Claiming Compensation for Pillion Passenger Motorbike Accidents

A pillion passenger is someone who sits behind a motorbike, scooter or other vehicle rider. If you were hurt while travelling as a pillion passenger on a motorbike, you may be eligible for compensation. Riding as a pillion passenger carries its own risks, and if an accident occurs, the consequences can be serious. SilverOak Solicitors specialises in assisting those who have been harmed in motorbike accidents and ensuring they obtain the compensation they deserve.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Pillion Passengers?

Motorcyclists carrying a pillion passenger must follow strict rules to ensure the safety of their passenger. These include:

• Ensuring the motorcycle has an adequate pillion seat.
• Making sure the passenger can access the footrests.
• The passenger must face ahead at all times while on the bike.
• Providing the passenger with a BSA (British Standards Authority) approved helmet.
• Agreeing on a communication system for the ride, such as hand signals or an intercom.
• Informing the passenger about the risks of riding pillion.

Failure to adhere to these safety procedures can result in accidents, and if the rider is careless, they may be held liable for the passenger’s injuries. Even if it is illegal to transport a pillion passenger on a motorbike with a provisional licence, legal counsel should be sought immediately. Compensation may still be collected from the biker’s insurance company.

What Are the Risks of Riding Pillion?

As a pillion passenger, you are more vulnerable on the road. Not only are you at risk of accidents caused by other drivers, but the rider’s actions also have a big impact on your safety. Some common risks include:

• Falling off when the bike turns a corner: Poor handling or unexpected movements can lead to falls.
• Being thrown off the back of the bike: If the rider accelerates too quickly or fails to properly balance the bike, the pillion passenger may be at risk of being thrown off.
• Head and leg injuries: These are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly for pillion passengers who may not have the same level of control as the rider.

Am I Eligible to Make a Claim?

You may be eligible to make a compensation claim if:

• The accident occurred within the last three years.
• The collision was caused by another person’s negligence, whether it was the rider’s or another driver’s.

If these conditions are met, SilverOak Solicitors can assist you in filing a claim for the injuries you have received.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on a number of criteria, including

• The degree of your physical and psychological injuries.
• Any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses or lost wages.

Compensation is usually divided into two types: general damages and special damages.

• General damages cover your pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. These damages are awarded for both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
• Special damages cover the financial impact of the accident. This includes loss of earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and the need for any adaptations to your home or vehicle.

At SilverOak Solicitors, we’ll help you calculate both general and special damages to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Claim?

We handle pillion passenger claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you won’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. If your claim is successful, we will deduct 25% of the settlement amount as a success fee. This means that if we do not win your case, you will not have to pay anything.

Can I Still Claim if I Was Partly to Blame?

Indeed, you are still entitled to claim even if you share some responsibility for the disaster. Your pay might be cut, though, to match your share of the guilt. We call this dual responsibility. For instance, your compensation would be dropped thirty percent if you were judged to be thirty percent liable for your injuries.

How Personal Injury Solicitors Can Help

At SilverOak Solicitors, we have a great deal of expertise with pillion passenger road traffic accident claims. From medical costs to missed income, we know the difficulties you could have following an accident and we are here to help you get back on your feet. Our staff will walk you through the claims process and provide simple, friendly help at every turn.

See SilverOak Solicitors now to explore your case if you have been hurt as a pillion passenger over the past three years. We are here to battle for the pay you are due so you may concentrate on your rehabilitation.