7 minute read
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of all road users. Understandably, involvement in a motorcycle accident is stress inducing and frankly, terrifying. This is especially so when the accident involves another road user in a larger vehicle such as a car or van.
Through having a preconceived idea of what to do in the immediate aftermath and proceeding weeks following an accident, a biker might be able to reduce their anxiety should one occur. Here are some things motorcyclists should consider.
Life and limb are top priorities following an accident. If you are able, evaluate your surroundings and move to safety if you need to. You should contact the police and ambulance service as required. We regularly see instances of passersby stepping in to assist. Eyewitnesses are invaluable later should you decide to claim.
If you are injured, the police will attend and record details of the accident and those involved. Your priority should be getting treated at the scene and/or being taken to the hospital.
Following a less serious accident, those involved should record the details. You are obliged by law to provide your details to other parties involved and they must also provide you with their own. You should take plenty of photographs of the scene of the accident on your smartphone, preferably prior to clearing the road of any obstructions.
You should consider investing in a helmet camera or motorbike dashcam.
You must notify your insurance provider, even if you were not at fault. You should do this as soon as possible as many policies require you to give notice within a strict timeframe. Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.
You should visit your GP. Symptoms might not present themselves until days following an accident.
Do not speak with any third party that represents others involved in the accident. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to make contact in an attempt to get you to accept an offer of compensation before you have obtained legal advice of your own. This is known as third party capture.
If you are injured and the accident was the fault of another road user, you might be entitled to compensation. You should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible. A solicitor can help ensure that your interests are protected.
When recovering from injuries sustained during a traumatic event, the last thing you need is the additional stress of finding a solicitor you feel that you can trust. You should think of who you would like to instruct ahead of time and contact them as soon as possible following an accident.
We are experts in dealing with motorbike accidents. We have one of Northern Ireland’s busiest personal injury litigation departments and thousands of local road users have trusted us with their claims. Save our number to your phone contacts today and should the worst occur, we will be on hand to advise you.
Save this 24/7 number: +44 (028) 9032 9801
We will start your claim by sending a letter of claim to the insurance provider of the other road user. We will then obtain your medical records and have you further examined by a medical professional. This will help us understand the extent of your injuries and we can begin to calculate how much in compensation we think you are entitled to.
You can claim for things such as:
In most instances when liability is admitted, your case will settle without the need of going to court. We will negotiate the highest level of fair compensation available to you. However, if the other party or their insurer takes a more contentious view towards your case, we’ll put our expertise to work and use the evidence to pursue compensation in the Courts.
Should your claim be successful, you will receive compensation for your pain and suffering soon after.
Claiming for compensation following a motorbike accident is about your access to justice. At the conclusion of your case, you can begin to put the ordeal behind you and move on with your life.
Involvement in a motorcycle is traumatic. If you find yourself struggling in the aftermath, you should raise this with your GP. You might also consider contacting Action Mental Health, a leading mental health charity in Northern Ireland.
You can learn more about our services at Motorbike Accident Claims. Alternatively, if you have been involved in an accident in the past three years, you can contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
