Latest figures from the National Audit Office show the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured in bike accidents on British roads rose by 11% between 2004 and 2007, despite the amount of cycling staying broadly constant. In 2007 alone over 16,000 cyclists were injured in the UK and 136 were killed.
Although fewer than 10 per cent of road accidents involve cyclists, the casualty rate for cyclists is almost 100 times greater than car users. These figures clearly identify cyclists as being particularly vulnerable and most likely to sustain significant injuries and loss in an accident.
The most common types of bike accident are:
Accidents involving another vehicle.
These accidents tend to cause the highest number of casualties and the most serious. Other road users often fail to see cyclists or take little care when overtaking increasing the likelihood of being involved in a bike accident when cycling on the roads. Fault for the bike accident will depend upon the circumstances but even if the cyclist is partly responsible the may still be entitled to make a compensation claim.
Accidents caused by poor or badly repaired road surfaces.
Badly maintained road surfaces and potholes are also one of the main causes of bike accidents. Road maintenance is the responsibility of the local council and if an accident is caused by a pothole in the road it is the local authority that is liable for any claim for compensation.
Failure of bicycle.
Bike accidents can happen as a result of a faulty or poorly maintained bicycle. Punctured wheels occur regularly and chains come off the bike or snap, causing the rider to come off their bike, injuring themselves. The best way to avoid a bike accident caused by these problems is to regularly get your bicycle serviced by a professional. However, if a bike accident has been caused by a fault in manufacture or poor maintenance by a professional it may be possible to make a bike accident compensation claim.
Interference with bicycle by uncontrolled animals.
Animals such as family pet dogs can be a nuisance to cyclists. A dog’s natural instinct is to give chase to anything that moves and that includes any passing cyclist and can result in the dog causing the rider to fall. In a case like this it is possible to make a bike accident compensation claim against the owner of the dog.
Sporting or training accidents.
Bike accidents during cycling sports and training are quite common particularly when many cyclists are riding together in a tightly packed group. The best way to avoid this type of accident is to ride in single file and try to keep a safe distance between bicycles. However, this advice is obviously not practical for those taking part in a racing event. Riders taking part in falling off their bikes is extremely common within other types of cycling sports including BMX racing and Mountain biking.
The best way to ensure your safety in the event of any bike accident is to wear a safety helmet and protective clothing at all times.
Whatever the situation that caused a bike accident if it resulted in injury to the cyclist it is possible to make a claim. Macks Solicitors have a many years experience in handling all types of bike accident compensation claims and is happy to provide, clear and simple legal advice to bike accident victims without obligation.
Bike accidents involving cars
Bike accidents caused by negligent or reckless motorists are common. In any year around 16,000 cyclists in the UK have a bike accident while riding on the road. This figure is for recorded incidents only and therefore doesn’t include the many minor bike accidents that go unreported.
Unfortunately, it is a fact that cyclists involved in a bike accident with a car will undoubtedly come of worst. Cyclists have a responsibility to protect themselves by remaining alert to traffic and other hazards. They should also make themselves visible with lights, reflective tape and conspicuous clothing and safeguard themselves from serious injury by wearing a helmet.
A cyclist who is unfortunate enough to have a bike accident can make a claim against the car driver’s motor insurance if they were responsible for the accident so it is important that details of the vehicle as well as those of the driver are noted. If there are any witnesses to the bike accident their details should also be taken.
It is always advisable to contact a specialist law practice, like Macks Solicitors, for expert advice on making a claim. Even if there is some doubt over blame we will be happy to discuss your bike accident with you and give you free professional advice
Bike accidents involving buses
Bike accidents involving buses are not viewed any differently, in the eyes of the law, to those involving a private motorist.
If the bus driver has been negligent and as a result caused injury to a cyclist then a claim would be made against the bus company or their insurers.
Macks Solicitors are happy to give advice to cyclists who have been injured in any bike accident. The advice is completely free and without any obligation. Our solicitors act for personal injury clients on a No Win No Fee basis and guarantee that there will be no deduction made from their compensation.
Bike accidents involving HGV’s and other work vehicles
If the driver of a HGV or other work vehicle is involved in an accident with a bicycle because of their negligence then a claim will be made through their employer or their employer’s insurers in the same way it would through a private motorist.
