Being a pillion passenger on a motorcycle is exhilarating. You enjoy the rush of the open road, the sights, and the sounds. Unfortunately, the thrill can turn into a nightmare if you’re involved in an accident. Injuries are a real possibility, even if you’re being super careful.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that as a pillion passenger, you have specific legal rights and may be entitled to compensation to help with your recovery. Let’s delve into the details and see how you can make a claim.
Understanding Your Rights as a Pillion Passenger
Buckle up, pillion passenger! Here’s the key takeaway: because you have no control over the motorcycle, the law sees you as an extra vulnerable road user. This means motorcyclists, along with other drivers, have a heightened duty of care towards you. So, if you weren’t at fault for a motorcycle accident and got hurt, there’s a good chance you can claim compensation for your injuries and any losses you’ve faced.
Who Can You Claim Against?
This is where things can get a little tricky, but don’t worry! It mostly depends on who caused the accident:
- The Motorcycle Driver: If the driver of the motorcycle made a mistake or was driving recklessly, you might be able to claim against their insurance. This is often the most straightforward type of claim if the driver admits fault.
- Another Road User: Maybe another driver acted carelessly, such as pulling out without looking and causing your motorcycle to crash. In this situation, you would most likely claim against their insurance company.
- Road Conditions: In some rare cases, poorly maintained roads or dangerous potholes can cause motorcycle accidents. Here, you might potentially claim against the local authority responsible for road maintenance.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
The amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life, any financial losses you’ve had because of the accident, and future costs like rehabilitation therapy.
Here’s the good news: compensation can go beyond just your medical expenses. You might be able to claim for:
1. Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Amenity:
This is intended to compensate you for how your injuries impact your daily life and the things you can no longer enjoy.
2. Lost Wages and Future Earnings:
If your injuries forced you to miss work, you may be able to claim back those lost wages. If your injuries mean you can’t return to your usual job or have reduced earnings in the future, your compensation can reflect that.
3. Medical Expenses:
From hospital treatment and medication to ongoing physiotherapy, you can claim your medical-related costs.
4. Travel Expenses:
All those trips to the hospital or doctor’s appointments can add up. Compensation can help cover those costs.
Receive a Call About Your Claim
Evidence is Key – What to Gather
The stronger your evidence, the smoother your compensation claim will likely go. Here are some things you should try to collect:
- Accident Details: Note the date, time, location, and any specific details you remember about how the accident happened.
- Witness Information: Did anyone see the accident? If so, get their names and contact details.
- Police Report: If the police attended the scene, request a copy of their report.
- Photographs and Videos: If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the motorcycle or other vehicles involved.
- Medical Records: Keep a thorough record of all your medical appointments, treatments, medications, and any recommended future care.
- Expenses and Lost Income: Maintain clear records of any expenses incurred from the accident, as well as a record of lost wages due to your injuries.
Making a Road Traffic Accident Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we understand the specific vulnerabilities faced by pillion passengers in road traffic accidents. Unlike drivers, you have no control over the motorcycle’s operation, leaving you dependent on the rider’s skill and awareness.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident as a pillion passenger, the situation can be particularly overwhelming. You’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and navigating medical bills on top of everything else. Here’s where National Claims can help.
Free Consultation:
Our team of will connect you with experienced solicitors in handling pillion passenger claims. We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your accident. During this conversation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience and assess the circumstances of the collision. This allows us to give you initial guidance on the strength of your claim, considering factors like the cause of the accident and potential parties responsible.
No Win, No Fee:
We understand that financial concerns can add extra stress after an accident. That’s why we operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. There are no upfront costs associated with our services. Our fees are only applied if your claim is successful, ensuring you can pursue compensation without financial burden.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Conclusion
Being a pillion passenger in a motorcycle accident can be a scary and confusing experience. But remember, you have rights. National Claims is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let’s get you the help you need to move forward.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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