Motorcycle Insurance

A Lancashire motorcyclist has been killed in a "pure accident" after colliding with a pheasant, an inquest has heard.

Ian Bottomley, of Preston, is believed to have been travelling at around 70mph when the low-flying bird struck his crash helmet and sent him hurtling off-course and into an embankment.

"He would have had absolutely no chance to do anything. A pheasant is a large bird and if it hits a car it can do a lot of damage," said specialist accident investigation officer PC Adrian Harrison.

The body of the pheasant was pointed out to officers on the scene by a member of the public who had arrived shortly after the accident and police found feathers around Mr Bottomley as well as on his helmet.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, assistant deputy Preston coroner Derek Baker said the incident could neither have been anticipated nor prevented.

With news of a serious injury to another experienced motorcyclist in Leeds also released today, motorcycle insurance customers will be reminded of the dangers faced each time they venture out on the roads.

The casualty, who was riding a Honda motorbike in the Chapeltown area, is believed to have lost control and fallen from his vehicle, and police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

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