Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving Bendigo, Melbourne & All of VIC
A motorcycle accident can lead to serious trauma or even death for the rider. You have rights if you were injured whilst riding a motorcycle in Melbourne, Bendigo or another area of Victoria. Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers (ADM) have decades of experience lodging successful motorcycle accident claims.
Motorcyclists account for approximately 4% of road users, yet they are involved in around 17% of all serious road accidents [Source: TAC]. With little physical protection compared to other motorists, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to life-altering injuries or worse.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident — or have lost a loved one who you depended on — you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, and the financial impact of losing a financially and/or personally dependent family member.
Motorcycle accident lawyers at ADM know the difficulties you are facing. We offer expert legal guidance paired with compassion, human warmth and respect for your unique situation. Our goal is to obtain all of the entitlements you are due while supporting you in your recovery.
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Motorbike Accident Claim FAQs
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Victoria, you need to lodge a claim with the TAC (Transport Accident Commission). The TAC is the Victorian compensation scheme for road accidents, which includes injuries sustained by motorbike riders.
Motorbike accident claims can be lodged with the TAC online or by phone at 1300 654 329. If you received hospital treatment for your injuries, the hospital may be able to lodge the claim on your behalf.
You will need to provide the TAC with a number of details about the accident, including the time and date it took place, information for the parties involved, vehicle registration numbers and more. This may be difficult if you were taken to hospital straight from the scene.
A motorcycle accident lawyer at ADM can help gather all the required information. We can also compile records of your injuries, which is critical for securing benefits if you can’t work after the crash.
Injured motorcyclists may have substantial entitlements after an accident. Motorbikes offer minimal safety protection, so the injuries are likely to be severe. Benefits available from the TAC after a motorcycle accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Like services and supports
- Income support
- Loss of earnings (first 18 months) and loss of earnings capacitybenefits
- Return to work support
- Support for family members, if a loved one is seriously injured or dies
Our motorbike accident solicitors can also assess your right to additional compensation. If your injuries result in permanent impairment over 10%, you are entitled to a one-off impairment benefit. You may also have a claim for common law compensation if you (a) sustain a serious injury and (b) the accident was caused by another’s negligence.
Most common law damages claims are resolved through settlement negotiations with the TAC. A favourable settlement can compensate you for the loss of your past and future earnings, as well as pain and suffering. As of 1 July 2025, the TAC places a cap of $1,530,470 on loss of earnings and a $680,160 cap on pain and suffering damages.
There is no way to say how much ‘most’ motorcycle accident claims settle for because every case is different. What doesn’t change is the importance of retaining a law firm with in-depth knowledge of the TAC’s Common Law Protocols. These rules streamline the process of claiming common law compensation and reaching fair settlements.
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers have decades of experience navigating the Common Law Protocols and maximising settlements for clients injured in all types of transport accidents. Our recoveries in TAC matters are amongst the highest in Victoria.
You have 12 months from the date of the accident to lodge your initial claim. The TAC may allow more time if you didn’t realise you had an injury or couldn’t have discovered the injury within 12 months, but exceptions are rarely made.
The best option is to lodge your motorcycle accident claim as soon as possible, ideally with the assistance of a specialist lawyer. Contact ADM today for FREE to protect your rights and get started on your claim straight away.
You aren’t required to have a lawyer handle your motorbike accident claim, but it is likely in your best interest. A skilled lawyer who knows the TAC process can help you obtain all of the benefits you are due, as well as explore your right to additional compensation.
Motorcycle accident solicitors at Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. Our firm makes each client a priority, providing plainspoken advice and listening carefully so we can represent you with the utmost effectiveness.
You may be eligible to make a TAC motorcycle accident claim if you were a rider, pillion passenger, pedestrian, or witness injured in a transport accident involving a motorcycle on a public road in Victoria.
Dependent family members of someone who has died or suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle crash may also be able to lodge a TAC dependency claim.
The TAC usually accepts or rejects liability within 21 days of receiving your claim.
More complex motorcycle accident claims may take longer, especially if additional investigation or medical information is required.
No, attending hospital is not mandatory. However, you should seek immediate medical treatment if you are injured. Early medical assessment ensures your injuries are recorded, which is important evidence for your TAC motorcycle claim.
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be entitled to TAC benefits, including:
- medical and like expenses
- loss of earnings benefits
- an impairment benefit
However, your level of fault may reduce or limit your eligibility for common law damages. If you are found criminally responsible for the accident, the TAC will only cover medical and like expenses.
If a defect or mechanical malfunction contributed to your motorcycle accident, responsibility may rest with:
- the manufacturer
- the distributor
- the dealer or service provider
- a previous owner
These claims can be complex, so obtaining legal advice can help clarify your options.
Fault does not prevent you from accessing medical and like expenses through the TAC.
Unless you are deemed criminally responsible, you may also be eligible for loss of earnings and an impairment benefit.
You may still be able to pursue common law damages, depending on your degree of fault.
The TAC does not cover motorcycle damage. Repairs or replacement are handled through your motorcycle insurance policy. If you do not have insurance, it is unlikely you will be reimbursed for the cost of a damaged or written-off motorcycle.
If your crash was caused by unsafe or poorly maintained roads, liability may fall on the relevant authority, such as VicRoads or the local council. This depends on whether the hazard was known, reported, or should reasonably have been fixed.
Even if you are fully kitted out with a helmet and other safety gear, you are likely to be injured if you crash your motorbike. Far too many families also face the tragedy of a rider who never comes home.
You need support and comfort in this situation, not to be treated like a number. While the large personal injury firms in Victoria often take a corporate approach, ADM is concerned with your wellbeing and getting you the outcome you deserve.
Our team works with you closely to understand exactly what you and your family are going through. This allows us to advocate for you effectively and offer reassurance at stressful moments.
Call Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers at 1800 242 588 today for a FREE consultation. With offices in Bendigo, Melbourne and a number of metropolitan and rural communities, ADM is able to provide expert help with motorcycle accident claims throughout Victoria.
Client Testimonials
At ADM, we are real people helping Victorians find justice. You don’t have to take our word for it; we have received hundreds of 5-star reviews from real clients who entrusted their legal matter to ADM. See for yourself what to expect from Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers, both as solicitors and as human beings.
Michelle & R.
Kelsey and the team at ADM Bendigo were very understanding and caring in relation to our case. We were treated with respect and everything was done to get the best possible outcome under the circumstances. We would highly recommend.
Peter R.
My dealings with staff at ADMcP were at all times supportive, professional, and above all successful. They’re a great group and I recommend anyone to them for any industrial/workplace injury issues.
Milian T.
Thanks a lot Shaun and whole team, you done great job! Highly recommended this expert. All the best my friend!
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Victoria
Nobody expects to be involved in a motorcycle accident. As a rider, you take every precaution to avoid injury. But if something goes wrong unexpectedly, you need to know the steps to take after a crash.
ADM recommends you do the following in the event of a motorcycle accident:
1. Prioritise Your Safety
Check yourself for injuries and get out of the roadway. This will reduce the chances of being struck by another vehicle.
2. Call Emergency Services
Dial 000 if you or anybody else is injured. You will also need to report the accident to the police before you can lodge a claim with the TAC.
3. Get Information
Ask for the name and address of anyone involved in the accident. If another driver was involved, get their vehicle registration number and the name of the vehicle’s owner.
4. Preserve Evidence
Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your motorbike, the position of the vehicle(s) and the condition of the roadway. You should also make note of weather and lighting conditions at the scene.
5. Speak to Witnesses
Ask nearby bystanders what they saw, as this can help prove that the other driver was negligent. Be sure to get their contact information in case our motorcycle accidents lawyers need to follow up with them at a later date.
6. Seek Medical Care
If you were not transported to hospital, see your doctor or visit the local emergency room for a complete examination. The injuries from a motorbike accident may not always be apparent, and you don’t want to wait for complications to occur.
7. Report the Accident to Police
If the police did not attend the scene, you will need to report the accident yourself. The report should be made at the police station nearest the scene of the crash.
8. Keep Up with Your Medical Care
The TAC requires that you participate in your recovery to maintain your eligibility for benefits. Attending all medical appointments and following your doctors’ recommendations are key not only for healing, but for maintaining your entitlements.
9. Contact a Specialist Lawyer
Look for a TAC accident lawyer specialising in motorcycle accident claims. Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers are available 24/7 and offer FREE consultations. Our team is here to help you navigate the TAC and put your mind at ease.
Reach out to ADM today for assistance with your motorbike claim.
10. Lodge Your TAC Claim
You will need to make a claim within 12 months of the accident. A motorbike accident solicitor at ADM can assist you with the lodgement process and help you claim all entitlements, from no-fault benefits to an impairment benefit to common law compensation.
Injured on the road?
We’ve created a 10-Step Guide on what to do if you’ve been in a road accident. Your rights are the same regardless of the type of vehicle you have been injured in. The guide will explain your legal obligations, how to take evidence, who to call, and legal tips if you wish to pursue any legal action.
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Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Victoria
From 2024–2025, the TAC recorded 123 fatalities amongst motorcyclists. More than 1,000 motorcyclists were hospitalised following road accidents in 2024, 17% of whom were in hospital for more than 14 days.
The majority of crashes occur in and around Melbourne, although many motorcyclists are injured or killed in rural Victoria. It is important for riders to recognise that they face dangers on both city streets and rural roads.
Other key statistics from the TAC’s Motorcycle Monitor include:
- 83% of motorcyclists in Victoria believe that other drivers are not aware of motorcycles when driving
- 90% believe that motorists don’t know what it’s like to ride a motorbike
- 68% say that risky manoeuvres are sometimes necessary to avoid an accident
The behaviours and attitudes of drivers and motorcyclists alike can have a significant impact on the safety of all road users. At ADM, we know the risks riders face and the terrible consequences that can occur when motorists are careless. We put ourselves in our clients’ place so we can serve as capable advocates.
No Win, No Fee
At Arnold Dallas McPherson, we firmly believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of justice. Our ‘No Win, No Fee’ policy on most personal injury claims ensures that everyone has the opportunity to seek the compensation they rightfully deserve without the burden of upfront legal fees.
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Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
As experienced personal injury lawyers, we help clients who suffer a wide range of injuries in road accidents. Motorcyclists are amongst the most severely injured people we serve. Some of the most common injuries in motorbike accident claims include:
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burns
- Loss of a limb
- Psychological trauma
These injuries can have a profound impact on your life. If they result in permanent disability that prevents you from working or living as you did before, Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers can help you make claims for additional compensation.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle
A motorcycle accident has many potential causes. Lawyers at ADM are very well-versed in these claims. We can provide expert representation in all types of scenarios, including:
Being rear-ended by a larger vehicle is likely to launch you over your handlebars and onto the road. This can result in a host of severe injuries.
Causes
- Tailgating
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Failure to brake in time
Liability
- Almost always attributed to the following driver
- Exceptions may apply if motorcycle stopped suddenly without cause
Potential Compensation
- Whiplash and spinal injuries
- Damage to motorcycle
- Loss of income during recovery
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transport, medications)
Includes accidents caused by vehicles failing to give way, running red lights, or turning across the path of a motorcycle at an intersection.
Causes
- Failure to give way
- Running red or amber lights
- Misjudging speed of oncoming motorcycle
Liability
- Often attributed to the turning or crossing driver
- May be shared if the rider was speeding or not visible
Potential Compensation
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Psychological trauma (e.g. PTSD of witnessing a fatal Motor Vehicle Accident or driving anxiety)
- Loss of earnings
- Damage to personal property
- Future medical care or surgeries
Drivers travelling the wrong way may crash into a motorbike head-on. These accidents are likely to cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries for the rider.
Causes
- Driver veers across the centre line (fatigue, distraction, intoxication)
- Misjudged overtaking manoeuvres
- Wrong-way driving
Liability
- Almost always the fault of the oncoming vehicle
- May involve criminal negligence if caused by drink or drug driving
Potential Compensation
- Pain and suffering
- Total loss of motorcycle
- Medical and hospital costs
- Permanent impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Compensation to Relatives (in fatal cases)
Opening a door into traffic can seriously harm passing motorcyclists. You may be entitled to common law compensation if a driver or passenger failed to check before opening the door, causing you serious injury.
Causes
- Driver or passenger opens door without checking for motorcycles
- Parked in unsafe locations or narrow bike lanes
Liability
- Person who opened the door (driver or passenger)
- Sometimes vehicle owner if dooring was foreseeable
Potential Compensation
- Soft tissue or head injuries
- Dental work and scarring
- Loss of earnings from temporary incapacity
- Pain and suffering damages
Happens when a driver fails to check blind spots or misjudges distance while changing lanes, striking a motorcycle travelling beside them.
Causes
- Driver fails to check mirrors or blind spots
- Failure to indicate
- Misjudging distance
Liability
- Primarily the fault of the vehicle that merged into the rider’s lane
- Can be shared if rider was speeding or overtaking unsafely
Potential Compensation
- Shoulder, arm, or leg injuries from lateral impact
- Motorcycle repairs or write-off
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Home modifications (e.g. ramps, assistive equipment)
These occur when a vehicle turns across the path of an oncoming motorcycle — often because the driver fails to see the rider or misjudges their speed.
Causes
- Driver turns across path of oncoming rider
- Failure to yield
- Misjudging speed or distance of motorcycle
Liability
- Usually the turning vehicle
- Sometimes shared if motorcyclist was speeding or riding in blind spot
Potential Compensation
- Fractures, crush injuries
- Ambulance and hospitalisation costs
- Loss of future earnings
- Funeral expenses (in fatal cases)
- Compensation to Relatives claims
Includes crashes caused by potholes, loose gravel, slippery surfaces, or road debris. These conditions pose a far greater risk to motorcycles than cars.
Causes
- Potholes
- Gravel, oil spills, uneven surfaces
- Poor signage or roadworks
Liability
- May lie with local council or VicRoads if hazard was known and unaddressed
- Requires investigation and expert reports
Potential Compensation
- Damaged motorcycle
- Broken bones or spinal injuries
- Rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses during recovery
Sometimes caused by mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision — even if no other vehicle physically contacts the rider.
Causes
- Sudden swerving to avoid a hazard or reckless driver
- Mechanical failure (e.g. brakes, tyres)
- Weather-related loss of traction
Liability
- May still be eligible for TAC Claim
- Potential product liability if caused by defect
- Road authority liable if hazard was known and unrectified
Potential Compensation
- Medical treatment
- Psychological support
- Loss of earnings
- Permanent impairment
Motorcycles caught in chain-reaction crashes, often on freeways, are at heightened risk due to their smaller size and lack of protection.
Causes
- Chain-reaction rear-end crashes
- Sudden braking in traffic
- Poor visibility or weather
Liability
- Depends on sequence of impacts
- Shared liability may apply across multiple drivers
Potential Compensation
- Extensive injuries due to being trapped or run over
- Long-term rehabilitation or disability care
- Loss of income and superannuation
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
Accidents occurring when a motorcycle moves between lanes of slower or stopped traffic, especially if other drivers are unaware or not expecting it.
Causes
- Motorcyclist travelling between lanes of stationary or slow traffic
- Sudden lane changes or opening doors
- Drivers not checking mirrors during congestion
Liability
- Often disputed — may be shared depending on local laws and traffic conditions
- Depends on speed, visibility, and whether it was a legal filtering situation
Potential Compensation
- Knee, ankle, or arm injuries
- Damage to protective gear and motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Time off work
The motorcyclist, despite maintaining a reasonable distance, is unable to stop in time and collides into the rear of the braking vehicle. In the process, they are thrown from the bike, suffering multiple fractures and head trauma.
Causes
- Vehicle ahead brakes suddenly without clear hazard
- Panic stop due to distraction, overreaction, or road debris
- Chain-reaction effect in stop-start traffic
- Inattentive driving or lack of brake light warning
Liability
- Depends on context. If the vehicle ahead braked unnecessarily or without cause, they may be at fault
- If braking was legitimate (e.g. avoiding a hazard), liability may not rest with them
- If another vehicle’s actions indirectly caused the panic stop (e.g. erratic lane change), they may be liable
- The TAC (VIC) may still cover injuries regardless of fault
Potential Compensation
- Medical expenses (hospitalisation, surgery, physiotherapy)
- Fracture and trauma-related compensation
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of earnings and superannuation
- Rehabilitation and home assistance costs
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
This list is not exhaustive. If you or someone you love was injured in any type of road accident involving a motorbike, ADM can determine what entitlements you have through the TAC. Call us in Melbourne, Bendigo or elsewhere in Victoria at 1800 242 588 to get started on your motorcycle accident claim.
Why Choose Arnold Dallas McPherson?
ADM offers a client experience unlike any other. Our lawyers and staff speak plainly, listen deeply, and stay steady in the most stressful moments. This approach is critical not only for obtaining the best outcomes for our clients, but reassuring them when things get tough.
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Our understanding team
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We are an excellent specialist injuries firm
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Truly local services
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Our clear advice
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Our experience
Our understanding team
We are an excellent specialist injuries firm
Truly local services
Our clear advice
Our independence
Our experience
What Compensation is Available for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcyclists may have significant entitlements through the TAC if they are injured in a transport accident. Our expert lawyers can pursue all benefits and lump sum payments you are due. These may include:
- Medical and like services: This includes the cost of doctors appointments, hospitalisation, surgeries, diagnostic scans, physiotherapy and allied health services, medical aids and more.
- Income support: Most people are entitled to 80% of their gross income if they can’t work as a result of their transport accident injuries. You need to be unable to work for a minimum of 5 days to be eligible for income support payments.
- Return to work support: The TAC can help support your return to work by paying for specialist services, helping your employer make accommodations and more.
- Impairment benefit: You will need to get a specialist medical assessment to determine if your injury or injuries meet the TAC’s threshold. The impairment benefit is paid as a one-time lump sum.
- Common law damages: Motorcycle accident claims involving a ‘serious injury’ where another party was at fault may entitle you to damages such as past loss of earnings, future lost earnings and pain and suffering.
- Support for family members: Did your loved one suffer a serious injury or die in a motorcycle accident? We are so sorry for your loss. Our lawyers can pursue all available TAC payments, such as paid time off work, reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs, counselling services and financial support for dependants.
Experienced legal counsel is vital for protecting your rights and obtaining the maximum benefits and payouts. Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers get to know you personally so we can represent your best interests and achieve the optimal outcome.
Related: Accessing Financial Support Following a Transport Accident
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
It is generally in your best interest to have a skilled motorcycle accident solicitor handle your claim. You need time to heal from your injuries and adjust to changes in your daily life and ability to earn a living. TAC road accident matters can be complicated, so having professional assistance is vital.
Here is how our motorcycle accident lawyers in Melbourne, Bendigo and other areas of Victoria can help you:
- Listening deeply to your story so we understand the accident, your injuries and the impact on your life
- Gathering all essential details for making a TAC claim
- Collecting evidence of negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a driver and/or other parties
- Ensuring that the TAC pays for medical care and anything else you are entitled to
- Disputing adverse decisions; this may involve navigating the TAC’s informal review and/or Dispute Resolution Protocols; we may also need to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
- Making claims for lump sum payments, such as common law compensation and the impairment benefit
Throughout this process, we will provide you with personalised guidance. Lawyers at ADM know the kinds of difficulties you have to deal with. We see to it that you will be supported at all times, providing calm and steady advice at trying moments.
Our No Win, No Fee Policy
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers accept motorcycle accident claims and other personal injury matters on a No Win, No Fee basis. You don’t pay anything upfront, whether at the initial consultation or whilst the matter is pending. If your claim succeeds, you will be responsible for paying professional fees and disbursements.
Transparency is key in any relationship. You can expect an honest discussion of our fees at your initial consultation, including costs you are responsible for regardless of the outcome. Our motorbike accident solicitors provide an honest assessment of your claim and the likelihood of success so you can make an informed decision before hiring us.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide outlines important information if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident within Victoria. Please be aware that the advice given here is of a general nature, and we recommend that you consult one of our Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your particular circumstances. The contents of this page are considered accurate as of the date of publication; however, applicable laws may be subject to change, therefore affecting the accuracy of the contents of this page.
Get Expert Help with Motorcycle Accident Claims in Victoria
Motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users. Severe injuries are extremely likely in a crash, and fatalities are all too common. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help if you have been seriously hurt or a family member was harmed or killed.
Arnold Dallas McPherson Injury Lawyers offer an unparalleled client experience. Every member of our team listens to your story. This allows us to act in your best interest and pursue the most favourable outcome. We also provide reassurance and support at the most stressful times so you can feel heard.
Ours is a truly statewide firm with offices in over a dozen locations throughout Victoria. If you have been injured in a motorbike accident in Bendigo, Melbourne or another part of the state, call ADM for a FREE consultation at 1800 242 588 today.
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