Mobile phone headsets may lead to a motorcycle accident

With the development of systems that allow a rider's helmet to contain speakers and a microphone, motorcyclists are able to have radios and mobile phones, just as drivers of cars can. But will these distractions make a motorcycle accident more likely?

Motorcyclists are subject to the same rules as car drivers regarding mobile phones, in that any unit that needs to be held may not be used while travelling. These recently developed systems are the equivalent of a car's hands-free kit, using either a set of controls on a headphone lead or Bluetooth to connect helmets to handsets.

However, use of an in-helmet phone is not necessarily legal at all times. If the use of such a system impairs a rider's ability to drive safely, or increases the chances of a motorcycle accident, this can be an arrestable offence. This is also the case with cars and hands-free kits.

If a phone conversation can be shown to have been partly responsible for a motorcycle accident, the rider may be held to have failed to keep proper control of the vehicle. This will also influence personal injury claims resulting from the collision.

The same is true of radio systems. If listening to the radio interferes with a motorcyclist's riding, then that rider is not in proper control, and is therefore risking a crash.

It is also against the law for an employer to require an employee to answer calls on a hand-held phone while on their vehicle. An employer who insists that a rider does pick up a phone may be held liable for the results of any motorcycle accident that rider is involved in.

Making a motorcycle accident claim
Whatever the cause of a motorcycle accident, if you have received injuries that were not your fault, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation.

YouClaim are experts in motorcycle law, and can help in many compensation claims in this area. Our team will be able to help you find the right no win, no fee solicitor for your needs from our panel of law firms, all governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to guarantee the highest level of service.

We also promise that, win or lose, our motorcycle accident services will be free to you, and that 100% compensation awarded in a successful case will go directly to you, with no cuts taken by YouClaim or your solicitor.

Our advisors are ready to help; simply call 0800 10 757 95, chat to us online, or complete our claim form and someone will call you back. We look forward to assisting in your motorcycle accident claim.