From Courtroom to motorcycle test – Jack’s journey to mastering the road.

As a personal injury solicitor who specialises in motorcycle accident claims, my professional life revolves around understanding the legal implications of motorcycle accidents.

Every day I see where motorcyclists have succumbed to the mistakes of other road users. As a result, I considered myself to be well-versed in what it takes to successfully get from A to B on two, very high-powered, wheels. Yet, one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had was stepping out of the courtroom, donning the leathers and throwing my leg over the saddle of a motorcycle.

Learning to ride and passing my motorcycle test on the second attempt has given me invaluable insight into the community I advocate for every day.

The joy of learning.

Whilst studying Law at University, they teach you how filter large quantities of information down to that which is relevant to complete a task, so I adopted the same approach to riding. I read up on the relevant sections of the Highway Code, dipped into Roadcraft and watched some YouTube tutorials to ensure I had a grasp of the basics. Then, I pulled on my protective gear and headed to the training centre.

When I first set out to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I was filled with a mix of excitement and sheer anxiety. As a solicitor, I’m accustomed to high-pressure situations, but this was different. Picture it: a professional immersed in legal jargon suddenly trying to master the art of balancing on two wheels at much higher speed than any pedal bicycle he had ever been on. Even when I sat down and thought, “Now, before we set off, I’d better strap in my seatbelt”, search for it for two seconds and then think, “Oh wait, you are the seatbelt!”

The sum total of my previous riding experience was doing my CBT and riding 125s on farmland, so I was pretty much starting from scratch on the Direct Access Course.

This was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I embarked on this journey with a beginner’s mindset, ready to absorb everything from the fundamental mechanics of the bike to advanced riding techniques. Each practice session was a step forward, filled with small victories and occasional setbacks. I learned how to handle the throttle, navigate tight turns and control the bike in various conditions.

Keep the head and you’ll enjoy it.

After just two and a half days of riding, off we went to the Test Centre for Mod 1 and some bike handling around cones in a closed-off environment. Before going in, I was given some sage advice: “Keep the head and you’ll enjoy it.” Thankfully, this turned out to be true.

The Mod 1 layout is set out for all the riders, so you just need to focus on one thing at a time before you’re through it. Before I knew it, I was on to the high-speed section which is far more enjoyable for any motorcyclist. I was far more at ease for this section, so I progressed quickly and was awarded the Mod 1 certificate. Now here’s where the fun begins, I incorrectly thought.

The Nerve-Racking First Attempt at Mod 2.

The pressure of performing well on my first test was intense, and unfortunately, it showed. The nerves got the better of me, and my initial attempt didn’t go as planned with special thanks to the pesky Sheriffhall roundabout. I hesitated when the road was clear and by the time it was not, I was entering a live lane. I knew I’d failed by this point so when we came upon traffic on the bypass, I went straight for the filter thinking, “even if I’m not allowed, I’m going to do it anyway.”

I was disappointed but also more determined than ever. I knew that to truly understand the challenges my clients face, I needed to continue to gain hands-on experience. This meant returning to the basics and so back I went to the Highway Code on Roundabouts (Rules 184 to 190 for anyone interested).

This served me well and on my second sitting, I got the pass.

The benefit of instructing a Solicitor who rides.

Now, you might wonder why this might matter to you as a motorcyclist. Well, the reality is that understanding the intricacies of motorcycle riding has enhanced my ability to represent my clients effectively. Having first hand riding experience allows me to grasp the real-life challenges and risks motorcyclists face when I work on my clients’ accident claims.

I can empathise with the physical and emotional aspects of riding and understand the dynamics of motorcycle crashes from a rider’s perspective. These insights are invaluable when building a strong case, as I can better relate to and represent my clients’ needs.

It is only through experience that a solicitor can truly appreciate the importance of lane positioning, braking distribution, sightlines, lifesavers and so much more. Contrast this with a solicitor who could barely tell you where the clutch, gear lever or rear brake is never mind understanding the intricacies of riding.

Final Thoughts.

Learning to ride a motorcycle is more than just a personal achievement; it was a journey that enriched my professional expertise.

For motorcyclists, knowing that your solicitor truly understands the world you navigate every day can make a significant difference to how your case is handled. It takes someone who truly knows the risks as they have experienced them to fight for compensation to the standard that you deserve.

At Motorcycle Law Scotland, we are motivated to do our job to the highest possible standard because we understand from our own riding experience that it could be us who needs to make a claim and if it were, we would want someone skilled enough to fight our corner.

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, remember that every challenge on the road is a step toward greater mastery. And if you ever find yourself in need of legal representation, seek out a solicitor who not only knows the law but also understands the thrill and trials of riding a motorcycle.

Jack Adair