Our specialist solicitors have experience supporting families through fatal motorbike accident claims and helping them understand the compensation they may be entitled to.
Losing a loved one in a fatal motorbike accident can have a devastating impact on the whole family, both emotionally and financially. We will guide you through the claims process, explain who may be eligible to make a claim and help recover compensation for losses such as financial dependency, funeral expenses and other costs arising from the death.
If you would like to discuss a fatal motorbike accident claim, contact our team for specialist advice and support.
- Your First Step
- Impact of an Accident
- Relatives or Friends
- Dependency Claims
- No Win, No Fee
- Compensation Examples
- 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 to receiving compensation after a fatal bike accident is to contact specialist solicitors like us. 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 help you secure the best compensation.
So, start 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 road accidents that result in death lead to 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.
Our experienced accident solicitors understand that 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, solicitors must prove “negligence” on the part of the other party.
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 caused by someone else’s dangerous or careless driving. Several scenarios allow you to 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 recommend speaking with one of our solicitors to confirm 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 someone who relies on another person for financial support or other needs, such as care. This often includes spouses and children. The dependents will suffer when someone dies following someone else’s negligent actions. If so, 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 solicitor’s fees following a fatal motorbike accident. So we don’t charge any upfront fees and won’t charge you if your claim is unsuccessful. Our no-win, no-fee policy reflects our commitment to winning your case and collecting the total compensation your scenario warrants. Don’t hesitate to start a claim because of financial worries or concerns that you won’t win. Claimants can pursue a claim with confidence, knowing they will only pay solicitor fees if their claim is successful and they are awarded damages.
Examples of Fatal Motorbike Accident Compensation
Compensation cannot replace a loved one or undo a negligent motorist’s actions. However, compensation following a fatal motorbike accident can be instrumental in helping a family move forward and come to terms with the devastating consequences of the accident. A successful claim can ease financial pressures caused by the accident, including medical costs, funeral expenses and loss of income. You can also recover money for loss of dependency, such as income or childcare that the deceased would have provided had they survived.
Below you will find some real-life examples that illustrate the compensation law firms have secured for families following a fatal motorcycle accident.
£810,000 for a Widow and Three Daughters
In June 2015, an engineer, who had a wife and three young daughters, sadly died when an oncoming car struck his motorcycle. A solicitor supported the family through the process, including appearing on their behalf for a remote hearing in the High Court. The family reached a £810,000 settlement with the driver’s insurance company. The compensation reflected the loss of dependency, particularly financial income, the family endured due to the accident.
£300,000 for a Widow Following a Fatal Motorcycle Collision
One of the biggest risks motorcyclists face is a car pulling out of a road without paying attention, as the motorcyclist in this case found. A husband tragically died when his motorbike was struck by a car that pulled out of a side road. His widow ultimately received £300,000 in compensation following the fatal accident.
A Six-Figure Settlement for the Loss of Care and Support
An elderly motorcyclist died in 2021 when an improperly secured trailer detached and struck him. The deceased had provided extensive care and support for his wife prior to the accident. She later made a successful compensation claim, with a key part of it focusing on the cost of replacing the lost services. The law firm used expert evidence to assess the value of the support she would need over time. While the full compensation amount isn’t publicly available, we know it involved a six-figure settlement, a significant payout. This example illustrates how a compensation claim can cover future lost care and practical assistance, not just financial contributions.
How Much Could Your Family Get?
The examples above are individual outcomes, not a guide to what every family will receive. Compensation amounts depend on several factors, including the accident’s unique circumstances and the losses you can prove, such as income, care, and household support the deceased would have continued providing. However, they show the seriousness of fatal accidents and estimate what successful claims can be worth. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorbike accident, contact our team for a free, no-obligation discussion about your circumstances.
Who Investigates the Motorbike Accident Claim?
A compensation claim is separate from criminal proceedings, and the police do not handle it. 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 they have built a strong case, they will bring it 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, a judge will make the final decision.
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 detail matters and can affect whether you win your claim and how much you’re awarded. Because several factors affect each case, we can’t guarantee when your compensation claim will be concluded. However, as a general rule of thumb, fatal motorcycle accident claims typically take 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 often the longest and most detailed part of the process. It’s also important to note the limitation period. Generally, a claim must be submitted within three years of the date of death. The sooner you appoint a firm, the better your chances of building a strong claim and submitting it on time.
What Is a Coroner?
A coroner is an independent official who investigates deaths of unknown cause. 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, 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
Several factors 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. Motorist-caused accidents often involve cutting in front of a motorcyclist, driving recklessly, being distracted, not checking blind spots, 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 with 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 slippery 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 Fatal Motorbike Accident 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 handle all aspects of the compensation claim and uncover the truth of what happened.
