting your claim and how long the process could take
• How expert motorbike accident solicitors can help you succeed with your claim

How to make a claim after a motorcycle accident

Steps for making a personal injury claim after a motorbike crash include:

1. Getting legal support
   Complete our online enquiry form to start the digital claims journey. You’ll be contacted by the experts at First4InjuryClaims, who will talk to you about your case and let you know if you could claim.
2. Gathering evidence
   This includes photos, medical records, witness details and any receipts or documents related to the accident. A legal expert can help with this, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have all the information to hand straight away.
3. Contacting the responsible party
   Your legal representative will notify the other party’s insurer that you’re making a claim and outline the basic facts. You won’t need to confront anyone yourself, this will all be handled on your behalf.
4. Negotiating compensation
   If the other side admits responsibility for your injuries, negotiations for your final compensation amount will begin. If responsibility is denied, there’s a small chance your case could go to court – but this is increasingly rare.
5. Receiving your settlement
   After an offer is accepted, you will receive your final settlement.

Can I claim compensation for a motorcycle accident?

Yes, you can. In 2024, 15,620 bikers were injured in accidents – according to the Department for Transport. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, you have the right to pursue compensation.

Here are some of the most common types of motorbike accidents you could claim for:

• Being hit by a car at a roundabout
• Lane-change or overtaking crashes
• Colliding with a vehicle emerging from a junction

You may also be able to claim if poor road maintenance led to your accident. In these instances, a claim would be brought against the local council or highway authority.

How much compensation could I receive for a motorbike accident?

There is no fixed average payout for a motorcycle accident because every case is different. But if your claim is successful, your compensation is likely to be split into two categories:

• General damages*
  General damages are designed to cover the physical and psychological impact of your accident – such as ongoing pain, loss of mobility or long-term lifestyle changes.
• Special damages
  This part of your compensation will take into account any financial losses related to your accident. This could range from medical costs to lost earnings (if you’ve had to take time off work to recover).

*To get an idea of how much you could claim in general damages, try our free compensation calculator.

How do I claim for damaged gear after a motorbike accident?

Your riding gear is there to protect you, which means it will often take the brunt of the impact in an accident. If you were involved in a collision that wasn’t your fault, the other side’s insurer will be asked to cover the cost of replacing your damaged gear.

This means you’ll need to show what was damaged and how much it cost to replace. Take photos showing the damage and keep receipts and bank statements detailing repair or replacement expenses.

The total cost will be included under special damages, along with any other financial losses. So you won’t be left out of pocket.

How much does it cost to start a motorbike accident claim?

Most motorbike accident claims are made on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there will be nothing to pay upfront and no cost to you if your claim is unsuccessful.

If your case is successful, your solicitor will take what’s known as a success fee. In cases involving road traffic accidents, this will typically be 35% of your final compensation amount (plus VAT).

Who could be responsible for my motorbike accident?

1. Another road user
   This is the most common scenario. If a driver pulled out, failed to check their mirrors or drove carelessly, your claim will be brought against their insurer.
2. A local authority or highways agency
   If your accident was caused by a pothole, loose gravel, a defective road surface or poor signage, the organisation responsible for maintaining that road may be liable.
3. A business or third party
   Sometimes unsafe road conditions can be caused by company vehicles – for example, oil spilled on the road or debris from poorly secured loads. In these cases, your claim will be made against the business’s insurer.

You don’t need to worry if you’re not completely sure who was to blame for your accident – this is where a legal expert can help you.

Motorbike Accident Claim FAQs

What is the time limit for making a motorcycle accident claim?

You’ll usually have three years from the date of your motorbike accident to make a claim.

There are a few exceptions to this deadline, though. If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year time limit won’t begin until their 18th birthday.

Meanwhile, if someone lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves, a deadline will not be applied unless they regain capacity. This will usually apply in cases involving head and brain injuries.

What evidence do I need for my motorbike accident claim?

Useful evidence to support your motorbike accident claim includes:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene – road conditions, vehicle positions, your bike and your injuries
• Medical records – showing your injuries, treatment and any ongoing symptoms
• Witness details – including names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
• Police reports or reference numbers
• Dashcam or CCTV footage – from you, another road user or a nearby property
• Receipts and financial records – detailing damaged gear, repairs, medical costs, travel expenses or lost earnings

Don’t worry if you’re missing some of these, your solicitor will help you track down additional evidence to support your case. So you won’t be doing it alone.

Can I claim as a pillion passenger?

Yes, pillion passengers also have the right to claim compensation after a motorbike accident.

You can make a claim whether the accident was caused by the rider of the bike you were on, another road user or poor road conditions. The process will work like any other injury claim – your solicitor will identify who was at fault and handle negotiations on your behalf.

If you were injured while riding pillion, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the consequences alone. Making a claim could help you deal with medical costs, lost earnings and any damage to your personal belongings.

How long does making a motorcycle accident claim take?

Straightforward motorcycle accident claims can usually be settled within a few months, but complex cases can take longer.

For example, if your injuries are more serious or the other side is refusing to accept responsibility, it may take more time to reach a fair outcome.

It’s also important to remember that settling too early could mean accepting less than you’re entitled to, so your solicitor may advise waiting until the long-term impact of your injuries is clear before accepting any offer.

Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the claims process, so you’ll never be left out of the loop.

To find out more about how we could help you find a legal specialist, get in touch today.

You can reach us on the number at the top of the screen or by filling in our quick and easy online form.