The first known claim in the UK for compensation for the death of a motorcyclist caused by spilt diesel on the road has been submitted in the UK. The claim has been submitted by Andrew Campbell of Withy King Solicitors.
This is thought to be the first time that a fatal accident claim resulting from a diesel spill has been submitted to the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) which handles cases where the negligent parties are unknown.
According to the Department for Transport, a motorcyclist is almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal or serious collision as a result of diesel on the road compared to ice, and almost three times as likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident as a result of diesel rather than mud on the road.
“Motorcyclists and drivers who are involved in accidents and suffer injuries as a result of diesel spills often don't realise they can claim compensation because the person responsible for the spill may be unknown,” explained Campbell.
“Compensation claims are made through the Motor Insurers' Bureau when the offender is unknown. However, claimants need to be aware that there are strict time limits in place: bodily injury claims must be lodged within three years, and an incident number received in writing from the police within 14 days of the accident. At present, in diesel spill cases, one cannot claim for property damage but one can claim for other financial losses such as lost earnings.”
