My bike slid on diesel. Can I claim compensation?

A month ago I had an accident caused by a diesel spill on the road. My bike lost traction as I was going around a bend in the road and I came off and had multiple injuries.  A passer by helped me until the ambulance arrived and she took some photos of diesel spill. I am employed as a roofer and I will be off work for quite some time. My insurance company says because no other vehicle was involved they cannot help me. How can I claim compensation please?

Nigel, Kettering, by email

Answer

Motorcyclists are frequently victims of diesel spills on the road. You can submit a claim to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) which compensates victims of untraced and uninsured drivers. A small amount of drivers’ insurance premiums goes to fund the MIB each year.

To succeed in your claim you will need to show on the balance of probabilities that the diesel spill was caused by the negligence of another road user.  Most diesel spillages occur on roundabouts or bends like in your case because someone has overfilled their fuel tank right up to the cap (necking it), failed to fit the fuel cap securely or not maintained their vehicle properly. The photographs will help your case.

If you haven’t already done so, I suggest that you report the accident to the police. I also suggest that you speak to a specialist solicitor with experience of diesel spill claims who will be able to act for you to get you compensation for your injuries and financial losses.