This guide will walk you through everything to know about fatal motorbike accidents. We will look at the impact fatal accidents have on people’s lives, the compensation options available to you, and who will investigate the claim.
For more information on making a fatal accident claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Your First Step — Impact of an Accident — Relatives or Friends — Dependency Claims
No Win, No Fee — Who Investigates? — How Long to Make a Claim? — What is a Coroner?
Common Causes — Start Your Claim
The First Step to Compensation
If you are reading this, then sadly, we understand you have likely suffered from a fatal motorcycle accident. However, you don’t have to suffer in silence. By landing on this page, you are taking a big step towards recovering from the accident. The first step you can take to receive compensation following a fatal bike accident is to contact specialist solicitors such as ourselves. We are experienced in this area of law and will offer you free support and advice to guide you through the difficult period. After your initial call, we are confident you will feel at ease and can relax while we take matters into our own hands to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
So, get started with your fatal motorbike accident claim today by contacting our team for a casual, no-obligation chat.
The Impact of a Fatal Motorbike Accident
Fatal motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences. Many deaths involving a road accident will result in the other party being charged with careless or dangerous driving. Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than car occupants.
As experienced bike accident claims solicitors, we understand that the compensation is of little consequence immediately following the loss of a loved one due to a tragic fatal bike accident. Getting to the truth of how the fatal accident occurred and how the motorcyclist died is a priority. Once this has been established, compensation becomes essential in easing the financial burden and helping the bereaved family come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss. To make a motorcycle accident compensation claim, the solicitors must prove “negligence” against the other party concerned.
A fatal bike accident can be complex and demanding factually and legally, so specialist solicitors are recommended.
Can I Claim for My Relative or Friend?
If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal motorbike or fatal bike accident, you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf. A payout is possible when the death has been brought about due to someone else’s dangerous or careless driving. There are several scenarios where you can make a compensation claim. For example, you may be able to claim if you were financially dependent on the deceased, were an immediate relative or are representing the estate. We highly recommend that you speak to one of our solicitors to find out the full details of who is eligible. Compensation will help you come to terms with the fatal motorcycle accident and help to cover any expenses, such as medical fees and funeral costs.
What Is a Dependency Claim?
A dependent is classified as relying on another person for financial support or other reasons, such as care. This often includes spouses and children. The dependents will suffer when someone dies following someone else’s negligent actions. If this is the case, then a dependency claim can be made. Dependency claims are made because the dependents no longer have access to financial support and other essential services following the person’s death.
You Pay Nothing if You’re Unsuccessful
We believe you have bigger concerns than paying solicitors fees following a fatal motorbike accident. Therefore, we don’t charge any upfront fees and won’t charge you in the unlikely event your claim is unsuccessful. Our no-win, no-fee policy keeps us rooted in our commitment to winning your case and collecting the total compensation that your scenario warrants. You should not hesitate to start a claim because of financial worries or concerns that you won’t win. Claimants can pursue a claim in safety, knowing that they will only pay solicitor fees if their claim is successful and they are awarded damages.
Who Investigates the Motorbike Accident Claim?
First of all, it’s important to note that a compensation claim is separate from criminal proceedings and is not handled by the police. When you hire a solicitor, they will work to gather the facts of the case. The solicitors will investigate who was responsible for the accident and gather vital evidence showing the impact it has had on the claimant’s life. As part of their investigations, solicitors collate essential documents and evidence, including police reports, witness statements and medical reports. When they feel a strong case has been built, it will be brought to the other party’s attention, who can accept or deny liability. If there are disagreements about who was liable for the accident or how much compensation should be awarded, the final decision will be made by a judge.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Fatal Motorbike Claim?
Making a compensation claim for a fatal bike accident can be a lengthy and complicated process. To ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, it’s essential to be as thorough as possible. Every tiny detail matters and can affect whether you will win your claim or how much money you will be awarded. As several factors affect each case, we cannot provide a guarantee on when your compensation claim will be concluded. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect motorcycle accident claims to last between 4 to 9 months.
As part of the claims process, your solicitors will gather documents, speak to witnesses, and collect evidence to build a strong case. This investigation stage is perhaps the most lengthy and detailed part of the process. It’s also important to note that there is a limitation period. Generally speaking, a claim must be submitted by three years following the date of the death. The sooner you appoint a firm, the better your chances to build a strong claim and ensure your claim is submitted in time.
What Is a Coroner?
A coroner is an independent official who investigates deaths caused by unknown causes. In the case of a fatal motorbike accident, the coroner will reach a verdict on how the person died, including the injuries that led to the death. As part of their inquest, the coroner may rule that the death was unlawful. An inquest is critical in determining how a person died and whether a compensation claim can be made. However, it’s important to note that coroners do not apportion blame to any individual. They are simply there to identify the cause of death, not who was responsible.
The Common Causes of a Fatal Bike Accident
There are several causes that can affect how motorbike and bike accidents occur. As we have already explained, statistics prove that motorcyclists are much more likely to die due to an accident than other road users, largely due to their lack of protection and careless consideration from others. The chances of a fatality are significantly increased if the victim sustains severe head injuries or endures issues with their respiratory system.
Most fatal motorbike accidents are caused by another person, either through human error or careless/dangerous driving. Motorcyclists are more likely to die from an accident than cyclists due to the speed at which they travel. Accidents caused by motorists usually involve cutting in front of the motorcyclist’s path, driving recklessly, being distracted, not looking at their blind spot, speeding, or failing to give way at a junction. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs also increases the chances of a serious collision. Death is more likely the faster the speed of both vehicles, particularly if the rider is flung off their bike at force or finds themselves trapped underneath an object. The biggest concern for motorcyclists and cyclists is their reduced visibility to others.
Fatal bike accidents not caused by motorists can include dangerous roads, potholes and uneven road surfaces, hazardous weather conditions such as strong winds, and slippy roads caused by spillages or ice. These accidents usually cause the rider to lose control of their bike. When losing control at high speeds, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious and fatal injuries.
Start Your Claim
If one of your family members or friends has passed away due to dangerous or careless driving, please contact our fatal road traffic accident solicitors for independent expert advice. As fatal injury solicitors, we are here to help support the family throughout this trying time. We will deal with all aspects of the compensation claim and get to the truth of what happened.
