Bill Suttie

Bill Suttie was riding his Triumph Sprint on the A95 Granton to Aberlour Road.  As he made a right hand turn at a junction, he lost control of his bike, which low sided and caused him to fall off. The loss of control was due to his wheels losing traction on an extensive spill of gravel. The gravel had been dropped from the back of a local council lorry, which was on its way to carry out road works elsewhere. The tailgate of the lorry had been left open, and significant amounts of gravel had fallen onto the road at the junction.

Mr Suttie sustained a minor soft tissue injury to his right knee.  However, his motorcycle was damaged and he had to replace his motorcycle equipment including his helmet, jacket, boots and gloves. After carrying out liability investigations, a claim was intimated to local authority. After they completed their own investigations, the council agreed that they should deal with Mr Suttie’s claim. Despite a period of negotiation, the council’s insurers refused to make payment for Mr Suttie’s motorcycle equipment, arguing that the costs were excessive. A court action was raised at Inverness Sheriff Court. Solicitors for the council then tried to argue that the accident had been caused solely by the fault of Mr Suttie. After we discussed matters further with the council’s solicitors, Mr Suttie was wholly successful in his case. Liability was admitted in full and the council paid the whole cost of replacing the safety equipment and policy excess. In addition, they made payment for Mr Suttie’s pain and suffering. 

If you wish to make a motorcycle accident claim in Scotland, call the Digby Brown Motorcycle Law Department on 0845 273 2323 or complete an Enquiry Form .