SERIOUS INJURY

Common motorbike accident injuries

Last Updated 20th July 2026

Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that cars and other vehicles can’t.

Especially in the summer months of the year enthusiasts love to be out on their bikes on open roads. Riders know there are inherent risks, but from our experience of helping injured riders after road traffic accidents we highlight the most common types of injuries we see and look at what steps you could take to help minimise or avoid these injuries.

In this article we cover:

The most common injuries motorcyclists suffer in motorcycle collisions
Life-changing injuries
Serious orthopaedic injuries
Fatal motorcycle collisions
Psychological injuries
Real client case examples
The importance of protective equipment in reducing injury severity
How specialist motorcycle accident solicitors can help after a serious crash

Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor fractures to life-changing conditions. Below, we discuss some of the common injuries that motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to, along with examples of clients we have helped who have experienced these types of injuries.

Amputations

Amputations are among the most severe injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. As motorcyclists are highly exposed road users, even when wearing full protective gear, a serious accident, such as being trapped or thrown from a bike at high speed, can result in traumatic limb injuries requiring surgical removal.

These injuries are typically life-changing, often involving long-term rehabilitation, significant lifestyle adjustments, and psychological challenges. They frequently require prosthetics and extensive ongoing care.

£3 million settlement for amputee following London motorcycle collision

Following a devastating motorcycle collision in central London, our client has secured a £3 million settlement that is providing him with long-term financial security, access to specialist care and the support he needs to rebuild his life after a life-changing amputation. The settlement follows a road traffic accident in 2015, when a car ran a red light and collided with his motorbike, causing a severe degloving injury to his foot that ultimately led to a below-knee amputation after multiple operations.

Now using a prosthetic limb and supported by his family, our client has the reassurance of financial stability and access to ongoing rehabilitation and care for his physical injuries, phantom pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the immense challenges he has faced, he remains grateful to be alive and is focused on moving forward with his life. The case was successfully pursued by Fletchers Solicitors after a contested trial, where liability was proven in full, allowing him to secure the compensation he needs for his future.

Traumatic brain injury

Motorcycle accidents often involve some form of head trauma. This can be mild to severe, depending on the accident.

Mild traumatic brain injury usually refers to those injuries where there’s a loss of consciousness of not more than 30 minutes, and post-traumatic amnesia periods of less than one day. It may be possible to sustain a traumatic brain injury where there’s not been a loss of consciousness and these types of injuries can often be overlooked after an accident, for example many riders can be more concerned with the damage to their bike.

Symptoms of brain injury can persist for varying lengths of time and in some cases can lead to permanent impairment. Some of the recognised symptoms include:

Nausea, vomiting, headaches, diplopia (blurred vision), persistent and erratic sleep disturbance, susceptible to early fatigue, marked lethargy or loss of taste/smell
Attention deficit, poor concentration, unusual perceptions, decreased memory power, impaired speech/language recollection or diminished executive functions
Behavioural changes or alterations in an individual’s emotional responses. For example, irritability, outbursts of anger, uninhibited behaviour that can’t be accounted for by a psychological reaction, emotional stress, or other causes

£1.3m settlement achieved for client who suffered life-changing injuries in RTA

Following a devastating motorcycle accident, our client has secured a £1.3 million settlement which is providing vital financial security, long-term care and access to specialist rehabilitation to support him and his family as he rebuilds his life. The settlement includes provisional damages to protect him in the event of uncontrollable epilepsy developing in the future, giving further reassurance for the years ahead.

The accident occurred in December 2019 when a car pulled out from a side road into the path of his motorcycle, throwing him over the bonnet and into a hedgerow. He sustained multiple life-changing injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, fractured ribs and pelvis, internal bleeding and serious knee ligament damage, requiring emergency surgery and intensive care. Although he is unlikely to make a full recovery and now needs round-the-clock support, the compensation will allow his family to care for him, fund ongoing treatment, improve his mobility and manage his long-term pain. He is now volunteering at an animal sanctuary and hopes to return to work in the future, supported by the security this settlement provides.

Spinal cord injury

The spinal cord transmits nerve impulses from the brain to the rest of the body. It is protected by vertebrae, but can become damaged in an accident. This can cause very serious, life changing injury, such as paralysis. The extent of the damage depends upon the exact location of the injury and whether the entire spinal cord has been damaged.

£1.4 million settlement for 30-year-old man knocked off his motorbike

A 30-year-old motorcyclist has secured a £1.4 million settlement, providing long-term financial security, access to specialist rehabilitation and vital support after suffering life-changing injuries in a road traffic collision. The accident happened when a car turned across his path at traffic lights, causing fractures to his neck, shoulder and ribs and a serious brachial plexus injury to his left arm. Despite surgery and intensive rehabilitation, he will not regain full movement and now lives with fatigue, reduced strength and mobility, and the need to wear a sling and reduce his working hours. Following four and a half years of litigation, Fletchers Solicitors successfully achieved the settlement, giving him the resources and reassurance he needs to move forward with confidence.

Fractures

Fractures and severe limb injuries are likely injuries among motorcyclists due to the high impact and exposure riders face. These injuries often involve complex bone breaks, ligament and tendon damage, and may require multiple surgeries along and dedicated rehabilitation.

6-figure settlement for motorcyclist after sustaining serious leg injuries

Stuart was hit by an oncoming vehicle and sustained severe injuries to his right leg, with significant bone loss and severe soft tissue damage to the knee.

Watch Stuarts story here.

Fatal Accident

Tragically, motorcycle accidents can result in fatal injuries. In 2024, motorcyclists accounted for 21% of all road fatalities in the UK.

In these situations, families can pursue a claim on behalf of their loved one, seeking damages for loss of support, impact on any children left behind, their loved ones estate, and other related financial losses.

£341,500 settlement following a fatal motorcycle accident

Mr W secured a total of over £340,000 in compensation, providing vital financial security following a devastating motorcycle collision in which he suffered serious injuries and tragically lost his wife. After initially denying responsibility, the insurers eventually admitted full liability, allowing our specialist motorcycle accident team to pursue both Mr W’s personal injury claim and a claim on behalf of his wife’s estate. Following determined negotiation, we secured £187,500 for Mr W’s injuries and financial losses, along with £154,000 for his wife’s estate, helping him achieve a sense of justice and stability after an unimaginable loss.

Damage to pelvis

Pelvic fractures are also very common and can cause complications with urological injuries. This area of the body is often crushed with the trauma and impact on petrol tanks and the middle frame of the bike.

Biker’s arm

Often if a bike falls on its side a rider can sustain crush injuries to their arm and shoulder. This can cause nerve damage affecting the future function of the arm or paralysis.

Road rash

When a rider hits the ground at speed the friction will often cause skin and bone abrasions. These can be painful and at worst can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement and there may be a need for plastic surgery.

Emotional trauma and psychological impact

Riders can be emotionally traumatised after accidents, for example suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or travel anxiety. These symptoms can last for many years and some riders will be unable to get back on a bike again. However, many riders can be helped with appropriate rehabilitation and expert treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement de-sensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). With expert help, riders often make a recovery and get back to biking.

Personal protective equipment

Wearing suitable protective equipment and an approved helmet can help reduce these risks of injury. Most motorcycle gear is now designed to give high visibility of the rider, use abrasion resistant fabrics, help with impact protection with extra padding and armour. They can also provide weather protection. For a typical British summer this can help make a ride less dangerous and cater for the changing weather conditions and give protection from the elements.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident our team of specialist personal injury solicitors have a wealth of experience in dealing with such cases.