Cycling accidents can have severe consequences, including disabling injuries, loss of earnings and even the inability to look after yourself or others. Sometimes accidents on bikes happen because of a driver mistake or because of negligence from others.
If you have been injured in a cycling accident, it is likely that you have many questions regarding whether you are eligible to make a claim for cycling accident compensation and how to make a claim for cycling accident injuries.
Cycling accident claims: main accident causes
In a large proportion of cases, cyclists are injured by careless motorists. They may be distracted by their mobile phone or simply not paying attention to the road and the situation in front of them. Accidents are also caused by drivers overtaking cyclist dangerously, cutting corners, turning without indicating or otherwise driving erratically.
Other cycling accidents may be caused by defective cycling equipment, such as a safety issue with the bike or helmet, meaning that the manufacturer would be at fault.
Defects in roads and cycle lanes that have been neglected, such as cracks and potholes in the tarmac, also commonly lead to cycling accidents.
Injuries caused by cycling accidents
Spinal and spinal cord injuries – Spinal injuries can be very severe as they can cause life-changing injuries, including loss of mobility or paralysis.
Broken bones – Broken legs, arms, shoulders and even hips can occur in accidents involving cyclists. An accident can put a large amount of force on your body that bones cannot withstand, resulting in painful bone breaks.
Head injuries – Trauma to the head can be severe and can result in concussion or even long-lasting brain damage depending on the force of the accident.
Sprains – These are some of the most common types of injuries that occur in cyclists accidents and can be minor, but they can still cause pain.
Internal bleeding – Internal bleeding can occur after a cycling accident and can have serious implications. It can be fatal if it is not treated immediately after the incident.
Cuts and scrapes – You may endure cuts and scrapes as a result of your cycling accident. These may be caused by the impact of the accident or from debris such as broken glass. The seriousness of these cuts can vary depending on where on your body they are located.
As well as these physical injuries, there are also psychological injuries that individuals can suffer from after a cycling accident which can be just as debilitating. An example of this type of injury is depression that can be brought on as a result of the cycling incident or frustration if individuals can no longer do something that they enjoy.
If you are suffering from one of these injuries or any other injury caused by a cycling accident, contact us to determine whether you could make a personal injury claim. We can also assist if you are claiming on behalf of a child or someone that lacks the mental capacity required to make a claim.
Cycling accident claims: what am I entitled to?
In simple terms, cyclists can make a claim for compensation when they have had an accident that was not their fault. Motorists are legally obliged to have sufficient motor insurance in place to cover the costs of any accidents caused by their negligence.
This insurance usually covers both for injury and the costs associated with said injury, as well as the damage done to property, which can be important as some bicycles cost a large sum of money.
A variety of losses can be recovered following an accident on the road that was not your fault. Below are just a few examples of the different types of compensation that can be recovered:
Loss of income – If you were required to take time off work due to your injuries, you should be able to recover your loss of earnings for the full period of time you were unable to work.
Pain and suffering – The law considers the fact that there is a certain amount of trauma and pain that can be associated with car accidents. Therefore, it has made a provision for injured workers to obtain compensation for the same.
Loss of amenity – You may be able to claim an amount of compensation for your loss of amenity. This refers to instances when your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities that you had previously taken part in and enjoyed.
A loss of enjoyment can directly affect your life and can lead to long term effects such as mental health issues like frustration and depression. There is a provision in the law that covers any loss of amenity resulting from a car accident.
Other financial losses – Other financial losses which were directly caused by the car accident, such as medical costs and travel costs, can also be recovered as part of a personal injury claim.
Cycling accident claims: what should I do after a cycling accident?
After a cycling accident, it is important that you visit your general practitioner or A&E depending on the extent of your injuries. You should also receive a copy of the medical report describing any injuries that you have sustained, as this may be required as evidence in the accident claim further down the line.
If there is any damage to your bike or if you have suffered an injury, you must report the matter to the police within 24 hours of the accident. If the accident involved another vehicle, you should ask the driver for their insurance details.
Some motor insurance companies may try to contact you with an early settlement offering a low sum; however, you should not accept until you have received legal advice.
You may also be required to provide further evidence to prove pay entitlements following a cycling accident. Below are just a few pieces of evidence that you could be asked to provide:
- Witness statements alongside contact details of witnesses to the accident
- CCTV/ dashcam footage of the accident (if available)
- Proof that the accident and the injuries you sustained were officially recorded
- Photos of the scene of the accident and/or photos of the injuries that you sustained
- Photographs of the damage to your bike and other personal belongings
After you have suffered an accident on the road, it is in your best interest to talk to a Solicitor as soon as possible as they can discuss your entitlements with you and advise you on your options going forward. Personal injury Solicitors from law firms can also provide clarity on whether you have been wrongly injured as they are legal experts and specialise in cycling accident compensation claims.
Time limits for cycling accident claims
The law on time limits for bicycle accident claims is complicated. However, the general rule is that you have three years from the date of the injury to have either settled your claim or started Court proceedings.
The three-year deadline commences from the date that the accident occurred or from the date on which you realised that your injury was associated with an accident on the road.
How much do cycling accident claims cost?
We will always be 100% transparent about what our charges are, and if we take on your case, we will almost always do so on a Conditional Fee Agreement (also known as a no win, no fee basis).
This agreement means that if you do not win your case, you do not pay us any fees at all. If we win the case, we take a small percentage of your compensation, which we will agree with you beforehand, to cover our costs.
We will never ask you to sign anything until you are completely happy with what we are proposing.
How can Wildwood Legal assist?
As with motorbike and scooter accidents, the consequences of an accident on a bicycle can be devastating. If you have an accident whilst on your bike, you need specialist advice – that is where we come in.
We see all too often the significant effect that a serious cycling accident can have on people’s lives. We can help on the financial side to get you on the road to recovery and help you to maximise the compensation you receive.
We know the typical causes of cycling accidents, and we will fight your corner against motor insurers to get you the best possible settlement as quickly as possible. We will advise you every step of the way and will work with you to obtain the right result.
Our law firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority; therefore, we provide everything that is needed to meet their high standards meaning that we are a trusted law firm. We offer services to individuals located in England and Wales.
If you’ve had an accident on your bike, get in touch with us, and we can help you start your claim– we’re only a phone call away. You won’t regret it.
To make an enquiry, get in contact with us either email us info@winstonsolicitors.co.uk or call us 0113 320 5000.
We offer a nationwide service, assisting those based in Birmingham, Manchester, Aberdare, Kent, London, Surrey and beyond.
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If you are thinking about making a claim, we would love to hear from you. We will give you clear, honest advice.
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