Motorcycle accident claims and the advantages of motorcycling

While there are no statistics on the subject, it can be safely assumed that if British roads were exclusively populated by motorbikes there would be far less road accidents involving serious personal injury and death.

But as it is motorbikes compete for road space with cars, 4X4s, buses and heavy-goods vehicles, which means that motorcycle accident claims account for a disproportionate number of fatalities and serious personal injuries.

It seems unfair then that motorcyclists get stereotyped as a group of dangerous thrill-seekers. No doubt, there is a thrill to be found in being leather clad on the open road, exposed to the elements in a way that a closeted car driver would struggle to imagine. Yet this is not the only reason people choose a motorbike over a car. There are myriad of other reasons why people valiantly put themselves at heightened risk of having to make a motorcycle accident claim.

Congestion
Britain is among the most densely populated countries in the world. And with one of the world's highest rates of car ownership, the effect on the UK's roads is inevitable. While this picture means that motorcyclists are at a high risk of suffering a personal injury and, consequently, making a motorcycle accident claim, there are benefits too.

Rather than waiting in long ponderous lines of traffic scratching their heads and desperately searching for a decent radio station, motorcyclists are able to cut a swathe through the build-up of traffic and get from A to B much quicker than their car driving cousins. Obviously, this should only be done legally and safely to avoid personal injury and having to make a resultant motorcycle accident claim.

In London, of course, many have taken the motorcycling option because it means they are exempt from paying the costly London congestion zone charge. A congestion charge official offers wise words when he says, "It is a good option. Many people who previously wouldn't have considered travelling on a moped or motorbike are now doing so."

If you are looking to avoid a potential motorcycle accident claim it would be wise not to look too smug though as London's notoriously agitated peak hour journeyers have been known to take their anger out on motorcyclists.

Low carbon emissions
On average, motorcycles produce half the CO2 produced by cars. Ground level pollution from motorcycles - the type that has an immediate impact on road users and pedestrians - is also on the decline since the implementation of the European Emission Standards.

So there is evidence to suggest that though a motorcyclist is more likely to make a motorcycle accident claim for serious personal injury, he or she is less likely to cause death and destruction to others, both through being at the helm of a lighter less weapon-like vehicle and as a result of polluting the world less through harmful carbon emissions.

Cost efficiency
A motorcycle accident claim for compensation is likely to be more costly than its car accident claim equivalent simply because any personal injuries suffered have a higher probability of being serious.

However, there are economic advantages that some see as offsetting this higher risk. It has been estimated that running a motorcycle can be as much as four times cheaper than running a car.

In all this, the cost of the petrol and the cost of the vehicle are the main considerations. Generally, a motorcycle is vastly more fuel efficient than a car the reasons for this are self-explanatory.

The issue of vehicle cost is more complex though. Motorbikes can be both very cheap and very expensive. It is worth remembering though that a high-performance motorbike costs about 10% of the price of a high-performance car. Car drivers would be wise to understand how costly a motorbike can be and a recent motorcycle accident claim illustrates this well.

A Scottish driver lost control of his car on a wet residential road, sliding and hitting a parked motorcycle. Even though he had sustained a whiplash injury he knocked on the door of the house that the motorcycle was parked outside so he could take the details of the owner in case of any repair work being needed. He was aghast when he eventually discovered that his insurers would have to pay a motorcycle accident claim to the tune of £10,000.

Making a no win, no fee motorcycle accident claim
Whether you motorcycle because you like to be at one with the road, wish to avoid congestion, feel strongly about environmental responsibility, or simply appreciate the cost efficiency of two-wheeled motoring, if you have been the no-fault party in an accident you may wish to make a compensation claim.

At YouClaim we have an excellent success rate in dealing with these claims. So our experts have a wealth of empathy and expertise to bring to your case.

After a motorcycle accident, chances are that you are suffering from some kind of personal injury, so the last thing you want to do is imperil your health and finances by facing hefty legal costs. That is why we will not charge you at any stage of the no win, no fee compensation claim process even if you lose. We take out an insurance policy that covers our expenses in the event of any unsuccessful claim.

We understand that different people demand a different approach that is why we are contactable in several ways. If you wish to discuss your claim with us you can request a call back, fill out an online claim form, or call us for free on 0800 10 757 95.