Sidecars in a motorcycle accident

Sidecars have been a part of motorcycle life for over a century. While they may not be as popular as they were before the 1950s, there is still a committed fanbase, both on UK roads and in motorsports. However, even these aficionados cannot decide whether a sidecar has an effect on the likelihood of being involved in a motorcycle accident, resulting in personal injuries such as whiplash.

On one hand, the addition of an extra wheel, widening the wheelbase of the motorbike, has been promoted as an additional safety feature. On the other, the effect that moving the centre of gravity has on the rider's handling of the vehicle and on the motorbike's responses to manoeuvres can increase the likelihood of a crash, especially when the rider is not used to this.

The effects of being involved a motorcycle accident with a sidecar attached can be significant, particularly as the Highway Code does not demand that a sidecar passenger must wear a helmet. Without this protection, a sidecar passenger who is involved in a crash is clearly more likely to receive a head injury. Read more about helmet protection.

When a motorcycle is faced with dangerous driving from surrounding traffic, it is often able to use its small size to escape danger by running between lanes of traffic. As this option is not open to the widened profile of a motorcycle with sidecar, the chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident that is not the rider's fault is likely to be increased too.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident involving a sidecar?
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, as a rider or as a sidecar or pillion passenger, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim for your injuries. YouClaim offers free, expert advice to anyone wishing to find out if they are entitled to make a motorcycle accident claim, and can work on your claim on a no win, no fee basis. We ensure that you are protected you from all costs at all times.

Successful claims are also covered by our 100% compensation promise, which means that everything awarded in compensation is passed directly to you.

Our advisors are ready to help you find the right personal injury solicitor to work on your motorcycle accident compensation claim, and can be reached either online, through our e-chat facility, or by phone on 0800 10 757 95. If you would prefer one of our advisors to call you, simply fill in our call-back form and let us know when you would like to be called.