Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users and tend to suffer more severe injury than other road users. A major cause of injury to motorcyclists is that many drivers simply fail to see them.
At Handley Brown LLP we have many years of experience in dealing with cases involving motorbike accidents.
Motorcyclists often come off worse in accidents, often being thrown from their bikes and colliding with other cars, kerb stones or lampposts, sustaining injuries of all natures and severities.
Our cases often involve serious injuries such as crushing injuries, spleen and abdominal injuries from the handlebars, upper arm or shoulder injuries, knee injuries, limb loss, head injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures and road burns.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to more serious injuries than most other road users. Because of our professional expertise in handling such claims, we are able to refer you to the best medical consultants and in appropriate cases to secure early rehabilitation treatment and therapy costs. Where appropriate we can also obtain early payment to enable you to purchase or hire a replacement vehicle.
Motorcycle accidents - pillion passengers
Pillion passengers are one of the most exposed categories of road user. Their life and safety is almost entirely dependent on the front rider's skill and judgment. At Handley Brown LLP we have many years of experience in dealing with cases involving pillion passengers in motorcycle accidents.
Where a pillion passenger is injured due to a careless or negligent mistake made by the driver, then they can usually recover compensation from that driver's insurers. Occasionally there is a delay if the driver is disputing responsibility for the accident with a third party. Such a dispute can arise with another road user (usually a car) or with a Highway Authority (due to the dangerous road surface).
Such disputes can place a pillion passenger in an awkward position, particularly where they believe their own driver was partly to blame and so this is why it is often important for a pillion passenger to be represented separately. We negotiate to get your claim dealt with separately to the liability action to secure an early settlement to your innocent claim. If the driver is a friend or relative and they are responsible for your injury, whether entirely or partly, then your compensation will be paid by the insurers; not the driver. Any settlement will be made without prejudice to the driver's case against any third party and it has no adverse consequences to the driver.
Although it is illegal for a motorcyclist with a provisional licence to carry a pillion passenger, it is still possible to recover compensation from the motorcyclist's insurers and legal advice should be sought immediately.
We are able to arrange for our clients to receive expert treatment to help the road to recovery, as well as obtaining the motorcyclist compensation for their injuries and financial losses that arise as a result of the accident.
