Quite a large percentage of compensation cases are settled before they actually reach the court. This is because, in a lot of cases, it is clearly obvious who is to blame, and the opposing parties realise it would be a waste of time and money to go through the courts. Sometimes, however, it’s a little bit more complicated. Whilst you may feel certain in maintaining that the accident you were involved in wasn’t your fault, the driver of the car who hit your motorbike might insist that you were driving recklessly, in which case it will be a question of which side can present the most convincing case to the court.
The website for the PCS union has a fairly detailed account of what you should do in the event of an accident at http://www.pcs.org.uk/resources/personal-case-and-legal-support/personal-injury/road-traffic-accidents, and this lists the steps you should take in order to maximise your chances of a successful claim.
In the immediate aftermath of your accident you should set down, in writing, as many details as you can. If possible take photographs of the scene of the accident, and draw sketches of where the vehicles and people involved were situated and the direction of travel and so on. If there were any witnesses then try to take down their contact details, as well as recording the registration numbers of any other vehicles involved. Your personal injury solicitor will use all of this information when putting your case together, as well as utilising any details you can provide of the expenses you’ve incurred, including receipts wherever possible.
Another vital part of building a strong case is to report your accident to the police and to seek medical attention. Both of these steps will result in an official record of the accident and will bolster the impression that you’re being honest in your account. As a motorcyclist you may well face an uphill struggle to get the compensation you deserve, but a no win no fee solicitor will ensure that you have the best possible chance.
