27-06-2025
Be aware of bikers - 'Sorry mate, I didn't see you' isn't a defence
Motorcyclists are not daredevils or speed freaks. They are mums and dads. Brothers and sisters. Commuters and hobbyists.
Choosing two wheels instead of four does come with a little more risk, but that does not mean they should expect to be injured or killed in a motorbike crash.
And it absolutely does not mean they have fewer rights when the worst happens, writes Lianda Barnes, Partner at Digby Brown.
As a car driver, how would you feel if someone crashed into you, only to be told, 'Pfft… you wouldn't have been hurt so much if you chose to use a big bus instead of a small car, so you're not getting compensation.'
Exactly. You'd be furious. What has your mode of transport got to do with the negligent or reckless actions of someone else?
It's also why the headline above is very mindfully worded, because there is a big difference between 'beware of' and 'be aware of'.
The first suggests a third party is a danger to the reader, like a dangerous dog warning sign on a high gate.
But the second implies that the reader is the one who needs to be aware of the risk they pose to others, like walking down the street holding an umbrella.
Despite being clad in helmets, leather, boots, and other protective equipment, they remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads. The Highway Code reflects this, and sadly, so too do the annual crash statistics from officials.
Most bikers also drive a car, but not all car users ride a bike. This arguably gives them an enhanced awareness and increased anticipation of other traffic, the weather and road surfaces.
It's also what gives rise to the very reasonable suggestion that bikers are actually among the best motorists on the road, especially when you consider they face more tests and can only ride certain bikes depending on their age or experience.
So what causes motorbike crashes?
'Sorry, mate, I didn't see you' (SMIDSY) - this is arguably one of the most common arguments made by a driver who hits a biker. But every driver has a responsibility to act with due care and attention.
Filtering: It is perfectly legal and correct for a biker to be allowed to negotiate traffic jams in this way. Sadly, frustrated or absent-minded motorists who don't pay attention strike bikers when they try and switch lanes.
Spills: Oil, diesel, and other substances can make the road surface slippery, which can be a serious hazard for bikers. But if the source of the spill can be located (such as a specific vehicle or a source nearby like a farm or construction site), then a claim can still be possible.
Carriageway repairs: Strips of poured tarmac, sometimes referred to as overbanding, if applied incorrectly and without proper grip resistance, can lead to crashes.
Road defects: Potholes and loose manhole covers can seem trivial to four-wheeled vehicles but are potentially fatal hazards to bikers. This is why officials need to respond to such reported issues as soon as possible.
Motorcycling accidents tragically often lead to severe head, brain or spinal injuries.
Like Harry Saunders, the 69-year-old fractured 12 vertebrae in his spine after a crash with another vehicle.
He spent eight weeks in a coma and had a brain injury and a collapsed lung. But thanks to the support from Digby Brown, he recovered so well that he was able to get back on the bike!
Digby Brown is committed to helping motorcyclists after a collision. We know compensation doesn't change what happened, but it can ease the financial burdens that arise in the aftermath and help you access the best possible treatments to ensure the best recovery.
