Driver executes U-Turn near a bend and injures approaching motorcyclist

On the 14th of July 2022, Jim was out riding his Triumph Explorer. He was making his way home to High Valleyfield in Fife having been in Stirling that day and was riding in an easterly direction on the B9037. This road is bordered by considerably dense foliage on either side of the road.

As Jim negotiated a left-hand bend with limited sightlines, he was horrified to be faced with a car driver attempting to perform a u-turn just beyond the bend. The car was broadside to him blocking both carriageways. Jim had insufficient time to react and collided with the driver’s offside door. He was thrown from his motorcycle and landed heavily on the tarmac.

Although injured, Jim was able to get to his feet. He spoke to the driver to ask him what he had been doing. The driver explained that he had missed his turn and was just heading back in the direction he had come from!

Jim had fractured his wrist in the collision but managed to get help to move his motorcycle before making his way to hospital.

Recalling that he had met us at a motorcycle show, Jim got in touch to discuss what options were available to him. We were able to take on his claim straight away and set to work on building his case. We intimated the claim to the insurers of the car driver on the basis their policyholder had created a hazard through their negligent driving. Attempting a U-turn so close to a bend, especially with restricted views for any approaching traffic, was clearly negligent.

Unfortunately, the insurers were not exactly pro-active. However, we are and so our in-house specialist motorcycling investigator attended the accident scene with Jim so that he could explain in more detail the restricted sightlines and when he could first have seen the car.

Pictures and measurements were taken. We also spoke with Police Officers and all available witnesses. This allowed us to build our case leaving the insurers with no option but to negotiate settlement.

When you have been involved in a collision and are in pain from your injuries, the last thing you need is to gather your own evidence. That’s your Solicitor’s job and one we take very seriously. Attending the scene and taking detailed statements from witnesses is just one part of the tailored legal package that we can offer.

When his case settled, Jimmy has this to say,

“Brenda, you and your team were an absolute pleasure to work with. I cannot thank you enough. I had a terrible experience last year. You have helped me immensely. Thanks. God Bless, Jimmy”