At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we recently helped a client secure £25,000 in compensation after he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a van driver who failed to carry out proper observations before moving into his path.
This case also highlights an important lesson for anyone considering a personal injury claim: the first offer made by an insurer is not always a fair reflection of the injuries sustained.
The Motorcycle Accident
Our client was riding his motorcycle in traffic and was preparing to overtake safely when a van suddenly moved into his path.
The collision caused him to be thrown from his motorcycle, resulting in multiple injuries and a lengthy recovery.
Although the van driver’s insurers admitted responsibility for the accident at an early stage, it quickly became clear that the full extent of our client’s injuries had not yet been established.
The Injuries Sustained
The motorcycle accident caused a number of serious injuries, including:
- A head injury involving loss of consciousness
- Fractures to his hand, foot and rib
- Neck, shoulder and knee injuries
- Permanent scarring to both knees
- Psychological symptoms following the collision
These injuries affected far more than our client’s physical health. They impacted his ability to work, carry out everyday tasks and regain the confidence to return to riding.
The Impact on Everyday Life
Recovery following the accident was far from straightforward.
For a period of time, our client was unable to work. When he did return, he could only undertake lighter duties while continuing to recover from his injuries.
He was also unable to drive, relied on assistance with some everyday activities and was unable to return to motorcycling for some time. To add to the disruption, his motorcycle was declared a total loss following the collision.
Why Early Medical Evidence Was So Important
Shortly after the accident, the insurer made an offer of £4,000 to settle the claim.
We advised our client not to accept the offer before obtaining independent medical evidence, as it was too early to fully understand the long-term effects of his injuries.
We arranged detailed medical assessments, which confirmed the seriousness of the fractures, ongoing symptoms, permanent scarring and the possibility that further treatment might be required to improve the appearance of the scars.
This evidence allowed us to present a much stronger case that accurately reflected the true impact of the accident.
The Outcome
Following negotiations with the insurer, we successfully secured £25,000 in compensation for our client.
The final settlement was substantially higher than the insurer’s original offer of £4,000 and properly reflected the seriousness of the injuries, the impact on our client’s daily life and the lasting effects of the accident.
Thinking About Accepting an Insurer’s First Offer?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek legal advice before accepting any offer of compensation.
Early offers are often made before the full extent of an injury is known and may not take into account ongoing symptoms, future treatment or the wider impact the accident has had on your life.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced personal injury solicitors regularly help motorcyclists recover compensation following road traffic accidents. We work to ensure every claim is supported by the right medical evidence so that compensation reflects the true extent of our clients’ injuries.
To speak to one of our specialist motorcycle accident solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no-obligation discussion about your circumstances.
