I can’t ride due to PTSD…

In October 2024, I was involved in an accident when a driver failed to see me while I was riding my BMW R1200. I suffered both physical injuries and psychological trauma. I was initially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although most of those symptoms have now resolved.

My physical injuries healed relatively quickly, but I have been unable to return to motorcycling because of ongoing fear and anxiety. Instead, I purchased a second hand car which is significantly more expensive to run than my bike. At 42 years old, I expect this increased cost will continue for many years. Can I claim compensation for these additional motoring expenses?

Nigel, by email

Answer

To support such a claim, you would need an assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The specialist would consider whether you are suffering from a recognised psychological condition, such as a phobic anxiety disorder, which prevents you from returning to motorcycling. They should also provide an opinion on whether treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is likely to overcome your fear.

As part of your legal duty to mitigate your losses, you would be expected to undertake any reasonable treatment recommended by the specialist.

If the medical evidence indicates that treatment is unlikely to help, or if you undergo treatment but remain unable to return to riding a motorcycle, you should indeed be able to claim the difference between the cost of running your car and the cost of running your bike.