What to do after a motorcycle accident
Being involved in a motorcycle can be a scary experience. While motorbike accident fatalities have thankfully decreased over the past couple of years, there are still thousands of motorcyclists experiencing serious injuries due to motorbike accidents.
Whether you’ve recently been injured on your motorcycle and are wondering how to go about seeking compensation, or you simply want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, our guide is here to talk you through what to do after a motorcycle accident.
With this knowledge under your belt, you can get help quickly and receive the compensation you deserve.
Remember — if you’ve been involved in any form of road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, the team at Tylers Solicitors is always on hand to ensure you get the maximum financial compensation you’re entitled to.
How common are motorcycle accidents in the UK?
According to government statistics, 16,978 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2023. Of course, some motorbike accidents won’t necessarily lead to injuries, and it’s common for riders to come off their bike turning a sharp corner.
However, if you’re involved in a crash that involves another motorcyclist, driver, or other road user, it’s essential that you know how to handle the situation safely.
What to expect after a motorcycle accident?
What to expect after a motorcycle accident will vary depending on the circumstances and who’s been involved. Your location, the types of other vehicles or road users involved, and whether or not the accident was caused by your actions will influence how quickly emergency services can reach you and affect any compensation to follow.
Regardless of the situation, though, there are a few key actions you’ll need to take to handle the aftermath safely.
What to do immediately after a motorcycle accident
A road traffic accident can be incredibly frightening, and you may find that you’re in shock directly after the collision. When you feel you are able to, take the following steps to handle the situation carefully and responsibly.
- Get to safety and assess the situation
If the accident has left you in a vulnerable position where you’re in immediate danger, move to a safe area and assess the crash scene. It’s wise to turn your motorbike engine off to reduce the risk of fuel leaks, which could lead to fires breaking out.
- Call the emergency services
Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries, and call the police and an ambulance. The police report will play an important role in any compensation claims.
- Get a medical check-up
Even if you feel fine and have no obvious injuries, we recommend getting checked out by paramedics at the scene or another medical professional as soon as possible. Not only can some injuries become apparent in the days following your accident, but medical records act as important evidence when making a motorcycle compensation claim.
- Exchange information with anyone else involved
For insurance and compensation purposes, you’ll need to exchange contact details and essential information with the other party involved in the accident.
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details, too — their testimonies may support your compensation claim down the line.
- Obtain any evidence
When you’ve been in a crash that wasn’t your fault, it’s always a good idea to gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and try to obtain CCTV footage if applicable.
How much compensation could you get for a motorcycle accident?
So, what is the average payout for a motorcycle accident?
As with any personal injury — and particularly when it comes to road traffic accidents — many factors can affect the amount of compensation you might be entitled to. In most cases, it comes down to the severity of the injuries you suffered as a result of the collision.
However, it’s important to remember that you might also be eligible to claim for:
- Psychological and emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Damage to your motorbike
- Income lost from taking time off work
- Loss of future earnings if your injuries cause long-term issues
- Medical bills and transport costs to get to medical appointments
The best way to get a clear idea of the compensation amount you could claim is to speak to a personal injury solicitor who has experience in handling motorcycle accident claims.
As a ballpark figure, however, here are some figures and brackets to show common claim amounts for motorcycle accident claims:
- For a minor head injury caused by a motorbike accident, you may be able to claim around £2,990.
- In contrast, a serious head or brain injury leading to long-term disabilities could warrant up to £493,000.
- Scrapes, lacerations, and bruising are very common in motorbike accidents, and depending on the severity, you may be able to claim up to £118,790. This upper amount tends to be awarded to victims with severe facial scarring.
- For more minor cuts and bruises, you can usually expect around £2,990.
For more information on common claim amounts, take a look at our motorcycle accident compensation calculator.
How to make a motorcycle accident insurance claim with Tylers Solicitors
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you can contact the team at Tylers Solicitors. We’ll take a look at your case, explore the evidence, and work out how much you could be entitled to.
It’s easy to get the ball rolling — give us a call at 0800 699 0079 or contact us online, and we’ll guide you through the process. Our no-win, no-fee solicitor services mean you can feel confident knowing you won’t need to pay us unless your claim is successful.
