Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users in the UK.
A recent study by road safety charity Brake indicated that cyclists were staggeringly 63 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident on British roads than car drivers.
We handle all types of bicycle injury claims and we have recovered compensation for clients who have suffered a range of injuries from minor cuts and bruises and whiplash, to fractured bones, ligament and tendon damage, and head injuries.
The most common types of cycling accident claims that we assist with include:
- Vehicles turning into the path of cyclists.
- Vehicles pulling out at a junction.
- Collisions when changing lanes.
- Dangerous drivers – motorists speeding and driving recklessly, leading to a collision.
- Vehicle doors opening in the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Defective equipment i.e. failing brakes which may have led to a collision.
- Vehicles pulling onto a roundabout into the path of the cyclist.
- Opening car doors.
If you have suffered a cycling injury due to the negligence of someone else, the typical types of compensation and damages that you may be able to claim for include:
- Physical injuries: Injuries incurred as a result of the cycling accident including broken bones, fractures, head and spinal injuries, trauma to internal organs and eye damage.
- Psychological damage: You may have suffered psychological damage as a result of the accident that you were involved in. Your may be able to claim compensation for this as long as we can prove that this is a direct result of the accident.
- Financial Loss: If the cycling accident has left you unable to work due to the effects of your injuries, you may only be entitled to statutory sick pay which may not cover your monthly outgoings. We may be able to obtain financial compensation for you to recover any financial losses resulting from the accident.
- Damages to bike: You may be able to claim back the costs of repairing or replacing your bike that was damaged in the accident.
- Damaged items: We may also be able to obtain compensation for you to recover the costs of any other damages that were caused to your personal property, resulting from the accident. This may involve items such as your mobile phone, laptop, clothing, shoes, helmet and watch or jewellery.
- Travel Costs: Should you incur additional travel costs as a result of not being able to use your bicycle as your usual means of transport, we may be able to obtain compensation for you. If you need to use public transport or taxis to get to work or hospital appointments it is vital that you keep receipts as proof of purchase.
- Cycling Accident Statistics: True Solicitors have been acting for injured cyclists for years, through through this we have amassed a wealth of data about cycle accidents and injuries. We are sharing this information in the hope it encourages cyclists and motorists to be more vigilant when approaching common accident scenarios.
Types of cycling accidents
According to our data almost two thirds of cycle accidents occur at road junctions, with 26% of accidents being caused by a vehicle pulling out from the left either from a side road or on a roundabout.
Types of Injuries Sustained From Cycling Accidents. It is perhaps no surprise that in collisions involving cyclists and vehicles, injuries to limbs are the most common, with around 85% of cyclists suffering arm or leg injuries.
The length of cycling accident claims depend on whether the other party admits fault, the severity of the injury and the extent of the claim for losses and expenses. Straightforward cycling accident claims may settle within a few months, whereas complex cases may take in excess of a year.