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Guide · Motorbike accidents
Motorbike Accident Claims
If you were injured in a motorbike accident caused by someone else, such as a driver who pulled out in front of you, you can usually claim against their insurer. If the driver was uninsured or didn't stop, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. Motorcyclists aren't covered by the whiplash tariff, so injuries are valued individually. Not wearing a helmet can reduce compensation for a head injury, but doesn't stop you claiming.
Riders have little protection in a crash, so motorbike accidents often cause serious injuries. This guide explains who you can claim against, what you can claim and what to do after an accident.
- Motorcyclists killed in 2025
- 386
- Source
- Department for Transport, reported road casualties
- Whiplash tariff
- Doesn't apply to motorcyclists
- Time limit
- Usually 3 years
Who can you claim against?
Who you claim against depends on what caused the accident:
- Another driverThe most common cause is a driver who didn't see the rider, for example by pulling out of a junction, changing lanes without checking, turning across your path or opening a car door in front of you. The claim is made against their insurer.
- An uninsured driverIf the driver had no insurance, the Motor Insurers' Bureau compensates people injured by uninsured drivers.
- A hit-and-run driverIf the driver didn't stop and can't be traced, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. Report it to the police as soon as you can, as there are strict time limits.
- A road defectIf a pothole, loose gravel or a poorly repaired road surface caused your accident, you may be able to claim against the council or the company that did the work. See pavement and pothole claims.
- A faulty bike or partIf a defect, such as a faulty brake or tyre, caused the accident, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or supplier under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
Common motorbike accident injuries
Without the protection of a car around them, riders are more likely to be seriously hurt. Common injuries include:
Fractures
Especially to the wrists, arms, collarbone, legs and pelvis.
Road rash and scarring
Cuts, grazes and friction burns from sliding along the road.
Head and spinal injuries
From concussion to brain injury, and from disc injuries to spinal cord damage.
Psychological injuries
Such as PTSD, anxiety or a fear of riding again.
For life-changing injuries, see serious injury claims.
Helmets, clothing and partly being to blame
Motorcyclists must wear a protective helmet by law (with a limited exception for Sikhs wearing a turban). If you weren't wearing one and suffered a head injury that a helmet would have prevented or reduced, your compensation for that injury is likely to be reduced. Protective clothing isn't required by law, but the other side may argue it would have reduced some injuries.
The other side may also argue you were partly to blame, for example because of your speed or how you were filtering. Filtering isn't illegal, and the Highway Code allows it with care, but accidents while filtering can lead to blame being shared.
Being partly to blame reduces your compensation in proportion to your share, but it doesn't stop you claiming. See claiming if it was partly your fault.
What can you claim for?
As well as compensation for your injuries, you can claim for financial losses, including:
Lost earnings
Past and future, including if you can't return to the same work.
Your bike
Repairs or replacement, storage, and in some cases a replacement vehicle while yours is off the road.
Riding gear
Your helmet, leathers, boots, gloves and other damaged kit.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy, private treatment and rehabilitation.
Care
Professional care, and the value of help from family and friends.
Adaptations and travel
Changes to your home or vehicle, and travel to medical appointments.
Motorcyclists aren't covered by the Official Injury Claim service or the whiplash tariff, so all injuries are valued using the Judicial College Guidelines.
What to do after a motorbike accident
- Get helpCall 999 if anyone is hurt. Get checked even if you feel fine, as adrenaline can mask pain.
- Exchange detailsNames, addresses, registrations and insurers. If someone is hurt and you can't exchange details, report it to the police within 24 hours.
- Gather evidencePhotos of the vehicles, where they ended up, the road surface, signs and your injuries, plus witness details and any helmet camera or dashcam footage.
- Keep your helmet and gearDon't throw away your damaged helmet or clothing. An expert may need to examine them.
- Tell your insurerReport the accident to your own insurer, even if you're not claiming on your policy.
Compensation guide
How much compensation could I get for a motorbike accident?
The table below shows indicative ranges for some common injuries from trips and falls, based on the current guidance used by the courts in England and Wales. Wrist, collarbone, knee and ankle injuries are common in motorbike accidents too. Their value depends a great deal on the type of injury and how well you recover, so talk to us about yours. You can also claim for financial losses, such as lost earnings, treatment and travel costs.
| Type of injury | Key factors | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor soft tissue injurySprains, strains and bruising | Recovery period, impact on daily activities | Up to £16,500 |
| Arm or shoulder injuryFrom soft tissue damage to fractures and elbow injuries | Severity, dominant arm affected, impact on work | £5,500 – £42,000 |
| Leg fracture (simple)A simple fracture of the tibia, fibula or femur | Recovery time, surgery required, long-term impact | Up to £18,500 |
| Moderate back injuryDisc, ligament or muscle damage with longer-lasting symptoms | Duration of symptoms, impact on mobility and work | £16,500 – £51,000 |
| Serious leg injuryComplex fractures and injuries with lasting effects | Multiple fractures, permanent symptoms or disability | £36,500 – £117,000+ |
| Head and brain injuryFrom less severe brain injuries to life-changing damage | Cognitive impairment, personality change, long-term care | £20,000 – £530,000+ |
How to read these figures
- These are indicative ranges for pain, suffering and loss of amenity only. You can also claim for financial losses, such as lost earnings, treatment, care, travel, and repairing or replacing your bike and riding gear. See how compensation is calculated.
- Figures are rounded and based on the Judicial College Guidelines (18th edition, April 2026). A "+" means the most severe cases can be worth more.
- Every claim is different. The amount you receive depends on your medical evidence and circumstances, and past results don't guarantee future outcomes.
Motorbike accident claims: FAQs
Can I claim compensation for a motorbike accident?
Yes, if the accident was caused wholly or partly by someone else. That could be another driver, the council responsible for the road, or the maker of a faulty part. If the driver was uninsured or can't be traced, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
What if the driver was uninsured or didn't stop?
You may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau, which compensates people injured by uninsured and untraced drivers. Report the accident to the police as soon as you can, as there are strict time limits for these claims.
Does it matter if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Helmets are a legal requirement for most riders. If you weren't wearing one and a helmet would have prevented or reduced a head injury, your compensation for that injury is likely to be reduced. It doesn't stop you claiming, and it won't affect injuries a helmet couldn't have prevented.
Can I claim for damage to my bike and riding gear?
Yes. If someone else caused the accident, you can usually claim for repairing or replacing your bike, and for your helmet, leathers, boots, gloves and other damaged kit. Keep the damaged items and any receipts.
Does the whiplash tariff apply to motorcyclists?
No. Motorcyclists aren't covered by the whiplash tariff or the Official Injury Claim service, so all injuries, including whiplash, are valued individually using the Judicial College Guidelines.
How long do I have to make a motorbike accident claim?
You usually have 3 years from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. For children, the 3 years doesn't start until they turn 18. Claims through the Motor Insurers' Bureau have their own time limits, so act quickly. See how long you have to claim.
Injured on your motorbike?
Talk to our team for free, with no obligation. We'll look at what happened, work out who was responsible and tell you whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.