A lasting message for riders and drivers: look out for each other While Motorcyclist Awareness Month is coming to an end, we want to remind everyone that motorbike safety extends beyond just one month, and that every moment on the road should be ‘motorcyclist aware’. Motorcyclist riders are the most vulnerable users on our roads and often car drivers aren’t expecting to see them when they change lanes or come through an intersection. In the last five years, almost 200 motorcycle riders and pillion passengers have been killed on Victorian roads. Every single one of these deaths could have been prevented. The message for both drivers and riders is clear: check, and check again. Look out for each other – doing so might save a life. Our client’s story In February 2024, Chris, not his real name, was injured when he was riding his motorbike and an inattentive driver hit him from behind. Chris was taken by ambulance to the Royal Melbourne Hospital sustaining injuries to his spine, shoulder, arm and leg. He also had bleeding on the brain. The injuries Chris suffered were severe. He required surgery to his shoulder and skin grafts on his arm due to degloving. Additionally, his middle finger needed surgery and he sustained multiple fractures and tears in his leg. Chris requires ongoing rehabilitation for his injuries, with the potential for more surgeries down the track. Prior to the accident, Chris was working as a salesman for a plumbing company, which now he is unable to do. Through the TAC scheme, Chris will now pursue compensation for his pain and suffering, loss of earnings and ongoing medical and like expenses. “The injuries Chris sustained were severe and life-changing. While compensation will help ease the burden, nothing will take away his lasting physical and mental trauma,” said Shalyn Mathew, who is representing Chris. “This was a completely preventable accident and all due to one moment of inattention from a car driver.” Injured on the road? If you’ve been injured in a road accident, we understand how stressful this can be, and the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about your financial situation. Permanent injuries can be life changing and you might be eligible for compensation, so we encourage you to contact us to see how we can help you ease the burden. Contact us For more information about TAC claims and eligibility, visit our TAC page. At Arnold Thomas & Becker, we operate on a No Win No Fee basis. To talk to one of our lawyers, call us on 03 9034 8433.