Dropping the bike

Can I make a claim after a dropped motorbike accident?  

If another road user causes you to drop your bike and injures you, then there may be cause to make a claim. There are two main ways you can be forced to drop your bike: 

Slow speed drops. Often occurring in queuing traffic, where other drivers fail to spot or hear stationary or slow-moving motorcyclists, these types of accidents rarely result in major or life-threatening injuries due to the lack of speed involved. Dropping a bike at a slow speed can cause relatively minor damage to your bike's fairings, tank, mirrors, handlebars, radiator, and the engine's crankcase or clutch cover.  

High speed drops. This can happen when another road user pulls out in front of the biker, for example, or causes them to make an evasive manoeuvre, and they have to lay the bike down to prevent a high-speed crash or impact. In cases like this, the risk of injury is considerably higher. 

Whether the drop happened at a slow or high speed, the same rules apply as with any other motorcycle accident; make sure to gather evidence and check for witnesses.  

Keep records of what happened and when (date and time). Include as much information as possible, including witness details, details of injuries, vehicle damage, how busy the road was, and even the weather. Try to also look for spillages/debris in the road, such as oil or diesel. Take photographs where possible. 

Seeking eyewitness statements can really help support your claim. It’s also important to report the accident to the police, as the police report will provide crucial evidence for your claim.  

How do solicitors fight a dropped bike case? 

We often see an attempt to blame the motorcyclist in dropped bike accidents. It might be argued that you should have seen the driver, that you were travelling too quickly, or that you simply lost control of your motorcycle. In some cases, there may be attempts to undermine the claim because no collision occurred.  

At Biker SOS, we’re experienced in countering the common arguments used against bikers in dropped bike claims. With your cooperation, your legal team will scrutinise the evidence to create an accurate account of what happened, working closely with you to help build your case. 

Dropped bike accidents can be complicated and can often result in a decision of split liability being made. It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible; appointing a solicitor with experience in dropped bike claims will help you navigate the complex legal process and give you the best chance of a successful compensation claim.  

Why Biker SOS?

We’ve handled 1 in 6 motorbike claims in the last 5 years alone – making us the largest specialist provider in the country.  With access to a network of the very best barristers and non-legal experts, we can help you get the support you need, whether that’s help with care, rehabilitation, specialist equipment, or accommodation. 

No Win No Fee 

We understand the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life and the financial pressures it can bring, so we handle your claim on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront to start your claim.