Motorcyclists face significantly higher risks on the road compared to other motorists. With little physical protection and a smaller road presence, it takes only a moment of inattention or negligence from another road user to cause a serious accident.

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Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help injured riders recognise whether they may have a legal claim for compensation and what evidence is needed to prove it.

Motorbike Accident due to a Driver Failing to Look Properly

One of the most common causes of motorbike accidents is other road users simply failing to see motorcyclists. This often happens when:

• a driver pulls out of a junction without checking mirrors
• a vehicle turns right across the rider’s path
• a driver misjudges the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle

Because motorbikes are smaller and less visible, these collisions frequently lead to severe injuries.

Impact on claims:

If a driver failed to look or misjudged the rider’s position, liability usually rests with the driver. Evidence such as CCTV, dashcam footage, witness statements, or accident reconstruction can be crucial.

Motorcycle Accident due to a Driver Changing Lanes Unsafely

Many collisions occur when a motorist changes lanes without properly checking blind spots. Motorcycles can easily be hidden from view, particularly on busy dual carriageways or motorways.

Impact on claims:

Liability often depends on whether the motorist checked mirrors and signalled appropriately which can be difficult to evidence. For the rider, a helmet-mounted or bike-mounted camera can be extremely helpful as can dash-cam footage from other road users who may come forward as witnesses.

Motorbike Injury due to a Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions are among the most serious types of motorcycle accidents. They typically occur when a vehicle strays into the opposite lane, attempts to overtake without adequate visibility, or loses control on a bend.

Impact on claims:

These cases often lead to serious or catastrophic injuries. Liability is usually clear if the driver entered the rider’s lane, but police reports and expert evidence can strengthen the claim.

Motorcycle Injury due to Poor Road Conditions

Road defects cause a significant number of motorbike accidents. Compared to cars, motorbikes are much more vulnerable to:

• potholes
• uneven surfaces
• loose gravel or debris
• oil or diesel spills
• defective road markings

A hazard that a car may barely notice can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.

Impact on claims:

Claims involving road defects may be brought against the local authority or highway authority responsible for maintenance. Success depends on proving:

• the defect was dangerous
• the authority failed to inspect or repair it within reasonable timescales

Photographs and measurements of the defect should be taken as soon as possible.

Motorbike Accident due to Speeding and Reckless Driving

Motorbike accidents frequently involve excessive speed either by drivers or riders. High speeds reduce reaction time and significantly increase the severity of injuries.

Impact on claims:

If the other motorist was speeding or driving aggressively, liability is typically strong. However, if the rider was also speeding, contributory negligence may be raised. This does not defeat the claim but may reduce compensation.

Motorcycle Accident due to a Driver Being Distracted

The rise of mobile phone use has led to more accidents caused by driver distraction. Even checking a notification can cause a momentary lapse in concentration, enough to miss a motorbike filtering through traffic or approaching a junction.

Impact on claims:

Phone records, witness statements, and dashcam footage can all help prove distraction.

Motorbike Injury due to Alcohol or Drug Impairment

Impaired driving drastically affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Motorcyclists are often the victims of drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence.

Impact on claims:

Police evidence is key. Where impairment contributed to the accident, liability is usually straightforward.

Motorcycle Injury due to Mechanical Failures

Defective brakes, tyre blowouts, or mechanical faults can cause accidents. If maintenance was poor or a newly fitted part failed, liability may fall on:

• a garage
• a manufacturer
• another road user whose vehicle shed debris or fluid

Impact on claims:

Expert analysis of the motorcycle or the other vehicle may be needed to identify the cause of the incident.

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Proving Liability in a Motorbike Injury Claim: What Evidence Helps?

Regardless of the cause, evidence is crucial. Useful forms include:

• Accident scene photographs
• Helmet or bike-mounted camera footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Engineering or road surface expert reports

Our specialist motorcycle injury lawyers can take responsibility for gathering this evidence and presenting it clearly to insurers or the court.

Contributory Negligence: When the Rider Is Partly at Fault

Even if a motorcyclist was partly responsible, for example, if they were speeding slightly or filtering through traffic, they may still have a valid claim. In such cases, compensation may be reduced by a percentage that reflects their contribution to the accident.

Conclusion

Understanding how motorcycle accidents typically occur can help injured riders recognise when negligence may have played a part. Whether caused by driver error, road defects, poor visibility, or dangerous behaviour, motorcyclists are entitled to pursue compensation when someone else was at fault.

At Edwards Duthie Shamash, our specialist personal injury solicitors, Bradley Wright, can help establish liability, gather persuasive evidence, and secure the compensation needed for treatment, recovery, and financial stability.

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Motorcycle Injury Compensation Claim FAQs