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compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
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According to the Department for Transport, in the UK in 2008/2009, more than 105,000 motorcycle tests were undertaken by learner riders. There were also 5,554 motorcycle riders who were killed or sustained serious motorbike injury on the roads in 2009.
Motorbike road traffic accidents are most commonly caused by the rider colliding with another vehicle.
Sometimes an accident is the fault of the motorcyclist, in which case the driver of the car may make a compensation claim, but a Motorcycle Accident in Depth Study found that 37% of all motorcycle accidents in Europe are caused by the car driver failing to see the motorcyclist.
Department of Transport studies into motorcycle crashes report car drivers having "sorry I didn't see you" and "looked but failed to see" accidents.
These statistics and studies show that learner riders are likely to be even more at risk on the roads than experienced riders.
Learner riders
For those wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle, the first step is to get a provisional licence. At the age of 16 an individual may hold a licence for a moped, but at 17 they are legally allowed to hold a provisional motorcycle licence.
Before taking to the roads unsupervised, those who are 17 years of age or over must learn to ride on a learner legal motorcycle, with no more than a 125cc engine, and pass Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
On completing the CBT and passing, they will be able to ride their motorcycle but they must keep their "L" plates on the vehicle. Also, the CBT licence is only valid for two years, meaning that the rider must go on to pass the test for their full licence before two years have passed, or retake the CBT.
Car driver responsibility
The Highway Code states that it is important road users are "aware of the code and considerate to each other" and that they always look out for motorcyclists) before emerging from a junction; motorbikes could be approaching faster than drivers think.
When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic the driver should look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic being crossed and be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane.
This section of the code also adds that the motorist should "be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully".
Not only is it important to be aware of motorcyclists, it is important to extend that care to those who are still learner riders. Due to their lack of experience, potential under or over-confidence and their less developed ability to read hazards, they are at greater risk of being involved in a road traffic accident resulting in motorbike injury, than other bikers might be.
The Highway Code explains that any new road users, even those who have just passed their test, "may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events" and as such experienced drivers should be patient when encountering them on the road.
Have you experienced a motorcycle injury and want compensation?
Motorists should look out for motorcyclists, especially if the biker has "L" plates to warn other drivers of their relative inexperience on the roads.
If you have had a motorbike accident which was not your fault then you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. With YouClaim the process is explained in plain English and should your claim be successful, you will receive 100% compensation.
Our no win no fee solicitors are experts in personal injury and its respective fields and our services won't cost you a penny.
To find out if you could make a motorbike injury claim after a road traffic accident, then fill in our short online claim form and one of our team will get back to you at a convenient time of your choosing. You can call us 0800 10 757 95 or you can ask one of our advisers any questions you may have using live help echat facility.
