Motorcycle Motorway Accident Claim: Vehicle Changes Lane Without Warning Causing Serious Injuries

In this motorcycle accident Q&A, we consider a serious motorway collision involving a motorcyclist who suffered a shattered heel, dislocated shoulder, concussion injuries and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder after a car changed lanes without warning.

We explain how liability affects a serious injury claim, the evidence required to value the compensation and the types of financial losses that may be recovered following a life-changing motorcycle accident.

Motorway Motorcycle Accident Victim Question

I was riding my motorbike on the M25 where the speed limit is 55 mph – travelling in the second lane when a driver to my left pulled out all of a sudden without indicating. There was no time to manoeuvre my motorcycle out of the way although I attempted to brake. It was too late to avoid a collision. I was thrown off my motorcycle and I skidded along the tarmac with my bike next to me causing serious injury.

A lane of the motorway was closed for a period, an ambulance was called and the police attended at the scene.

The car driver accepted liability for the accident and at hospital I was diagnosed with a shattered calcaneus – which I understand is one of the bones in the heel. The bone was so badly damaged that I had to have an operation to fuse the damaged calcaneus. I also suffered a dislocated right shoulder, concessional head injuries and I am left with significant mental scars, which I understand is chronic post traumatic stress disorder.

How can I claim compensation for all of my injuries; the fact that I am unable to work (I might not ever be able to work in the same job – I was a builder); the damage to my motorbike and all of my other expenses and losses. I would like to know how to make a claim for such a serious life changing motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle Accident Solicitor Response

Liability for the Motorcycle Motorway Accident

You have explained that the driver changed lanes suddenly without indicating, leaving you with insufficient time to avoid a collision. Importantly, you also state that the driver has already accepted liability for the accident. This we presume will be borne out by the police evidence with a potential criminal prosecution pending.

This should all mean that liability (legal fault) will not need to be proven.

Still at the outset of your claim – the third party and respective motor insurer will be given the opportunity to formally accept liability. Once accepted – your solicitor will focus on gathering expert evidence to ensure the full value of your claim is recovered.

The fact that the police attended the scene, a motorway lane was closed, emergency services were required and immediate hospital assistance was necessary – will all help demonstrate the seriousness of the accident and the injuries you suffered.

Your solicitor will therefore focus on obtaining the evidence needed to accurately value your claim. A lengthy dispute about fault will not be necessary.

Compensation for a Shattered Heel and Calcaneus Fusion

A shattered calcaneus is a particularly serious injury. The calcaneus forms the heel bone and plays a crucial role in walking, standing and weight-bearing activities.

You explain that the injury was so severe that surgery was required to fuse the damaged bone. Fusion procedures often lead to permanent restrictions in movement and can result in ongoing pain, stiffness, altered gait and difficulty standing or walking for long periods.

These issues can be particularly significant for somebody employed in a physically demanding occupation, such as building and construction work. Therefore, any orthopaedic evidence obtained by your solicitor must fully explore:

As a result, the heel injury is likely to form a substantial part of the overall compensation claim.

See our heel injury compensation payouts article for more details on how much compensation your can claim for pain and suffering.

Compensation for a Dislocated Shoulder and Concussion Injury

In addition to the shattered heel, you also suffered other physical injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and concussion injuries.

Whilst these injuries may not be as serious as the heel injury, they must still be independently assessed and valued. The medical expert instructed on your behalf will consider the severity of the dislocation, any ongoing weakness, instability, restricted movement or future risk of arthritis.

Similarly, concussion injuries can sometimes lead to continuing post concussion symptoms/ For example – headaches, concentration difficulties, dizziness or memory problems. Consequently, any ongoing symptoms should be discussed fully with the medical experts instructed in your claim.

The orthopaedic expert will likely deal with teh shoulder dislocation. Whereas – a neurological expert might be necessary for the concussion and head / brain injury.

Every injury caused by the accident must be considered when calculating the final level of compensation.

Compensation for Chronic PTSD Following a Motorcycle Accident

Psychological injuries can be every bit as disabling as physical injuries.

You explain that you have been left with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder following the collision. PTSD is common after serious motorcycle accidents, particularly where a claimant has experienced a violent impact, significant injuries and a lengthy recovery period.

Your solicitor will normally obtain an expert report from a consultant psychologist or psychiatrist who will assess a number of important factors,

See our PTSD compensation payouts article for more details – together with examples of typical compensation payouts.:

Where symptoms are severe and persistent, compensation for psychological injury can form a significant portion of the overall claim value.

Loss of Earnings and Future Loss of Income

One of the most important aspects of your claim may be the effect the accident has had on your ability to work.

You explain that you were employed as a builder and that you may never be able to return to the same occupation. Given the nature of construction work, a fused heel, reduced mobility and ongoing psychological symptoms may significantly restrict the type of work you can perform in the future.

Consequently, your claim may include compensation for both past and future loss of earnings. This might include basic pay, loss of overtime pay and even loss of pension contributions that your employer might otherwise have made.

Even should you return to work – you may have a reduced earning capacity or might have to take an earlier retirement (resulting in further losses).

See our lost income article for more details on loss of pay due to a motorway motorcycle accident.

Other Financial Losses and Expenses You Can Claim

In addition to compensation for your injuries and earnings losses, you may also recover compensation for various accident-related expenses.

Examples include:

• Damage to your motorcycle.
• Medical treatment costs.
• Rehabilitation expenses.
• Travel expenses.
• Prescription charges.
• Care and assistance provided by family members.
• Equipment and mobility aids.
• Future treatment costs.

See our financial loss and expense compensation article for more details.

Expert Evidence Needed for a Serious Motorcycle Accident Claim

Given the severity of your injuries, a significant amount of expert evidence is likely to be required.

This may include reports from:

• An orthopaedic consultant.
• A neirosurgeon.
• Either psychologist or psychiatrist.
• A rehabilitation expert.
• An employment expert.
• Accountant reports.
• Additional medical specialists where required.

Together, these reports help establish not only the injuries suffered, but also their impact on your employment, finances and future quality of life.

Interim Payments Before the Claim Concludes

Serious injury claims often take a considerable period of time to conclude. because the medical evidence must be complete and arguments on quanturm (how much the claim is worth)will often occur.

However, where liability has been admitted, it may be possible for your solicitor to obtain interim payments before the claim settles. An interim payment would typically be for a sum that is well within the potential final compensation payment.

These payments can help meet immediate financial needs such as: medical expenses, lost income replacement and rehabilitation costs.

Interim payments can therefore provide valuable financial support whilst the claim remains ongoing.

Summary: Motorcycle Motorway Accident Claim

In summary, your motorcycle motorway accident claim involves several serious injuries, including a shattered heel requiring fusion surgery, a dislocated shoulder, concussion injuries and chronic PTSD. As liability has already been accepted, the primary objective will be obtaining comprehensive medical and financial evidence to ensure every aspect of the claim is properly valued.

In addition to compensation for the injuries themselves, you may be entitled to recover substantial financial losses arising from your inability to work, future loss of earnings, damage to your motorcycle and other accident-related expenses. Consequently, specialist legal representation is essential to ensure the full value of a potentially life-changing motorcycle accident claim is recovered.

Free Initial Consultation with a Specialist Motorcycle Accident Solicitor

Serious motorcycle accidents frequently result in complex claims involving multiple injuries, long-term rehabilitation and significant financial losses. We offer free initial telephone and online legal help, allowing you to discuss your accident and have any questions you may have answered before proceeding with a claim.