For Motorcycle Accidents

Anyone who rides a motorcycle is at risk of an accident but statistically, some people are more at risk than others. These are usually young men but older riders are equally vulnerable.

These older riders –also known as ‘born again bikers tend to be men in their 40’s and 50’s that are enjoying a second youth. They have the disposable income to purchase large, powerful bikes which are a considerable step up from the bikes they rode in their youth.

However, what they forget is that modern motorcycles are more powerful than before and much more difficult to handle. Plus they may not have the skills to handle these types of bikes in all types of weather and on roads that are far busier than they were in their youth.

The main problem for a motorcyclist is that they are more vulnerable in an accident than other road users, purely due to the fact that they do not have the same protection. Cars and other four-wheeled vehicles encase their driver in a steel box: the rider of a motorcycle is sat on a machine that experiences every pothole or defect in the road to a far greater extent. A motorcycle is far more likely to fall over or slip on oil on a greasy road surface.

THE EFFECTS OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A motorcycle accident can have serious consequences. It can cause serious injury or death and has long-lasting effects on both the rider and his/her family.

If you are the main breadwinner in your house and have to take time off due to a motorcycle injury then this can have repercussions for your family finances and may result in financial hardship.

Plus there is the mental and emotional distress caused by the accident. If this is severe then it may be many years before you recover. This can impact your quality of life as well as that of your family.

Even with protective/high visibility clothing, skills training, and a greater awareness of the risks on the road, a motorcycle accident can and does happen.

Motorcyclists are often blamed for an accident but if you have sustained an injury that is not your fault then you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Compensation can reimburse you and your family for a loss of earnings and any other expenses incurred as a result of your accident. These include specialist services such as physiotherapy, nursing care, specialist aids, and alterations to your home.

In the latter case, these modifications may have to be made if you have become disabled due to your accident.

WOMEN MOTORCYCLISTS

A note about female riders: there has been an increase in the number of women riding motorcycles which is usually for the same reasons as men. They enjoy the freedom that a motorcycle brings as well as the fact that it is often cheaper to run than a car.

But this increase has been matched by a rise in the number of women injured or killed in motorcycle accidents.

Women are often seen as safer riders than men but the fact remains that as the roads continue to become busier accidents happen which involve women as well as men.