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by Chris Macwilliam, Partner & Head of Litigation, Clough & Willis Solicitors
Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users and, when accidents occur, the results can be severe. When you are involved in an accident, there are several procedures you should follow in the immediate aftermath to maximise your chances at recovery. If the accident was not your fault, you may also be entitled to compensation that can not only account for your pain and suffering, but act to minimise any financial losses.
Compensation can help to make your recovery more comfortable, account for the costs of any damaged equipment and ensure you receive the best available treatment. Here, the team at Clough & Willis Solicitors explains the steps you should take if you have been injured in a road traffic accident to support your recovery and give yourself the best chance of securing compensation.
Seek medical attention
The first step you should take following a road traffic accident is to seek medical attention. Naturally, you should seek emergency care if you have been seriously injured, but this is important even if you do not feel that you have been injured, especially if you were riding a motorbike. Some injuries are hard to detect immediately but can have serious lasting consequences that emerge later, and motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries. A doctor will know what to look out for in terms of symptoms based on the nature of your accident, and may be able to diagnose and treat conditions that you would otherwise have been unaware of.
The other important reason to consult a medical professional is that your medical records can be used as evidence. Your doctor will make notes about any conditions or injuries they find, and this can be used to show a clear link between your accident and any symptoms that later arise. This can form a fundamental piece of evidence to support a claim, if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Collect evidence
If you are able, you should collect evidence at the scene of the accident. This usually includes the contact details of any eyewitnesses who saw the accident take place, but may also mean taking photographs and writing down any details you can remember, which can support your account later.
You should take photographs of any elements that may have contributed to the accident (such as evidence of potholes or other poor road conditions) and any vehicles involved. If the accident was not your fault, you may be able to secure compensation not only for your injuries, but also for damage to your vehicle or equipment. As such, you should also document this damage and, if you can, find photographs of your belongings before the accident, which can help to show that the accident was the cause of the damage in question.
This step applies to all road traffic accidents, not only those involving other vehicles. For example, if you are injured when your motorcycle collides with a pothole, you may still be entitled to make a claim. This is because local authorities are responsible for maintaining roads in UK towns and cities, and must ensure that conditions are as safe as possible. Generally, the only preconditions you must meet to make a claim are that you have been injured, and that someone else was responsible for your accident.
The final type of evidence you should gather is receipts for any expenses related to your accident. This includes if you need to pay for private healthcare, any travel arrangements to and from medical appointments, and any lost earnings if you are forced to take time off from work to recover from your injury. With these receipts, you may be able to claim back these costs when making a compensation claim.
Speak to a solicitor Once you have collected as much evidence as you can, speak to an expert personal injury solicitor. They will be able to advise you on whether or not you can claim, and help you to build your case - for example, by collecting witness statements or arranging for independent medical examinations. Where necessary, they can even advise you and help you to secure the best possible treatment for your injury. In most cases, any costs for private medical treatment can be included in your compensation claim, along with any expenses associated with travelling to and from appointments.
A road traffic accident solicitor can begin the process of filing a claim on your behalf. There are strict deadlines associated with personal injury claims - any claims must be initiated within three years of the date of the accident, or they will usually be unable to proceed. If you have been injured in an accident and are unsure what to do, speak to a solicitor today to find out what your next steps should be.
Article by Chris Macwilliam, Partner & Head of Litigation, Clough & Willis Solicitors
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Navigating northern highways, particularly in tough winter circumstances, necessitates a distinct set of abilities and experience. For drivers and automobile enthusiasts, recognizing and planning for these conditions can mean the difference between a safe and dangerous voyage. This essay goes into the essential tactics and abilities required for navigating northern highways, offering significant insights to both new and seasoned drivers.
Understanding Road Conditions in the North
Northern roads are characterized by extreme weather conditions including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These elements create challenging driving conditions that demand specific preparation and skills. For those looking to purchase vehicles suitable for these conditions, options can be explored at the Norwalk auto auction.
1. Vehicle Preparation: Before heading out, make sure your car is prepared for winter conditions. This includes using winter tires, which improve traction on snow and ice. Check your battery; cold weather can affect its efficiency. Ensure that your antifreeze levels are adequate to prevent engine freezing.
2. Visibility is Key: Keep your lights, windows, and mirrors clear of snow and ice. Use defrosters to maintain clear visibility.
Adapting to Changing Weather Patterns
As climatic patterns alter, northern drivers must be capable of reacting to quickly changing weather circumstances. The key is to keep up with the latest weather forecasts, especially on long flights. To receive real-time updates, use trustworthy weather apps or local radio stations. This information enables you to anticipate and prepare for unforeseen changes, such as unexpected precipitation or a reduction in temperature that could result in ice conditions. Responding proactively to weather forecasts can greatly improve your safety on northern roads.
In addition to following weather forecasts, recognizing the intricacies of many winter weather events is critical. Recognizing the warning indications of an impending blizzard or ice storm, for example, can have a significant impact on your driving decisions. Blizzards frequently bring not just heavy snow but also strong gusts, decreasing visibility and causing drifts that can obstruct mobility. Ice storms, on the other hand, can create a layer of ice on the road, making it exceedingly treacherous. By learning to recognize these situations early on, drivers can make more educated decisions, such as selecting alternate routes or deferring travel, increasing their safety on northern roads in variable winter conditions.
Driving Techniques for Snow and Ice
1. Slow Down: Speed is a significant factor in winter accidents. Drive slower than usual and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
2. Smooth Operations: Apply gentle acceleration and braking. Abrupt movements can lead to skidding or sliding.
3. Handling Skids: If you skid, remain calm. Steer gently in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes.
Navigating Through Storms 
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Be Prepared: Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This should include blankets, a flashlight, a shovel, and snacks.
Know When to Stop: If the weather becomes too severe, it's safer to find a place to stop until conditions improve.
Understanding Road Maintenance
In the North, road maintenance plays a crucial role in safety.
Be Wary of Black Ice: Even if a road looks clear, be cautious of black ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
Emergency Response and First Aid
Understanding basic emergency response and first aid is essential when traveling in remote northern areas. In the event of an accident or a vehicle breakdown, rapid medical assistance may be unavailable. Drivers should be familiar with basic first aid procedures and carry a well-stocked first aid kit. Learning how to treat minor injuries, hypothermia, and frostbite can be quite beneficial. Furthermore, understanding how to signal for aid, whether using flares, emergency lights, or other methods, can make a considerable difference in response times in remote areas.
Furthermore, in far northern places where assistance may be hours away, it is critical to have a rudimentary awareness of survival skills in the event of being stranded. This involves understanding how to stay warm and avoid exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Simple precautions, such as staying inside your vehicle to avoid being lost and keeping an emergency blanket or extra layers of clothes on hand, can save lives. Keeping high-energy snacks and drinks in your car might also keep you going while you wait for help. In the event of a protracted delay, it is recommended to run the engine intermittently for warmth, keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Familiarizing oneself with these survival methods can dramatically improve your safety on northern highways.
Environmental Considerations and Driving Ethics
Driving in the North entails a responsibility to be ecologically sensitive and ethical. This involves understanding how your car affects the delicate northern habitat. To avoid causing environmental damage, stick to defined roads and paths. Be aware of local wildlife, as northern regions are frequently home to animals that may wander onto roads. Also, drive ethically by not littering and respecting local populations and customs. Being an environmentally responsible and ethical driver not only maintains the North's pure ecosystem but also fosters a peaceful relationship with the local environment and its residents.
Furthermore, adopting eco-friendly driving behaviors helps to preserve the northern ecosystem. This includes routine vehicle maintenance to maintain maximum efficiency and low emissions. Regular checks on tire pressure, engine performance, and fuel systems can improve your vehicle's efficiency while also reducing its environmental impact. Consider using environmentally friendly antifreeze and recycling it properly, as regular antifreeze is hazardous and can harm wildlife and ecosystems if leaked or poorly disposed of. Additionally, when planning longer travels, choosing routes that are more fuel-efficient and less invasive to natural ecosystems can help to lessen your environmental effects. Adopting these behaviors displays a commitment to sustainable driving, which is critical for protecting and preserving the unique northern landscapes and ecosystems.
Driving on northern roads necessitates a distinct set of abilities and a thorough awareness of the obstacles offered by winter weather. You may safely traverse these roads by preparing your car, recognizing and adjusting to road conditions, and making good use of technology. Remember that the key to safe driving in the North is preparation, patience, and wisdom.
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In an age where sustainability shapes our choices more than ever, eco-friendly biking emerges as a beacon of hope and adventure.
This mode of travel, powered by nothing but human effort, offers an intimate connection with the environment, proving that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination itself.
A Greener Path Forward
As we navigate through the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of eco-friendly travel has shifted from a niche interest to a global movement.
Among the most accessible and impactful ways to contribute is by choosing bicycles over gas-guzzling vehicles for our adventures.
Biking not only reduces our carbon footprint but also enhances our physical health and mental well-being.
The World on Two Wheels
Imagine the wind in your hair, the sun on your back, and the rhythmic sound of wheels on pavement as you pedal through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, biking offers a unique perspective on the world's beauty. 
It's a way to travel that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the nuances of your surroundings, and connect with nature in a way that's impossible from behind a car window.
Biking in the City
Urban environments are also embracing the bike revolution, with cities around the globe expanding their bike lane infrastructures and launching bike-sharing programs.
These initiatives not only facilitate eco-friendly commuting but also encourage urban explorers to experience the vibrancy of city life from a new vantage point.
Whether it's weaving through the historic streets of Amsterdam or cruising along the San Francisco Bay, city biking combines the joys of exploration with the satisfaction of making a positive environmental impact.
A Community on the Move
What makes eco-friendly biking even more compelling is the community that riders find themselves a part of.
Bikers around the world share a common ethos, one that values sustainability, health, and the joy of discovery.
Events like critical mass rides and biking festivals not only celebrate this sense of community but also advocate for a more bike-friendly world.
In this spirit of shared adventure and commitment to the planet, there are platforms that celebrate the eco-conscious traveler.
Daymade is one such platform, where the thrill of exploration meets the joy of giving back.
Here, adventurers can find themselves winning experiences that align with their values, from local biking tours that uncover hidden gems to all-inclusive holidays designed with sustainability in mind. It's about making every journey meaningful, whether you're pedaling through your hometown or across continents.
The Road Less Traveled
As we look to the future, eco-friendly biking stands out as a powerful tool in our quest for a more sustainable world.
It offers a simple yet profound solution to some of our most pressing environmental challenges, all while providing an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure.
So next time you're planning a trip, consider taking the road less traveled — one that leads you on two wheels towards a greener, more connected world.
In embracing eco-friendly biking, we're not just choosing a mode of travel; we're choosing a way of life.
A life where every pedal stroke contributes to a healthier planet and a deeper connection with the world around us.
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Motorcyclists should definitely have an internet connection when travelling abroad by motorbike. And eSIM technology actually fulfills their needs in a very big way. Today we are going to tell you a few things about why motorcyclists should use Esimatic when travelling abroad. If you like travelling long distances with your motorbike and have recently made such a plan, we recommend you to read this article because you may not have thought of this before.
Alt: Someone riding a motorbike
What is Esimatic
Before explaining why motorcyclists should make use of this technology when travelling abroad, let us first give you a little information about what Esimatic is. Esimatic is a technology that connects you with an internet connection abroad. And thanks to this technology, you experience the security of having an uninterrupted internet where you go. Well, how does Esimatic offer uninterrupted internet to people? It connects to the most reliable local networks in the country you want to go to and connects to the one with the strongest signal from those local networks according to your location and thus you have an internet connection. In case you change your location, it reconnects to the local network with the strongest signal in your new destination and prevents your internet connection from weakening. Thanks to affordable esim data plans, you can have an internet connection suitable for your travelling time.
Stable Internet Connection
Since the vehicle used by bikers is more dangerous than cars, it is vital that they can be accessible at any time or that they can reach other people at any time. Because an emergency situation may occur on the road and they need to communicate with people in order to prevent or get out of this situation. Thanks to Esimatic technology, bikers can choose data plans for themselves according to their destination, and thanks to these data plans, they can have uninterrupted internet connection and call any person they want at any time via platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram. At the same time, they can continue to use their traditional sim cards while using Esimatic technology, which means that if someone wants to reach them, they can do so without any problems.
Free From Local SIM Cards
People travelling abroad by motorbike usually do not just go to one country and return home from there. They do this in a group and visit more than one country. But when this is the case, if they want to use a local SIM card, they need to buy a different card in each country they visit. Travelling on a motorbike is already quite tiring and people may not like to deal with this. But Esimatic offers a solution to this situation and thanks to the data plans it offers, people travelling abroad by motorbike can have data plans according to how long they will stay at their destination. When they move to another country, they will still be able to use the eSIM data plans they have purchased. This will certainly save them the hassle of buying a new local SIM card in each new country.
No Roaming Fees
When travelling abroad, people want to keep their spending under control and the same applies to motorcyclists. If you have travelled abroad before, you will be aware of the roaming charges that local SIM cards impose. These roaming charges can sometimes be annoyingly high and can give users a lot of flexibility, and when people look at their bills, they don't want to pay so much. But this is not the case with Esimatic. Once you buy this technology, you use it until your data plan runs out, and when your data plan runs out, you will not be charged an additional fee, or when your data plan runs out, it will be automatically renewed without your knowledge. Since Esimatic has prepaid data plans, you pay first and then start using the service, so there are no unannounced payments or additional charges that will upset you. Motorcyclists can also use Esimatic if they want to keep their spending under control because nobody likes high roaming charges.
Instant Usage
We have already mentioned that motorcyclists may travel to several different countries and may need to use their internet connection in a short period of time. Esimatic technology actually provides people with exactly this. When you use a local sim card, you may have to wait a few days for it to be activated, sometimes it may take a few hours, but in some cases even minutes are important. But if bikers want to take advantage of Esimatic technology, they will be able to activate their data plans in a very short time and start using their internet connection immediately. Thanks to instantly using the internet connection, bikers can find accommodation or places to visit immediately.
How to Purchase
In order to benefit from Esimatic txechnology, you must first find out whether your phone is compatible with this technology. To do this, you can review the compatible phones on the main page of the Esimatic website or contact the manufacturer of your phone. What you need to do afterwards is to download the Esimatic application, after downloading this application, you need to examine the country you want to go through the application and the data plans in this country and choose the one that suits you. After making this selection, you make the purchase and download the eSIM according to the country you are going to with the help of the instructions given by the application. After this download, a QR code is sent to you and your internet connection is activated by scanning this code. So if you look at it, this process will actually take a few minutes and will be done in a very short time. As with traditional sim cards, you do not need to wait for the activation process and you can start using your internet connection with peace of mind.
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Triumph Motorcycles is the latest winner of the prestigious Torrens Trophy. The award was presented to Triumph staff during a glittering event last night at London’s Royal Automobile Club.
The Torrens Trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers, and important personalities within these worlds – since the 1970s.
Former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2023 Torrens Trophy to Triumph for its amazing work in the Moto2TM World Championship, motorcycling’s number two grand prix series. The company has provided engines for the entire Moto2 grid for the past five seasons, proving to the world that its engineering and technology can thrive in arguably the toughest bike racing series of them all”.
Moto2 is the final stepping stone towards MotoGP – the Formula 1 of motorcycling – so the 32-rider grid is packed with hungry young talents who will let nothing stand in their way as they fight their way to the top of one of the world’s most challenging sports.
It doesn’t really need to be said that these riders demand everything and more from their engines, which must therefore be capable of surviving serious abuse. During Triumph Racing's five years in Moto2 its three-cylinder 765 engines have covered more than one million kms, achieving 95 race and outright lap records, enabling 21 different riders to win a Moto2™ race.
Surely no other motorcycle engine has had such a tough time over the last half-decade! And yet the Triumph 765 has shone throughout, providing superb performance – nudging 190mph at MotoGP’s fastest tracks.
Triumph Racing has thus done a great service to the MotoGP paddock and to the Triumph name, proving that a renowned brand has risen again to prove itself at the very forefront of high-performance motorcycling.
Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO added: “This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team. Our world-class engineers are always looking at new ways to enhance the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, from shorter race times to faster top speeds, which has contributed to closer, even more exciting, racing.
“Moto2 is also an excellent platform to showcase the durability, reliability and class-leading performance of our 765 triple engines on the road. Over the last five years we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements and gain insights that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our new Street Triple 765 range, which has successfully driven demand and sales across the world. It’s a partnership that we are excited to be continuing until 2029.”
First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire for more than three decades, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance. With 86,653 motorcycles delivered in calendar year 2023, Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.
It’s been a remarkable story of courage and commitment, combined with superb engineering and brilliant knowledge of the marketplace.
The reborn company enjoyed its first significant racetrack success when Jim Moodie won the 2003 Isle of Man Junior TT aboard a race-prepped Triumph Daytona road bike. It was the brand’s first TT victory since a Triumph Trident road bike won the 1975 production TT.
Since then, the company’s machines have won other important international successes, including the USA’s hugely prestigious Daytona 200-mile race.
Triumph’s five Moto2 champions since 2019 are Alex Marquez, Enea Bastianini, Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. Four of these riders will be in MotoGP this year and almost half the current MotoGP grid has scored grands prix victories on Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes – another massive testament to the power of Triumph.
This year Triumph Racing will also enter the motocross world championships for the first time, while also attacking the hugely popular American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.
Previous Torrens Trophy winners
- 2022 Mike Trimby, for his tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.
- 2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
- 2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
- 2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
- 2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
- 2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
- 2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
- 2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
- 2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
- 2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
- 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
- 1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
- 1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
- 1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
- 1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
- 1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.
The Torrens Trophy
The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world. The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles.
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.
The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons, double World Champion and past Torrens winner James Toseland, well-respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Robert Bourne (son of motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne, in whose memory the Trophy is awarded) and Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
About the Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.
Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including the Club’s London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
The Club also awards a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport, the Tourist Trophy.
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