Unfortunately the front end tucked under me and I clattered off. I was okay but my wife riding as pillion broke her arm. I have never fallen off before and have my RoSPA Gold award.

I honestly do not think there was anything I could have done to avoid the situation and wonder if there was something wrong with the bike i.e. the suspension wasn’t set up properly. Is there anyone my wife can claim against for her injuries i.e. the dealer who sold us the bike?

Answer

Ockham’s razor. A Latin phrase that basically means the best explanation is the simplest. While it may be a bitter pill to swallow, I would suggest the reason you fell off is because you suddenly yanked on “the anchors” because you thought you saw a deer.

Just because you have never fallen off before and have the RoSPA Gold award does not mean the dealer must be blame. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Don’t let your ego or guilt get in the way of the obvious.

In answer to your question, your wife can bring a claim against you (and your insurer will pay out) for her injuries as she has done nothing wrong. I wish her a speedy recovery.

Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast

Motorcycle Monthly November 2018