By Cat Swift. Last Updated 9th May 2025. Welcome to our motorcycle accident compensation guide. Within this guide, we are going to discuss fatal motorcycle accidents and fatal motorcycle accident claims. Our guide looks at motorcycle accident statistics concerning the number of UK motorcycle deaths per year. Plus, other motorbike accident statistics for UK roads. We also explain who could claim compensation for motorbike deaths in the UK. We will also outline how a personal injury lawyer could offer to handle a claim for a fatal motorcycle accident in the UK under a No Win No Fee agreement.

On this page, you will find a guide to the legal process of making a compensation claim for a fatal motorcycle accident. Our guide covers everything you need to know to educate yourself about the legal process your solicitor will follow when claiming on your behalf.

If you don’t have enough time to read this guide entirely, just call Accident Claims UK on 0800 073 8801 today, and we will explain the claims process to you and get started with your claim.

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A Guide To Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims

Person on a blue motorcycle. They may be able to claim compensation if they suffer an accident due to the negligent actions of another road user

This guide to using a personal injury lawyer to claim those that have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident covers all of the information you will need to know about starting and making a claim for motorcycle accident compensation.

We have not included an online personal injury claims calculator on this page. They are generally very inaccurate and tend to give claimants an overinflated idea of how much they might be able to claim in compensation for a fatal motorcycle accident. On this page, you will find information such as:

  • A description of what fatal motorcycle accidents are and how they can lead to the death of the rider or pillion passenger.
  • Some key statistics concerning fatal motorcycle accidents in the UK each year.
  • Information on how driver negligence can lead to a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • Information on how a driver that has been distracted for some reason can cause a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • Information on how a speeding driver can lead to a fatal motorcycle accident taking place.
  • Information on how a drunk driver or under the influence of drugs can lead to a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • A list of some of the other common reasons for fatal motorcycle accidents in the UK each year.

Further insight in this guide

You’ll also find:

  • Details on the legal process of making a compensation claim for a fatal motorcycle accident at work.
  • Details on the legal process of making a compensation claim for a fatal motorcycle accident in a public place.
  • A list of the legal entities that can claim compensation for a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • A list of the steps you should take if you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident and need to make a compensation claim.
  • A list of all of the types of compensation you may be able to claim if you lose a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • A table that details typical amounts that a dependant can claim for a loved one’s death in a fatal motorcycle accident.
  • An introduction to the national claims service that Accident Claims UK offers to people who need to claim compensation for a loved one’s death in a fatal motorcycle accident.

When you reach the end of this motorcycle accident claims guide and have extra questions, you can call Accident Claims UK on the number at the bottom of this page, and we will answer them for you.

What Can Cause Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?

Fatal motorcycle accidents can happen for a number of reasons. In some cases, a fatal motorcycle accident in the UK could be caused by another motorist or the condition of the road. 

Examples of how accidents could occur include:

  • Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol
  • Speeding
  • Using a phone while operating a vehicle

According to motorcycle accident statistics found in the reported road casualties in Great Britain, provisional estimates for the year ending June 2022, there were 1,760 fatalities in reported road collisions. 346 of these involved motorcyclists.

To learn more about claims for fatal motorcycle accidents, get in touch on the number above.

What happened if my loved one caused the crash?

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident in the UK that your loved one caused, unfortunately, it would be unlikely to lead to compensation. However, if your loved one contributed to the accident but so did the other party, it may still be possible for eligible claimants to launch a case for compensation. Please call our team to get your case assessed for free. We would be happy to ascertain whether you could be eligible to claim compensation.


Statistics For Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

fatal motorcycle accident statistics

Look at the graph above. We can see that motorcyclists make up just 1% of the traffic on UK roads, yet they account for 21% of all fatalities caused by a road traffic accident in the UK each year. This means that motorcyclists are approximately 40% more likely to die in a road traffic accident than other motorists. To easily visualise numbers, consider that around 30 motorcyclist or pillion passengers die in the UK every day.

Accident Claims UK can connect you with fatal motorcycle accident lawyers who will help you claim wrongful death compensation if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash. Call us on the number at the end of this page to proceed.

Driver Negligence Leading To Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims

When it comes to a fatal motorcycle accident UK, UK drivers causing death through negligent driving will be considered to have committed a criminal offence in the UK. Drivers who cause a motorcycle accident fatality through speeding, drunk driving, dangerous driving, or other violations of UK traffic laws could end up in prison in the most extreme cases.

Accident Claims UK can help you prove that a negligent driver was the cause of a loved one’s death and caused a wrongful death fatal motorcycle accident. Call us at the number down at the end of this motorcycle accident claims guide to learn how.

A Distracted Driver Caused The Accident, Can I Claim Fatal Accident Compensation?

Making a motorcycle accident claim due to a distracted driver is common. There are many ways that a driver can be distracted, resulting in a fatal accident, such as:

  • Texting while driving.
  • Speaking on the phone while driving and not using a hands-free kit.
  • Posting social updates using apps such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
  • Playing music too loud.
  • Talking to the passengers in the car.

If a cause such as these results in a distracted driver causing a fatal motorcycle accident, then Accident Claims UK can help you claim for the loss of a loved one. Call us at the number at the bottom of this motorcycle accident compensation guide to proceed.

What If The Other Driver Was Speeding?

Speeding is the single most commonly committed motoring offence in the UK every year. When it comes to causing death, fatal motorcycle accident victims are often killed due to another driver speeding. When a speeding driver fails to notice a motorcyclist until too late, they will often pass the motorcyclist far too closely. This can cause the motorcyclist to panic or speed the vehicle to clip a motorcycle part as they pass it.

If you have lost a loved one due to a speeding driver causing a motorcycle accident, then call Accident Claims UK on the number in the last section of this motorcycle accident claims guide so that we can help you.

Making A Claim For A Death Caused By A Fatal Motorcycle Accident When The Other Driver Is Drunk

Despite the UK Government’s best efforts to minimise drunk driving cases, there are still many cases in the UK every year. Drunk drivers can cause fatal motorcycle accidents, either by colliding with the motorcycle or causing a hazard that the motorcyclist cannot avoid.

If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of a drunk driver causing a motorcycle crash, call Accident Claims UK on the number down at the end of this guide to start your claim for motorcycle accident compensation today.

What Other Factors Commonly Lead To Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?

Besides the reasons above, numerous other causes could lead to a motorcycle accident today. And these include:

  • Riding a motorcycle on poorly maintained roads.
  • Oil, diesel or some other liquid spill.
  • Uninsured drivers and hit and running accidents.
  • Riding a motorcycle that is faulty or in need of
  • Not wearing a full set of protective gear.
  • Reduced visibility and dangerous road conditions caused by the weather.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident that was not their fault, Accident Claims UK may be able to help you to claim compensation. Call us at the number at the end of this page to find out if we can help.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents When Working

When making motorcycle accident claims for accidents that happened while the victim was working, you will need to prove that the victim’s employer contributed to the accident somehow. This could include reasons such as:

  • Providing a motorcycle that was dangerous to ride in some way.
  • Not providing sufficient training for the rider.
  • No providing a proper set of protective clothing and a good quality helmet.
  • Not following legislation with regards to the number of hours a worker is allowed to drive each day.

If you have lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident at work due to these reasons, then Accident Claims UK can help you make a compensation claim. Call us at the number in the last section of this motorcycle accident compensation guide to proceed.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Leading To A Death In A Public Place

If a fatal motorcycle occurs in a public place such as the car park of a supermarket, in the entranceway of a public library, or on any public road, then it could be that you can make a personal injury claim due to a third party being responsible in some way.

Every legal entity that allows the public access to its roads, such as a retail store, or even the local council, is required by law to keep these roads safe at all times. If they fail to do so, a reason to make a claim will exist.

If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal motorcycle accident in a public place, then Accident Claims UK can help you make motorcycle accident claims. Call us at the number at the bottom of this page to proceed.

Who Is Eligible To Claim After Someone Dies In A Fatal Accident?

If a person were to have a fatal motorcycle accident today, then three separate legal entities will be entitled to make a compensation claim, and these are:

  • Dependants – if the victim left dependants such as a spouse or children, then these will be eligible to make a compensation claim.
  • Family – if there are no dependents, then members of the immediate family, such as a sibling or parent, will be eligible to make a compensation claim.
  • The estate – if the victim leaves behind a business or other organisation that will suffer greatly from the loss of key personnel, then it may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Under the Law Reform Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1934 (LRMPA), the deceased’s estate can make a claim for the pain and suffering of the deceased. They can also bring forward a claim on behalf of the deceased’s dependents for the impact the death has had on them.

It is important to note, however, that for fatal accident claims, for the first 6 months after the deceased’s death, only their estate can make a claim. After this time, if a claim has not been made, the dependents can make a claim for how the death impacted them.

To find out of you are eligible to claim for a fatal motorcycle accident, call Accident Claims UK on the number at the bottom of this guide and let you know.

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What Should You Do If Someone Is Killed In A Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

If you need to make a compensation claim for the loss of a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, then there are some steps you can take to make the process of making a claim much easier, and these include:

  • Get all of the legal documents regarding the accident, how it occurred, etc. and make them ready for your solicitor to use.
  • If there is any evidence to support the claim, for example, photographs of the accident location or witness reports, make sure to give these to your solicitor.
  • If you have suffered any financial losses following the loss of a loved one, list these and provide documented proof to your solicitor.

Once you have taken steps such as these above, you should contact Accident Claims UK on the number at the bottom of this webpage to start claiming motorcycle accident compensation.

Fatal Accident Compensation

To help you understand how much could be claimed following a fatal accident in compensation, we have created the following table. We have used the amounts listed in the 16th edition of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when creating this table. This is because the JCG lists compensation brackets for various injuries and is used by many legal professionals when valuing claims. However, you should not take these numbers as a guarantee as every case is different.

 
Injury Notes Amount
Death with add on claims. This accounts for the compensation awarded for the pain and suffering of the deceased including any other payments, such as loss of earning and dependency. Up to £550,000 and over
Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia The higher end of the brackets includes cases where the person is suffering physically as well as there being an effect on the senses and communication. £396,140 to £493,000
Injury Resulting From Brain Damage Very Severe – The person may be able to follow some basic commands but there will be little response to their environment. Life expectancy, sensory impairment and any behavioural problems will affect how much is awarded. £344,150 to £493, 000
Paraplegia How much is awarded will be affected by various factors, including the extent and presence of pain, depression as well as age and life expectancy. £267,340 to £346,890
Psychiatric Damage Generally Severe – The person will have significant problems with returning to daily life and will experience future vulnerability. £66,920 to £141,240
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Severe – The person will be unable to function as they did before the trauma. All aspects of life are negatively impacted. £73,050 to £122,850
Injuries Resulting in Death Full Awareness – Lung damage and severe burns where the person is fully aware for a short time. After this, the person will be in and out of consciousness before dying withing 3 months. £15,300 to £29,060

Other forms of compensation that can be claimed include:

  • Funeral costs.
  • Any loss of services – e.g., if the deceased helped with childcare or DIY around the house.
  • Dependency – if the family of the deceased is left worse off financially following the deceased’s death, they can claim for the loss of past and future earnings.

Contact our advisors today to see whether a claim could be made following a fatal injury in a motorcycle accident.

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What Is the Time Limit For Making a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The time limit for making fatal motorcycle accident claims is generally three years from the date of death, as established by the Limitation Act 1980. However, this limitation period may also begin from the date on which it became clear that death occurred due to the negligent actions of another party. 

For example, the cause of death may not be clear until a post-mortem has been conducted. A coroner’s inquest may also be ordered, providing a report that explains the nature of the person’s injuries. 

As we have stated previously, only the deceased’s estate can start a claim during the six months after death. However, after this period, the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 allows other family members and loved ones to make a claim. This extends to:

  • A spouse or civil partner
  • A child of the deceased party or someone in a similar role (such as a stepchild)
  • A person who lived with the deceased for 2 years before death occurred as spouses
  • A cousin, uncle, aunt, sister or brother of the deceased
  • A parent/guardian of the deceased (including step-parents)

If you have questions about legal time limits or when you may meet the criteria to claim compensation for a fatal motorbike accident, please do not hesitate to contact our team of advisors. They are experienced in handling claims of this nature and can answer any queries you may have about the process.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claim With A No Win No Fee Solicitor

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident in the UK, one of our solicitors may be able to help you. Claiming for a fatal motorbike accident with the help of a solicitor can potentially make the process feel less daunting, as our solicitors have years of legal experience and can use this knowledge to guide you through the process.

Our solicitors also work on a No Win No Fee basis by offering their clients a Conditional Fee, Agreement (CFA). Under a CFA, your solicitor won’t take a fee to start working on your claim, and they won’t take a fee for their ongoing work. Similarly, if your claim fails, then your solicitor will not expect payment for their services.

Should your claim be successful, they will deduct a small percentage from your compensation as a success fee. There is a legal cap in place for how much this percentage can be.

Our advisors are here to help. If you’d like to learn more about claiming for a fatal motorcycle accident, they can offer more information and may be able to connect you with one of our solicitors. To get started:

Useful Information And Advice Relating To Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims

NHS  coping with bereavement

This NHS link has help and advice information when coping with bereavement.

We have provided the link below, which will take you to a guide for claiming compensation for motorcycle accidents:

A guide to claiming for motorcycle accidents

We have provided the link below, which will take you to a UK Government website covering riding motorcycles:

UK Government info on motorcycles

We have provided the link below, which will take you to a UK Government website covering safety consideration when riding a motorcycle:

UK Government motorcycle safety info

Claims Against Aviva Car Insurance

Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on motorcycle accident claims. We hope you have learned a lot about claiming for motorcycle accident compensation.