Compare Bicycle Accident Claims
Cyclists are among the most at risk road users. According to government figures, there are an average of 60 serious injuries and two deaths a week due to accidents involving pedal cyclists in the UK. Further highlighting the vulnerability of this group, statistics provided by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reveal that in 2018 alone, 99 pedal cyclists were killed, 4,160 suffered serious injuries and 13,345 experienced minor injuries in accidents on British roads.
Unlike car, van and lorry drivers, cyclists are not protected by a vehicle. Also, it can be more difficult for other drivers to see them on the roads, and motorists often fail to pay sufficient attention or to leave enough room for them.
Then there’s the added risk of potholes, which can be particularly dangerous for cyclists.
If you or a loved one have been injured while cycling, you may be entitled to compensation. Compare bicycle accident compensation claims solicitors today to start the process.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
Busy UK roads can be dangerous places for cyclists, and there are many causes of accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Collisions with vehicles
- Collisions with car doors
- Collisions with animals
- Running over or swerving to avoid potholes
- Defective cycling equipment, including bikes and helmets.
How to make a bicycle accident claim
If you have been injured in a cycling accident due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Bringing bicycle accident claims can be a daunting prospect, but there are certain steps you can take to make the process as simple as possible.
Firstly, if you’re able to, make some notes about the site where the accident occurred, as well as the parties involved. If you can, take down the details of any witnesses and get some photographs of the scene. If there are any injuries as a result of the incident, make sure you report it to the police. It’s especially important that you ask for a police report to be filed if the accident involved a motorist and this person failed to stop. This is because in hit and run cases, a police report will be needed in order to make an untraced driver claim.
If the accident was caused by a road defect, such as a pothole, it’s helpful to get photographs of the spot before any repair work is carried out.
To maximise your chances of succeeding in your case, you can use the services of a road traffic accident solicitor with specialist knowledge of bicycle accident compensation claims. As well as helping you to secure the compensation you’re entitled to, they can assist you in getting any private medical treatment you might need to aid with your recovery, such as physiotherapy.
Bear in mind that you will usually have to make a claim within three years of your accident, unless you’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim. You can take legal action on behalf of a child any time before they turn 18. After this point, they have three years to claim if they wish to do so. If you’re taking legal action for someone who lacks the mental capacity to do this themselves, there is no time limit. If you wish to claim for a loved one who died because of a cycling accident, you will need to start the process within three years of their death or from receiving the results of their post-mortem.
How much bicycle accident compensation can I expect to receive?
Compensation awards for bicycle accident injury claims can differ considerably depending on a number of factors, including how serious any injuries are and what the financial costs of the accident come to. Your compensation award will take into account factors including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The costs of medical care, including future medical treatment
- Loss of earnings
- Costs of vehicle or home adaptations required because of your injuries
- Damage to your property, for example your bike and helmet, as well as any items you may have been carrying (such as a phone).
Start your claim today
Taking legal action against those responsible for your injuries may help to compensate you for your pain and suffering, and cover any costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. To help you achieve the best possible compensation award and to make the process of claiming as easy and stress-free as possible, it helps to turn to an expert personal injury solicitor.
Use our website to compare bicycle accident claims solicitors today and start your compensation claim.