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Case study · Road traffic accident · Serious injury

£1.9 Million Settlement After a Catastrophic Motorcycle Accident

The short answer

Our client was riding his motorcycle past a stationary bus when a car pulled out of a junction into his path. His leg was so badly injured that, after six months of treatment, it had to be amputated below the knee. The driver's insurer disputed fault and offered £1 million, which our client turned down. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, went on to secure a £1.9 million settlement.

How a disputed motorcycle accident claim was settled for almost twice the insurer's first offer, and what it means if you've suffered a life-changing injury on the road.

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Settlement£1.9m

Claim type: Road traffic accident, serious injury
Accident: A car pulled out of a junction into a motorcyclist
Injury: Below-knee amputation
Insurer's first offer: £1 million, turned down
Handled by: Karen Bannister, Personal Injury Lawyer, NJS Law

What happened

In September 2020, our client, a young father who has chosen to stay anonymous, was riding his motorcycle past a stationary bus. At the same moment, a car pulled out of a junction. The bus is likely to have blocked the driver's view, and the motorcycle collided with the car.

The crash caused severe injuries to our client's leg. Surgeons tried to save it, but the damage was too extensive. After six months of treatment, doctors had no choice but to amputate below the knee.

The impact on his life

The accident took far more than his leg. The emotional and financial strain affected every part of his life.

His relationship with the mother of his children broke down
He had to move into a small basement flat that wasn't suitable for his needs
His children could no longer stay with him overnight
He couldn't work, and may never return to his chosen profession

How we helped

The driver's insurer disputed both who was to blame for the accident and whether our client had contributed to it, which made the claim much more complex. Karen Bannister, a Personal Injury Lawyer at NJS Law who specialises in catastrophic injury claims, instructed two barristers experienced in amputation claims, Chris Barnes KC and David McCormick.

Rehabilitation came firstThe team met the insurer to discuss rehabilitation and interim payments under the Rehabilitation Code 2015, so our client could get support while his claim continued.
The first offer was rejectedThe insurer offered £1 million. After reviewing the offer carefully and taking our client's instructions, we turned it down.
The claim was valued properlyCounsel advised that the claim could be worth up to £4.5 million if fault was established in full, which put our client in a strong negotiating position.
NegotiationAfter detailed discussions and several counter-offers, both sides agreed a settlement.
The outcomeA settlement of £1.9 million, almost double the insurer's first offer, agreed in February 2023.

"The barristers I instructed had extensive experience in amputee claims and were able to assess the claim's true value with confidence. This put us in a strong negotiating position. Everyone involved was delighted with the outcome, as the settlement will allow this young man to move forward positively."Karen Bannister, Personal Injury Lawyer, NJS Law

Securing his future

The settlement gives our client long-term financial security and the chance to rebuild his life. It will allow him to:

Access private rehabilitation
Get a high-quality prosthetic limb
Buy a suitable home for himself and his children

Every claim is different, and the outcome of a past case doesn't guarantee the outcome of yours.

What this case shows about serious road traffic accident claims

If you've suffered a life-changing injury in a crash, these are the points that matter most.

Don't accept the first offer without advice

Insurers' first offers can be well below what a claim is worth. Here, the first offer was £1 million and the final settlement was £1.9 million.

Disputed fault doesn't end your claim

Even when the insurer argues about who was to blame, a claim can still settle. Where fault is disputed, the settlement takes account of that risk.

Rehabilitation can start early

Under the Rehabilitation Code, insurers are encouraged to fund rehabilitation early, so you can get treatment and support while your claim continues.

Specialist valuation matters

Life-changing injuries need expert valuation, covering future care, prosthetics, housing and lost earnings, so you negotiate from a position of strength.

Seriously injured on the road? Find out if you can claim

Whether you were riding, driving, cycling or walking, our serious injury team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.

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Motorcycle and amputation claims: FAQs

Can I claim if I was riding past stationary traffic when I was hit?

You may be able to. Drivers pulling out of junctions must make sure the road is clear, and riders must take care when passing stationary vehicles. Who was at fault depends on what happened. If you were partly to blame, your compensation may be reduced, but you may still be able to claim.

What if the insurer says the accident was my fault?

Insurers often dispute fault, especially in serious injury claims. It doesn't mean you can't claim. In this case, the insurer disputed fault and we still secured £1.9 million for our client.

Should I accept the insurer's first offer?

Not without independent legal advice. First offers can be well below what a claim is worth. Here, the insurer first offered £1 million, and the final settlement was £1.9 million.

What is the Rehabilitation Code?

It's a voluntary code that encourages insurers and claimants' lawyers to work together so that injured people get the rehabilitation they need as early as possible, while their claim is still going on.

How much compensation is an amputation claim worth?

It depends on the injury and how it affects your life. As well as compensation for the injury itself, your claim can include future care, prosthetics, home adaptations or a new home, and lost earnings, which can add up to much more. See how compensation is calculated for typical amounts.

Is there a time limit for a serious injury claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children and people who lack mental capacity, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.

Suffered a life-changing injury on the road?

Talk to our serious injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.

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