Michael was riding his motorcycle along the M3 Belfast. As he approached his exit, he braked on metal expansion joints on the road, which caused his bike to slip and lose balance. Michael fell off his motorbike. As a result of this motorcycle accident, Michael suffered a broken bone in his right hand, which required surgery to insert a plate and bolts. He also suffered soft tissue injuries to his left shoulder, right elbow, left knee and calf.
Motorbike Accident Claim
Michael approached this firm to ascertain whether he could pursue a claim for compensation. He felt that the expansion joints on the motorway were too slippery when wet for a road designed for travelling at speed and it posed a danger to motorcyclists particularly. A preliminary view was sought from a consulting engineer who felt that these joints, when wet, tended to be slippery. Accordingly, we initiated a claim for compensation on behalf of Michael.
A claim was initially directed against the department for regional development.
However, they denied liability and pointed out that the area in question was under a maintenance contract with Highway Maintenance Management Limited. The limited company also denied liability and indicated that if there was any liability that it would fall to the company who designed the expansion joint in question, namely WSP Group Limited.
Compensation Negotiations
Accordingly, we obtained medical reports from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. This report indicated that Michael suffered a displaced fracture of his right distal radius, which require internal fixation. Unfortunately, it was felt that his ongoing stiffness and loss of movement would be permanent. Accordingly, we issued High Court proceedings. The defendants’ argument centred around the expansion joints compliance with relevant British standards. However, prior to the case being listed for trial, negotiations were set up and the case settled on a compromise basis in the sum of £15,000.
If you have been involved in a Motorcycle Accident like Michael, learn more about how we can help you too.
