Cycling accidents

People riding bicycles are a particularly vulnerable group of road users and, sadly, it is all too common for a cyclist to be injured after being hit by a car, van, bus or lorry. But unlike the driver of the car, a cyclist does not have an insurance company to call to deal with some of the damaged items. A cyclist needs an expert team to fight for all compensation due to them not just for injuries but for other losses suffered in an accident.

Inevitably, a large number of cycling accidents occur in cities and our team has regularly acted for cyclists who had accidents in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. But we have seen an increase in the number of accidents which occur in the satellite towns or suburban areas where there can still often be a significant traffic flow.

Our team of experts acts frequently for cyclists who have been injured. Accidents can happen anywhere on the road but are particularly common at roundabouts and junctions or when a vehicle driver has simply failed to see the cyclist during an ordinary manoeuvre. Even cyclists wearing helmets and other protective equipment are still vulnerable to injury.

What should you do if you have a cycling accident?

There are two main categories of accident.

1. Collision with a vehicle. If involved in this type of accident, you should:

  • Report the incident to the police. Even if, for example, the driver accepts fault or your injury seems very minor
  • Get the driver's vehicle registration, full name, address and insurance details
  • Obtain the contact details for any witnesses to the accident

2. An accident caused by the road surface. In this scenario, you should:

  • Report the incident to the person responsible for the road surface, i.e. usually a Local Authority
  • Take photographs of the defect which caused your accident
  • Obtain witness details
  • In either scenario, seek prompt medical treatment of your injuries and advise the doctor/nurse of the circumstances of the accident

Next: Consult a solicitor with a track record in dealing with cycling accidents. Let your solicitor know the above information and:

  • A description of the location, the movements of your bike and those of the other road user who caused the accident
  • A description of your injuries including any treatment you have received
  • Details of any damage done to your bike and equipment

What compensation can you claim?

In many ways this will depend on how the accident injuries have affected you. We will take the time to understand fully what the accident has meant for you. The most common categories in cycling accidents include:

  • Compensation for pain and suffering you have had, and might still have, as a result of your injuries
  • Compensation for any loss of income if your injuries have meant you were unable to work for a period
  • Compensation to reflect any future injury-related difficulties you may have in working
  • Compensation or help given to you by family members with care or every day activities you cannot do because of your injuries
  • Repair or replacement costs arising from damage to your bike caused in the accident
  • Repair or replacement costs for damage to clothing and equipment fitted to the bike
  • Compensation for out of pocket expenses, sometimes including the cost of alternative travel arrangements while you are without a bike, if your bike is regularly used for travelling to and from work

If you are interested in making a compensation claim for a cycling accident, please get in touch with us today for a confidential discussion.

See also: our advice for cyclists

Contact us

  • Email us
  • Call our personal injury claims team free on 0808 560 0872
  • Arrange a callback by using our enquiry form

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