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Things You Should Know When Making a Motorbike Accident Claim

• Lee
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More and more people are now using motorbikes their primary mode of transport. Unfortunately, the number of accidents involving motorbikes is on an unprecedented high. This could be attributed to the fact that most roads are built for cars and larger vehicles. Hence, drivers and pedestrians alike are less careful with motorbikes compared to the degree of attention they give to cars and other larger vehicles.

Even the most experienced and cautious motorcyclists are not exempt from danger—with obstructions, faulty road surfaces, road complications, as the most common factors cited when filing for a motorbike accident claim. Much worse is the fact that, compared to car drivers, serious injuries and fatalities are more common among motorcyclists because of the reduced level of physical safeguard.

Statistics from the Department of Transport show that motorcyclists are fifty time more likely to be seriously injured or killed during a road accident than car drivers. The same statistics indicate that although motorcyclists can be accounted for only one percent of the total road accidents, motorcyclists comprise about 25 percent of the total fatalities on the road.

If you have sustained injuries or a family member was a fatality because of a motorbike accident, may have the right to claim compensation. However, to be eligible, you need to meet the following criteria:

You are not at fault

As with any personal injury claim, the issue of fault is important to accident claims involving motorbike accidents. You will not be given compensation for accidents if the fault is not established. For a successful claim, it must be clear that the injuries you sustained were caused by the negligence or carelessness of another party. If the road surface was to blame, you must be able to establish that the failure of the parties responsible in maintaining it contributed to your accidents, directly.

You filed for compensation within the required period.

The law required a specific period for filing the claim. If the accident happened in Wales or England, for instance, compensation claims must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.

You did not place yourself to risks.

If authorities found that you did not take appropriate precautionary measures leading to the accident, it can have a negative impact on your claim. If it was established that you ignored the highway codes and speed limits while driving your motorbike, for example, the court may consider the accident, partly your fault.

Protecting yourself from serious injuries.

Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Regardless of how careful you have been driving, accidents may occur, as others may be negligent. You can avoid serious injuries and protect yourself from motorcycle accidents if you follow the following precautions.

Wear a safety helmet.

Wear an approved safety helmet and it should fit your head perfectly. If your helmet becomes damaged, replace it with a new one, immediately. It is recommended that you should wear white or brightly coloured safety helmet to help you to be seen.

Wear safety clothing.

Specially-designed clothing for motorcyclist may provide as much protection that you need when you fall from your bike. Wear trousers, jacket, and a pair of boots that are fluorescent during the day and reflective at night.

Be always alert.

You must always be alert in order to anticipate the actions of other motorists. Always glance over your shoulder before manoeuvring, particularly at roundabouts or junctions.

As part of the personal injury law of the United Kingdom, victims may file for a motorbike accident claim. Often, compensations are awarded based on the impact of the accident on the victims; and almost infrequently, accidents involving motorbikes lead to high value claims. But beyond making a motorbike accident claim, avoiding accidents is more important.

Article brought to you by: My Motorbike Accident Claim

Kirton, L. 2014, Things You Should Know When Making a Motorbike Accident Claim.

Tags: Motorbike Accident Claims,