Motorbike accidents: loss of limb compensation claims

There is no doubt that bikers face incredible dangers out on the road. According to previous government studies, motorcyclists are up to 55 times more likely to be injured or killed on the roads when compared to other road users.

Even though motorcyclists only account for 1% of road traffic accidents, they statistically make up 20% of all motor fatalities and serious injuries. In 2013, the government reported an incredible 4,866 serious motorbike injuries.

Loss of limb injuries are tragically common in motorcycle accident claims.

The common lack of protection issue

Motorcyclists are not afforded the same protection as car drivers and passengers. Most car cabins consist of strengthened metal with dedicated crumple zones; i.e. specifically designed and structured to withstand collisions from all angles. However, a motorcyclist perched on nothing more than two wheels is obviously at far greater risk of injury with only limited protective clothing / gear between them and the force of a 1500 kilogram car crashing into them at speed.

As such, many motorcyclists have had their legs or arms crushed in collisions or had their limbs amputated due to the extent of the catastrophic injuries sustained. Irreversible damage, infections and loss of blood supply can commonly lead to medical amputations performed in the best interests of the patient and their future livelihood.

The issue remains: drivers must take better care to look out for motorcyclists!

As motorcyclists only make up only 1% of motor traffic, drivers of cars and trucks often neglect to check for them properly; but this lack of care is a significant cause of serious collisions on the roads. Too many serious injuries and fatalities are the result of drivers not checking properly for motorcyclists when emerging from side-roads or driveways, changing lanes, or pulling on to roundabouts.

Better education is arguably needed to properly prepare road users for bikers.

As a motorcyclist, you need to do everything you can to reduce the risk of harm on your part too. Although you can argue that it’s the other road users who have the duty of care, motorcyclists – for their own good – must assume the worst and take any precautions they can. At the end of the day, if it means the difference between life and death, it’s worth it!

Follow the Highway Code and ride responsibly, and be prepared for other drivers who are less than considerate or not cautious enough to make mistakes. Whilst protective clothing like leather jackets, trousers, gloves and boots are unlikely to prevent crushed or broken limbs, they can prevent or lesson serious injuries from skidding across tarmac.

Friction burns and deep wounds can become infected which can lead to amputation as a medical necessity.

The loss of enjoyment in life and the practical impacts of losing a limb are of course extremely strenuous. Loss of mobility and restrictions on the open labour market are two of the big ones. Many also don’t realise that injuries leading to loss of limb can be very expensive too. Prosthetics, mobility scooters and home adaptations aren’t cheap, and all the while loss of income is almost inevitable.

This is why it’s vital to instruct a specialist law firm like ourselves to ensure all expenses and future costs are claimed for, as well as being awarded damages for the severe inconvenience of a loss of limb injury.

Here at the Motorbike Injury Lawyers, we recognise the pain and suffering you endure as an amputee, and we devote our services into helping victims of serious injuries. For advice, please contact the team today.