For a long time, bikers have had a bad Press. Other road users tend to regard them as irresponsible, but in reality the majority are not only sensible and responsible, but have just as high a degree of control over their machines as do the drivers of other vehicles. In many instances, accidents involving motorcycles are caused not by their riders, but by another party.

According to figures released by the Department for Transport, motorcycles account for less than 1% of all vehicle traffic on Britain’s roads, yet their riders sustain 14% of the nation’s total of road deaths and serious injuries.

So why is it that motorcyclists and their pillion passengers, per million vehicle kilometres – 620,000 miles - are twice as likely to be killed or injured as pedal cyclists, and more than 16 times as likely as car occupants?

One factor is the speed at which a motorcycle travels. Another is the relatively exposed nature of its riders. Yet another is its fairly low visibility, particularly at night, when its single headlight may be confused with those of other vehicles. Many accidents involving cars and motorcycles occur at crossroads, when the car driver simply pulls out having failed to see an approaching motorbike.

This is a fairly straightforward example, but there can be more complex causes that are much harder to determine. In the case of an oil spillage on the road, for instance, it can be very difficult to establish blame. Such accidents can be wrapped in a tangle of fact and supposition that requires expert help to unravel.

If you have been injured as a result of this type of accident, contact Macks Solicitors right away on Freephone 0800 980 9398. Macks Solicitors can offer expert specialist advice on how to claim compensation for injury to yourself and damage to your cycle.

The following is a good example of how we can help to resolve a complicated issue. One of our clients was a motorcyclist who was overtaking a line of traffic, in which some vehicles were stationary and others moving very slowly. One of the cars attempted to carry out a u-turn and collided with our client, causing a severe injury to his left leg, which required multiple operations. The defendant’s insurers disputed liability and alleged that our client was riding on the wrong side of the road at speed and failed to notice that the car was indicating. Eventually, liability was agreed on an 80/20% basis in favour of our client, and he received substantial damages.

Don’t hesitate! Call Macks Solicitors today on Freephone 0800 980 9398 immediately and let them do the hard work on your behalf.