Drink-riding and motorcycle accident claims

It hardly need be said that if you are drink and ride and are involved in a motorbike accident, your chances of making a successful motorcycle accident claim are virtually zero.

The numerous studies into the effects of alcohol consumption on both driving and riding are universally in agreement: alcohol causes poor judgement, impaired response time and a dangerous loss of inhibitions.

Yet a surprising number of people continue to drink and ride despite being aware of the obvious risks. The consequences of this disregard for the evidence are grave.

Excessive consumption of alcohol is attributable to a significant proportion of all motorcycling accident deaths throughout the UK and Europe. It is no coincidence that countries such as Greece which have the highest levels of motorcycling fatalities also exhibit more prevalent rates of drink-riding among motorcyclists.

This problem is not confined to the continent though. It is a sobering statistic that despite concerted government campaigns to reduce levels of drink-driving and drink-riding on UK roads, a large number of people continue to flout the law.

A piece of road safety research carried out by Brake for Green Flag Motoring Assistance found that around half of all British motorists, both car drivers and motorcyclists, admitted to drinking before taking to the nation's roads.

Even if these people are not persistent offenders, they are still risking the life and limb of not only themselves but also of their loved ones as well as other road users. Few seem to realise that they are also jeopardising their chances of being able to make a motorcycle accident claim.

The fact that one in ten of the survey's respondents owned up to drink-driving or drink-riding at least once a month paints a frightening picture for anyone who is a regular user of British roads.

The day after
Many road safety campaigners are keen to stress the seriousness of driving or riding the day after excessive alcohol consumption.

Alex Boxall, YouClaim's road accident compensation spokesperson, takes up this theme, "Many people do not realise that even after a five or six hours sleep, after a heavy night's drinking there may still be a lot of alcohol in their systems, and they may very well be over the limit.

"The 28% of people who admit to driving the day after they have drunk heavily a time when they are unlikely to be safe and alert ought to take a good hard look at themselves. It is never worth it. Behind the wheel, and behind the handlebars, alcohol is a killer."

Making a no win, no fee claim for motorcycle accident compensation
If, after riding within the law, you have suffered personal injury in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Over the years YouClaim have helped thousands of people claim the compensation they deserve.

Our team of no win, no fee solicitors are all governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and work for you, win or lose, at absolutely no cost.

Furthermore, we protect you from any legal costs incurred by the opposing side and guarantee to never take a cut of your damages award, meaning that you get to keep 100% compensation.

If you would like to discover your eligibility to make a motorcycle accident claim, drop us an online claim form or talk to a skilled legal advisor, using e-chat.

Alternatively, you may leave us a call back request or speak to someone now on 0800 10 757 95.