Braking techniques to avoid motorbike accidents
There are thousands of motorbike accidents in the UK every year, some will be caused by careless drivers and some by careless motorbike riders, but one thing is for sure - the motorbike rider is much more vulnerable to injury.
Braking is probably the most important action that a rider can perform. Controlled braking allows the rider to quickly slow down to a stop before hitting an obstacle, and avoiding an injury.
Many riders do not fully appreciate the distance that is required to bring the motorbike to a complete stop. Braking distance increases with speed, and unfortunately the increase is not linear.
A motorbike doing 30 MPH that can stop in 33 feet doesn't mean that the same bike doing 60 MPH can stop in 66 feet, it is actually more like 134! Also in wet or icy conditions this distance will increase considerably.
The front brake of a motorbike actually provides 70 to 80% of it's stopping power. Bearing this in mind, you should try to practice using more front break than rear. Ideally you should keep a balance between the front and rear brakes, with about 70% of the emphasis on the front.
An ideal breaking situation
- Apply both front and back brakes gradually and with almost equal force for the first phase of your braking
- The weight transfers forwards as the front suspension compresses and your arms bend
- You now let off most - or all - of the rear brake and increase pressure on the front, which now has most or all of the grip
- The bike slows and the forces you are exerting through the brakes and tyres reduce
- The front of the bike begins to rise back up on its suspension
- You ease off the front brake, to prevent a low speed lock-up, and increase pressure on the rear brake once more until you stop
Riders involved in motorcycle accidents are particularly vulnerable from many types of injury, from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault, and it occured within the last 3 years, then you may be able to claim compensation. Just call us on 02392 484 244 and one of our team will be happy to give you expert advice and legal assistance.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
