Advice for Cyclists
By Elena Price
As we eagerly await longer evenings and warmer weather our thoughts have turned to outdoor pursuits in particular cycling. There are some excellent information guides about safer cycling such as this one from Access Legal – a firm of solicitors.
Even if you follow all the safety advice, you still might be part of an accident while cycling, so what happens then?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim for personal injury.
Find a Solicitor to Help
Not all solicitors are experts in personal injury claims, particularly those involving cyclists. Your local high street solicitor may not be best suited to represent you. Access Legal have a team of cycle accident claims specialists that are able to help you
Cycle Accidents – What you should know
- Remove yourself from any other danger, if you are still on the road, its a danger to yourself and a hazard to others. Ensure you are out of the road and to a footpath or pavement.
- You are under a legal obligation to supply both personal and insurance related details after a collision. Not all cyclists have insurance, but all motor vehicles on a public road must. You should note down the names, address, and vehicle registration plates, as well descriptive details such as the make, model and colour
- It is also essential to act quickly and write details of any independent witnesses present during the accident. Evidence given by independent witnesses carry a lot of weight in court should there be any disputes.
- The average injuries inflicted on cyclists tend to be more severe than motorists, always get yourself checked out even if you believe its only a minor injury
- Digital technology is everywhere now at your finger tips, and it can be a vital source of evidence after an incident has occurred. Take photos of the accident scene and the position of the vehicles on a mobile phone or camera. Drivers shouldn’t move their vehicle, even if they believe it would be safer to do so. Take pictures of everything you can.
- When cycling in urban areas, it is always worth mentioning to the authorities if CCTV footage is available after an accident. Both state or privately owned
- Bicycles are not necessarily cheap. Remember that your compensation not only extends to your physical or mental injury, but also toward the cost of repair or replacement
- This even goes beyond covering the costs for the bicycle, and can extend to damaged clothing, helmet and accessories. Don’t throw away any of the damaged goods. Even better, find receipts for any of the damaged items
- Request documentation from your GP or employer in the case of incurring financial losses as a result of your injuries. Medication, treatment, or loss of earnings, all add up. It is important to have documentation in support of these losses, and keep them together in a safe place
These claims can pose there own challenges in respect of the injuries suffered and the stance taken by insurance companies or the party at fault. It’s advisable to get early legal advice from a solicitor who not only specialises in bicycle accidents, but who through their work is sympathetic to the risks faced by cyclists – see this cycling blog that is maintained by cycling enthusiasts at Access Legal – see the latest post about pinch points and cycling safety