Suffering From a Motorbike Accident Injury? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Without the protection of a car body, even a low-speed collision can leave you with serious injuries — road rash, fractures, ligament damage, head injuries and worse. If another road user caused your accident, you have every right to claim compensation for what you have been through.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles motorbike accident claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. There is no financial risk to you — you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
How Much Could You Receive?
Motorbike accident compensation depends on the type and severity of your injuries:
| Injury Type | Typical Award |
|---|
| Road rash and minor soft tissue injuries | £1,000 - £5,000 |
| Moderate injuries — 3-12 months recovery | £5,000 - £11,000 |
| Simple fractures (wrist, ankle, collarbone) | £5,000 - £12,000 |
| Complex fractures or knee/leg injuries | £12,000 - £30,000 |
| Serious injuries (head, spinal, multiple fractures) | £30,000 - £150,000+ |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for pain and suffering only.
That’s not all. Most motorbike accident claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, motorcycle repair or replacement, protective gear replacement, private physiotherapy, medication and travel costs. Because motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe than car accident injuries, these additional payments are often very significant.
Who Can Claim?
Any motorcyclist injured through another road user’s negligence can claim — whether the accident involved a car, van, lorry, bus or another motorcycle. Pillion passengers can also claim. Even if you were partly at fault, Scottish courts apply contributory negligence, meaning your compensation is reduced proportionally but you can still recover a substantial award. If the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) ensures you can still claim.
Motorbike Accident Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
Motorbike accident compensation in Scotland depends on injury severity. Road rash and minor soft tissue injuries: £1,000-£5,000. Fractures: £5,000-£30,000. Serious injuries including head and spinal injuries: £30,000-£150,000+. Catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care can attract awards of over £1 million.
Important: These figures cover pain and suffering only. Most claimants also receive a separate payment for lost earnings, motorcycle replacement, medical costs and other expenses.
3 years from the date of the accident under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. For children, the 3-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, giving them until age 19 to claim.
Yes, though your compensation may be reduced. Failure to wear a helmet is treated as contributory negligence and could reduce your award, typically by 15-25%. However, the vast majority of motorcycle claims still result in substantial compensation even where full protective gear was not worn.
Yes. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of uninsured drivers under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement, and victims of hit-and-run drivers under the Untraced Drivers Agreement. Your solicitor handles MIB claims on a no win no fee basis in exactly the same way as standard claims.
Motorcyclists are exposed road users and tend to suffer more serious injuries than car occupants. Common injuries include road rash, fractured limbs and bones, knee and leg injuries, shoulder and arm injuries, spinal injuries, head and brain injuries, and psychological injuries including PTSD.
Straightforward claims with clear liability typically settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take 12-24 months. Most claims settle through negotiation without court proceedings.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by
David Gildea, Scottish Claims Helpline. Last reviewed: March 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).