Motorbike accident news
07/12/2010

Motorbike accident results in jail for rider

Compensation may be payable to a pillion rider and the occupants of three cars who were involved in a motorbike accident, which was caused by a motorcyclist whose blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit and whose provisional driving licence was invalid.

Magistrates at Aberdare heard that the 32-year-old Suzuki rider had drunk two pints of lager before travelling on the A465, as well as eight pints the night before. After crossing central solid white lines when overtaking, he lost control of the motorcycle and ran into the back of a Ford Fiesta going in the same direction.

He then collided with a Nissan Micra coming the other way and forced the driver of a Renault Clio to take evasive action by hitting the kerb. The Micra driver was hurt when the car's airbags activated.

Passenger injury of a broken collarbone, cuts and bruises was suffered by the rider's girlfriend who was on the back of the bike.

The judge at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court sentenced the man, who has committed 25 offences in the past, including two for drink-driving, to nine months in jail and disqualified him from driving for three years. He must re-take an extended driving test before being allowed back on the roads.

Now that liability for the four-vehicle crash has been decided, the victims may now consider consulting a no win no fee solicitor with a view to making a compensation claim for pain, suffering and loss of earnings which resulted from the motorbike accident.