When someone else’s negligence causes a motorcyclist’s injury, motorcycle accident claims emerge as a type of personal injury claim. One common cause in Preston is poor road maintenance, particularly potholes on the A6. This major route runs through the heart of the city, connecting areas such as Broughton, Fulwood, and the city centre. For motorcyclists, a sudden pothole can mean a serious accident, leading to physical injuries, financial strain, and lasting disruption.
Local riders often describe the A6 as a challenging stretch, especially during severe weather when potholes are harder to spot. Accidents on this road frequently lead to emergency treatment at Royal Preston Hospital or ongoing care through local GP practices. In such cases, injured riders may be entitled to claim compensation.
Can I claim for a motorcycle accident caused by a pothole in Preston?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you were injured due to poorly maintained roads. In order to establish a successful case, you typically need to prove three essential elements:
- The highway authority owed you a duty of care to maintain the road safely
- That duty was breached, for example by failing to repair a pothole despite being aware of it
- The breach directly caused your accident and resulting injuries
Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable because even a small defect can destabilise a bike. If you suffered injuries after hitting a pothole on the A6, you may have a valid claim.
Why are potholes especially dangerous for motorcyclists?
Cars and larger vehicles can sometimes absorb the impact of a pothole with less severe consequences. Motorcycles, however, rely on balance and stability. Potholes can cause:
- Loss of control, leading to collisions with other vehicles or road barriers
- Sudden braking or swerving, increasing the risk of skidding
- Damage to wheels, tyres, or suspension that worsens the severity of an accident
For Preston riders, the combination of heavy commuter traffic and variable weather on the A6 makes potholes a daily hazard.
What injuries are common in pothole-related motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists lack the protection of a car’s structure, meaning injuries are often severe. Common examples include:
- Fractures of arms, legs, or collarbones
- Head and brain injuries, even when helmets are worn
- Spinal injuries with long-term consequences
- Soft tissue damage causing lasting pain
- Road rash and skin abrasions from contact with the road surface
Such injuries often require treatment at facilities like Royal Preston Hospital, with follow-up care provided through local rehabilitation services or physiotherapy clinics.
What compensation could cover in motorcycle accident claims?
Compensation aims to restore your pre-accident position. A claim could include:
- General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Special damages for financial losses such as lost wages, damaged equipment, and travel expenses
- Medical costs including physiotherapy, surgery, or private rehabilitation
- Care and assistance if you require help at home
- Long-term support if your ability to work or ride again has been reduced
For example, a Preston motorcyclist who suffered a fractured leg after hitting a deep pothole may claim for hospital treatment, time off work, and the cost of repairing or replacing their motorcycle.
How do I start a motorcycle accident claim in Preston?
The process is straightforward if you take the right steps:
- Seek medical treatment immediately and keep all medical records
- Report the accident to the local council or relevant highway authority
- Gather evidence such as photographs of the pothole, witness details, and repair receipts
- Contact a solicitor with experience in motorcycle accident claims
Marley Solicitors has assisted many Preston residents, ensuring claims are prepared with strong evidence and handled with the professionalism clients expect.
Do I need a solicitor for a pothole-related accident claim?
While you can technically bring a claim alone, having legal representation often improves your chances of success. Solicitors understand how to establish liability against highway authorities and negotiate fair settlements. Many work on a no win no fee basis, meaning you do not face upfront legal fees.
Local context: Potholes on the A6 and Preston’s wider roads
The A6 is one of Preston’s busiest routes, carrying heavy traffic daily. Motorcyclists report frequent issues with surface deterioration around Broughton, Garstang Road, and near the university quarter. The A6 is not the only road experiencing these issues; surrounding roads like Blackpool Road and Ribbleton Lane also face comparable hazards.
Weather, traffic volume, and delayed repairs have left many riders feeling vulnerable. With the council stretched by maintenance demands, accidents caused by potholes are a continuing problem.
How much compensation could I receive after a motorcycle accident in Preston?
The amount depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. As guidance:
- Minor injuries may attract compensation of a few thousand pounds
- Moderate fractures or head injuries could result in significantly higher awards
- Severe, life-changing injuries can lead to large settlements to cover long-term care and loss of earnings
Each case is assessed individually. Solicitors compare your circumstances to guidelines and past cases to give accurate advice.
How long do I have to claim after a pothole accident in Preston?
In most situations, you must begin your claim within three years of the accident date. Exceptions apply for minors or those lacking capacity. Acting quickly improves your chances, as evidence such as photographs and witness accounts may become harder to obtain over time.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for Preston motorcycle claims?
Marley Solicitors combines national expertise with local knowledge. We understand the issues facing Preston motorcyclists and have experience pursuing claims against councils and other authorities. Our team ensures:
- Clear communication from start to finish
- Careful evidence gathering and preparation
- Free initial consultations to discuss your case
- The option of no win no fee representation
Many riders choose Marley Solicitors because of our approachable style and proven track record in personal injury law.
FAQ
Can I claim if the council did not know about the pothole?
Highway authorities are expected to carry out regular inspections. If they could not reasonably have known about the pothole, liability may be harder to prove. However, if it had been present for some time, or had been reported but not repaired, you may still have a strong case.
What if my motorcycle was damaged but I was not injured?
You may still be able to claim for property damage, though personal injury claims usually result in higher compensation. A solicitor can advise the best approach in your situation.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about pothole accident claims in Preston
If a pothole has injured you while riding on the A6 or elsewhere in Preston, you don’t have to face it alone. Marley Solicitors offers free, no-obligation consultations to explain your options and assess your chances of success. With experience helping injured motorcyclists and knowledge of local roads, our team is ready to support you.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to begin your claim and take the first step towards fair compensation.
