Pillion Passengers.
Our Pillion Passenger Injury Claims Solicitors can help you claim compensation for your injuries.
As a pillion passenger, your safety is placed entirely in the hands of others.
Riding on the back of a motorcycle can leave you especially vulnerable if an accident happens. Unlike those travelling in a car, you have no protective barrier and no control over the vehicle itself, which means that when a collision does occur, the consequences can be particularly serious. Many pillion passengers are left with severe or even life-changing injuries, along with the emotional and financial strain that so often follows a serious road traffic accident.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured while riding as a pillion passenger, you may have a legal right to make a Pillion Passenger Claim. Responsibility may lie with the rider, another driver, or in some cases a mechanical defect, and the support a successful claim provides can be important during recovery. Compensation can help with medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of earnings and the wider impact the accident has had on your life.
Dealing with the claims process can feel overwhelming when you are already coping with the physical and emotional toll of an accident. At Lanyon Bowdler, our specialist personal injury solicitors combine legal expertise with a compassionate, client-focused approach, helping injured pillion passengers understand their rights and move forward with the support they need. Recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for our personal injury expertise, we provide clear advice and careful guidance through every stage of the process.
Talk to our team today about your right to compensation.
A pillion passenger claim arises when an individual riding as a passenger on the back of a motorcycle is injured in an accident, regardless of whether the fault lies with the rider, another road user, or a third party such as a motorcycle manufacturer or mechanic. These claims fall under personal injury law and allow the injured passenger to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and emotional suffering. Motorcycle accidents involving pillion passengers can result from various causes, including negligence or recklessness by the motorcycle rider, collisions caused by other drivers, or mechanical failures like faulty brakes or tires. Regardless of the cause, pillion passengers have a legal right to claim compensation for injuries sustained, especially when those injuries lead to ongoing pain, long-term disability, or financial hardship.
Here at Lanyon Bowdler we are proud of our long-standing reputation for providing expert legal services in personal injury claims. Our team of solicitors has a wealth of experience handling a variety of complex and serious personal injury cases, including those involving pillion passengers.
We understand the trauma and devastation that can follow a motorcycle accident and are committed to providing clear, professional guidance to help injured passengers secure the compensation they deserve.
Our expertise in handling pillion passenger claims is marked by a personalised and thorough approach to each individual case. We work closely with clients to understand the unique details of their situation, ensuring comprehensive support from the initial consultation right through to the final settlement. Our personal injury team has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in pillion passenger cases, and we are able to provide strategic legal advice tailored to each claim. In more complex cases, we utilise expert witnesses, such as medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers, to strengthen claims by establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of injuries. Our primary goal is to secure maximum compensation for our clients, and we operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, offering you complete peace of mind by removing the financial risks of making a claim.
Throughout the process, we provide compassionate and empathetic support, ensuring that our clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to achieve a fair outcome. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident as a pillion passenger, Lanyon Bowdler can provide expert legal advice and representation to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to find out more.
Find out more about the team and the type of work we do, by clicking on the link opposite and downloading our brochure.
Listen here to Dawn Humphries from the Personal Injury team, chatting about the challenges faced by people and their families when dealing with brain injuries.
In this episode Dawn Humphries & Alex Spanner from the Personal Injury team are chatting with local legend Mickey Bushell MBE. Mickey is an Paralympic gold medallist and qualified personal trainer, who works with disabled people to help improve their physical and mental well-being.
The Personal Injury Team is recognised in Tier 2 for the West Midlands in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500, which states: ‘The ‘very client-centred’ team at Lanyon Bowdler is ably led by Dawn Humphries who is based at the Shrewsbury office. Humphries excels in serious brain and spinal injuries. She is also well-regarded for her work on employers’ liability claims that arise from accidents at work, particularly at construction sites. Telford-based Debbie Humphries is recommended for her representation of clients who have sustained life-changing injuries. Phillip Roberts is at the Hereford office, and has particular experience in areas such as accident at work cases and loss of limbs claims. Associate Karen Clarke is another notable member of the practice’.
Work Highlights
The 2025 of the Legal 500 includes the following work highlights:
Represented claimant in PI claim against a well-known sporting activities franchise, where claimant sustained a C5 fracture of the neck rendering him tetraplegic, resulting in a claim estimated to be worth over £10m.
Represented claimant in PI claim against employer, having sustained fractures to L2, 3, 4 and 5 after falling from a roof. Contentious evidence in respect of quantum led to negotiations which successfully secured a £500,000 settlement for the client.
Represented claimant via their litigation friend in a PI claim against a defendant driver, successfully negotiating a settlement of £2.9m ahead of a liability trial.
Chambers UK 2025 rank the department in Band 1 in the Midlands and states ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a leading Shropshire firm advising on an extensive breadth of personal injury cases, including high-value RTA and accident-at-work claims. The firm is particularly experienced in acting for clients with spinal and cerebral injuries. The team is skilled in handling military cases and accidents abroad. It also works alongside clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to fully support clients’.
Strengths
“Lanyon Bowdler has a wide knowledge base. The team are very good at responding and provide clients with a high level of support.”
“The team are always friendly and nothing is a problem for them.”
Notable practitioners
Dawn Humphries handles a wide range of orthopaedic and spinal injury claims. She is active on an array of personal injury cases, including those relating to workplace accidents and RTAs.
“Dawn is empathetic and sympathetic but very calmly assertive when it came to pushing back onto defence.”
“She is really on the ball and is open to having a discussion on how to improve the case.”
Debbie Humphries is highlighted for her experience in handling a full range of severe injury matters, including motor incidents and accidents at work.
“Debbie is a calm, unflappable presence on some of the most complex cases and is an expert on brain injury work.”
After a motorcycle accident as a pillion passenger, your immediate priority should be your health and safety, so it is essential that you seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor, as some issues may not be immediately apparent. Receiving medical care also ensures that your injuries are documented, which can be crucial for any future compensation claim.
If you are able, gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photographs of the site, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses, and note down details of the other driver or drivers involved in the accident, including their insurance information.
Reporting the accident to the police is another essential step, as this creates an official record of the incident and may be necessary for your insurance claim.
Once your immediate health concerns are addressed, consult an experienced personal injury solicitor in order to gain an understanding of your legal options and begin the claims process accordingly.
Yes, you can claim against the motorcycle rider if they were at fault for the accident. As a pillion passenger, you are not responsible for the operation of the motorcycle and are considered an innocent party. If the rider’s negligence, for example speeding, driving without due care and attention, or driving under the influence, caused the accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation through their insurance policy. Most motorcycle insurance policies include coverage for pillion passengers, ensuring that your claim does not directly impact the rider’s personal finances. If the rider is a family member or friend, it’s important to understand that your claim is handled by their insurer, not them personally, which helps to preserve relationships.
Yes, you can still claim compensation if another driver caused the accident. As a pillion passenger, you are not liable for the accident, and your claim would be directed against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. This applies if the other driver’s negligence, such as speeding, failing to give way, or driving under the influence, caused the collision. In such cases, the process involves proving that the other driver was responsible for the accident and demonstrating the extent of your injuries and losses.
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a pillion passenger claim. This limitation period is strict and applies to most personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the injured party is under 18, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until they turn 21 to make a claim. Additionally, if the injured person is mentally incapacitated as a result of the accident, the limitation period may be extended. It is always advisable to begin the claims process as soon as possible to ensure that evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, can be gathered promptly and thoroughly. Consulting with an experienced personal injury solicitor early can help you navigate the process and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Compensation for a pillion passenger injury claim can cover a broad range of losses, depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life. This includes medical expenses for immediate treatment, rehabilitation, or ongoing care, as well as compensation for lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from working during your recovery period. You may also claim for pain and suffering, encompassing physical pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma caused by the accident. For serious injuries requiring long-term care or adjustments to your daily life, compensation can account for future care needs and support. The exact amount you will receive depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the impact on your quality of life. Our personal injury team will conduct a thorough assessment of your case to ensure you receive fair and appropriate compensation for the financial, physical, and psychological impact of the accident.
In most cases, you will not need to go to court for a pillion passenger claim, as the majority of personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If liability is clear and the evidence supports your claim, a fair settlement can often be reached without the need for legal proceedings. However, if the insurance company disputes liability, undervalues your claim, or fails to offer a reasonable settlement, the case may need to go to court. In such instances, your solicitor will guide you through the process, represent your case effectively, and advocate for your rights. At Lanyon Bowdler, we work diligently to resolve cases efficiently while preparing thoroughly in case court proceedings become necessary, ensuring you have the best chance of achieving a successful outcome.
Phillip Roberts handled my claim in a professional and knowledgable way and I would like to thank him very much for all the work he has done for me.
After my experience using LB 15 years ago and being very impressed I had no hesitation in using them again on a totally different matter and I was not disappointed. Excellent service once again with a successful secondary victim claim.
First Class experience from start to finish with this company.
One hundred percent happy with my claim and the outcome my solicitor was brilliant all through my case.
First Class Service
I was injured in a terrible accident whilst working on a farm, I was left with extensive injuries to my arm which impacted all aspects of my life including my ability to go back to work. Once I had instructed Lanyon Bowdler they instructed medical experts who were able to recommend rehabilitation for me which was arranged, and this meant that I could go back to work and start living independently again. They secured compensation of £45,000 and gave me all the advice and support I needed to accept the offer made.
After a horrible road traffic accident I was left with minimal physical injuries but a significant psychological injury which affected all aspects of my life including my ability to go back to work. Lanyon Bowdler handled my claim whilst also securing crucial rehabilitation for me. They secured £85,000 in compensation for me just after a year after my accident.
After a serious motorbike accident in which my Dad sustained significant head and life changing injuries I instructed Lanyon Bowdler to assist me with making a claim on his behalf. As part of his claim they ensured that he received an appropriate care package to support him in living independently and access to appropriate rehabilitation. They secured for him a settlement of £3.1m together with PPOs for his care and case management for the rest of his life which means that all of his needs can be met.
Dependable, thoughtful and sound advice. Professional, personable and accessible. A stalwart presence with good advice throughout – thank you.
I am very happy with the services. Excellent communication and knowledge. Very professional. Everything was well explained and there was nothing hidden. Highly recommended.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for a personal injury claim regarding a trip in a supermarket. I found the service very helpful and would use again.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.
As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.
Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.
The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.
Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.
Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.
From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.
Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.
I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
If you were injured while riding as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation. As a passenger, you place your trust in the rider and other road users to act responsibly, but accidents can still happen, sometimes due to the negligence of another driver, the rider of the motorcycle, or hazardous road conditions. Whatever the circumstances, if you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you have the right to seek justice.
We are recognised as a leading firm of Solicitors in Shropshire, Hereforshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands. At Lanyon Bowdler, our specialist Road Accident Solicitors have extensive experience handling Pillion Passenger Claims, ensuring that injured passengers receive the compensation they deserve.
We understand that even relatively minor motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries due to the lack of physical protection for riders and passengers. From broken bones and soft tissue injuries to life-changing spinal or head trauma, we are here to help you recover the financial support needed for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any loss of earnings.
Pursuing a claim against a friend or family member who was riding the motorcycle can feel uncomfortable, but in most cases, compensation is covered by their insurance rather than being a personal claim against them. Our team will guide you through the process sensitively, ensuring that you receive the support and financial security you need while maintaining your personal relationships.
Lanyon Bowdler is recognised as one of the UK’s leading firms of Personal Injury Lawyers by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
Visit our offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales. We are the leading firm for Pillion Passenger Claims in Birmingham, Worcester, and Wolverhampton. No matter where you are in England or Wales, we can act on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us or complete our online enquiry form to discuss your claim with one of our expert solicitors.
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