Two reports, “Collisions Involving Cyclists on Britain’s Roads: Establishing the Causes” from the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and “Road Casualties Great Britain, 2009″ from the Department of Transport indicate worrying figures regarding cycle accidents.
Around 17,000 cyclists are killed or injured on the UK’s roads every year, including around 2,500 who are killed or seriously injured. These figures are based on accidents reported to the police – many accidents are not reported so the actual number of injuries is likely to be much higher.
Around 75% of fatal or serious cycle accidents occur in urban areas and almost two thirds are as a result of collisions at or near a road junction. T junctions and roundabouts are the most dangerous for cyclists. Cyclists are also more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries on higher speed roads.
Most collisions of a bicycle with a vehicle involve a car or taxi. HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) are also dangerous. Around 20% of cycling fatalities in London involve a HGV. In around 57% of serious collisions involving a vehicle, the accident was attributed to the car driver failing to look properly.
Other causes for accidents can include poor road surface, such as potholes; obstacles in the path or road, such as a bollard; a manufacturing fault; poor maintenance or a collision with a pedestrian or animal, such as a dog.
If you have been injured in a cycle accident, you may be able to make a claim for cycle accident compensation. Macks Solicitors have many years of experience and are experts in cycle accident compensation. Our team is on hand to give clear and simple legal advice.
If you were involved in a collision with a vehicle that wasn’t your fault, you can make a claim against the motorist’s insurance. The amount of compensation awarded depends on the extent of your injuries and the level of negligence. It is important to seek medical advice early on. This will speed your recovery and will also provide medical evidence that will be important in establishing your case.
If you have been involved in an accident with a bus or a HGV, a claim can be made against the company the driver was working for or their insurers.
If your accident was as a result of poor road surface or an obstacle, it is important to get evidence. Photographs are a useful way of recording hazards in the road. You may also want to measure the hazard, e.g. the depth of the pothole and speak to other road users, particularly anyone who witnessed your accident. This is true of any cycle accident – witnesses will be able to relate events from a different perspective and may be able to provide valuable evidence about who was to blame.
Whilst you are collecting evidence, speak to a solicitor. An experienced solicitor will be able to advise you about how much compensation you could expect to receive and will be able to manage your case to achieve the maximum compensation payment.
A cycle accident can be scary and can result in serious injuries. Claiming cycle accident compensation is a way to compensate for the pain of an injury and any costs incurred as a result, for example, repairs to your bicycle.
