A motorcyclist who killed a 12-year-boy in a road accident made legal history yesterday by successfully claiming compensation for the horrific injuries he suffered in the crash.

Antony Young, 37, from Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, lodged his ground-breaking claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which only pays money to victims of violent crime.

His lawyers argued that the boy, Robert Davis, was guilty of a "violent act" by deliberately running out into the road during a game of "chicken."

Mr Young, who suffered six broken ribs and a punctured lung in the accident, was told yesterday his landmark claim had been successful.

CICA could now face a flood of claims from other people who have suffered physical or physiological injuries because of the "reckless" actions of a pedestrian, immediately before their death.

Andrew Campbell, from law firm Withy King, who are representing Mr Young, said: "This is a victory for justice, not only for Antony and his family who have been through a terrible ordeal, but for others who may also have suffered physical or psychological trauma as a result of accidents which occurred through no fault of their own.

"This case is particularly tragic because a young boy died but it is important that recognition is also given to Antony's suffering and the affect this accident has had - and continues to have - on many aspects of his life." Mr Young had been riding his Suzuki GSXR 1000cc motorcycle along the A4174 dual carriageway in Longwell Green, near Bristol, when the accident happened.

Robert and a group of boys had been daring each other to run across the busy road after gathering under a footbridge.

He had started to run across the carriageway as a van approached, but failed to spot it was being overtaken by the Suzuki.

Mr Young, a site engineer, was unable to avoid colliding with the child, and the bike hit him full in the chest.

An inquest last year recorded a verdict of accidental death and the coroner said no blame whatsoever could be attributed to the motorcyclist.