A MOTORCYCLIST died after a slight nudge from a car knocked him off his machine and sent him hurtling head first into an oncoming car.

An inquest heard that David Ligatt's helmet was ripped off by the force of the impact and he died as a result of massive injuries.

And coroner Michael Singleton warned that no matter how careful motorcyclists are, they are in considerable peril.

"People who ride motorcycles need to understand the great risk they take," said Mr Singleton.

"The use of leathers and crash helmets is fine as far as it goes, but in this case events conspired against David Liggat.

"He has paid a massive forfeit for what can only be described as a slight error of judgment by another motorist."

The inquest heard that Mr Liggat, 47, of Granville Road, Blackburn, was travelling up Preston New Road towards Blackburn, on his 750cc Triumph.

He overtook two cars as they pulled away from the traffic lights near the County Hotel but both drivers described his actions as responsible and identified him as an experienced rider.

As he approached the junction with Beardwood, a red VW Polo, driven by Mrs Ann Atkinson pulled out and caught Mr Liggat's bike a glancing blow.

Witnesses told how the bike was sent skidding along the road in a shower of sparks.

After Mr Liggat collided head first with a car coming in the opposite direction his helmet bounced one way as Mr Liggat skidded to the opposite side of the road.

The inquest heard a summary of Mrs Atkinson's police interview which concluded that she had failed to look properly as she pulled out of Beardwood.

The inquest heard that Mr Liggat had died instantly of multiple injuries and the coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.