In the majority of instances it is relatively easy to make a claim following an accident whilst riding a motorbike. Unfortunately, there are some factors that might add some further stress to an already stressful situation. For example, if there is a dispute over who is to blame, the other driver fled the scene or they were uninsured. If unfortunate enough to get involved in a motorcycle crash, you should aim to do some important things as soon as possible in order to avoid potential headaches at a later date.
Safety
Immediately following an accident the motorcyclist’s safety should be treated as top priority. Bikers are amongst the most vulnerable of all road users, perhaps being second only to pedestrians. Life & limb outweigh the value of any motorcycle and you should evaluate your surroundings in order to decide if an ambulance and police are necessary.
The details
You are obliged to provide your name and contact details to other involved parties. They should provide you with the same. It’s important not to admit liability or accept blame at this stage as there may be unknown factors that led to the collision. If safe to do so and there is a camera available, take photographs or video recordings of the scene, the motorbike and any other vehicles involved. If possible, do this before you clear the obstruction that your motorcycle has left on the road. If you sustained injuries, it’s best not to worry about this too much as the police will record these details whilst you receive treatment or get taken to hospital.
If you were injured
Who is your solicitor? If you sustained injuries, it’s important to appoint a solicitor as soon as possible, as it’s just become more complex than just bike damage. Know who you’re going to call BEFORE you get in an accident to simplify things should the worst happen.
Save this 24/7 number in your phonebook now – 0800 020 9311
Contact your solicitor as soon as possible, preferably before you tell your insurance provider to ensure that you are armed with the appropriate legal advice. However, keep in mind that most insurance policies compel the biker to inform their insurer within a certain period of time, usually 24 hours.
Choose a solicitor like Paschal O’Hare Solicitors that can act as your one stop shop for getting you back on the road. Your chosen solicitor should be able to take care of repairs, a replacement motorcycle and injury claims if required.
Now that your solicitor is involved it is their job to guide you through the complexities of being involved in an accident. If you’re eligible, Paschal O’Hare Solicitors can even get your car repaired or replaced for free.
For example – The guidance might include:
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Visit a GP if it is required (Some injuries won’t manifest for days).
- Do not speak with any third-party companies such as a conveyor belt claim company.
- Do not directly speak with insurers representing other parties – This is called Third-Party Capture and it’s widely regarded as unethical. Learn more about it here.
- Do not allow yourself to be pressured by your own insurer to take actions that benefit them rather than you.
It is free to contact Paschal O’Hare Solicitors for an enquiry and if the accident was not your fault, you keep 100% of the damages awarded to you.
If you were not injured
Considering how vulnerable motorcycle users are on the roads, you’re lucky if you came out unscathed. However, you might still have a damaged motorcycle to contend with.
You should contact your insurer as quickly as possible to report the matter and to pass on the information that you collected at the scene. If you wish to proceed with a claim your insurer will ask an assessor to determine the cost of repair. You may have to have a preapproved garage make the repairs. Depending on your policy, you might be able to get a courtesy motorbike whilst you wait. If the accident was your fault, you will be required to pay the insurance excess in order to claim. However, if the claim is against a third-party who was at fault then any claims will be made against their insurance instead.
If the motorbike is written off, you will be offered a cash sum. It is important at this stage that you do your research to ensure the value of your bike is being returned to you.
Aftermath
Involvement in a motorcycle accident is both terrifying and stressful. Despite all of the inconvenience, it is best to try to remain calm and focus on your physical and mental recovery.
If you have read this too late and have already been involved in a motorcycle accident in which you sustained injury in the last 3 years, contact us immediately for a free, no obligation and confidential discussion.
Learn more about our motorcycle accident claims service.
