Cycling is a fantastic way to keep fit and do your bit for the environment.
However, with increasing traffic and more distractions than ever, cycling accidents are a common occurrence.
While the latest statistics demonstrate a 5% reduction in cyclist fatalities, and a 6% decline in injuries year-on-year, the total number of cycling casualties remains high, with 14,345 incidents reported.
If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if another road user was at fault.
Unsure where you stand? Speak to a member of our team today by dialling 0151 256 7898, or send an email to enquiries@waferphillips.co.uk
What steps should you take immediately after a cycling accident?
If you’re involved in a cycling accident, your health and well-being should always be your first priority.
In the immediate aftermath, if you’re physically able to, you should move yourself to a safe location, away from the oncoming traffic.
If you or anyone else involved is seriously injured, call the emergency services, including the police, to report the incident.
With up to 15,000 cyclists injured annually, seeking prompt medical help isn’t just sensible; it’s vital for a successful claim.
Even if you feel fine, we would always advise seeking medical attention as soon as possible to address injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage that might not be immediately apparent.
How can you collect essential information at the scene of a cycling accident?
While it may not feel like a priority in the moment, gathering information at the scene is vital.
If possible, we recommend collecting the following:
- Driver details: the name, address, and contact number of the drivers involved
- Vehicle details: registration number, make, model and insurance details if possible
- Witness details: names and contact details of other road users or pedestrians who witnessed the incident
- Photographs: Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, damage to your bike and anything else pertinent to the accident
If the road user involved leaves the scene without providing you with any details, try to take note of their registration number and contact the police instead.
What evidence can help a compensation claim?
Collecting as much evidence as possible will put you in the best position for a successful cycling accident claim.
Aside from the information gathered at the scene, other helpful pieces of evidence include:
- Medical records: After seeking medical attention, keep records of all treatment, diagnoses and ongoing health problems related to the accident
- Repair: Keep records of incurred costs if your bike was damaged or destroyed during the accident
- Injuries: Take photos of any injuries sustained and how they develop over time
- Written records: If possible, straight after the event, write an account of what happened in your own words, as this can be used as evidence
- Video evidence: Any dash cam, CCTV, or helmet camera footage should be saved to support your claim. If an accident happened in an urban area, like Liverpool city centre, there would likely be security camera footage
When should you seek legal advice after a cycling accident?
As soon as possible.
Consulting with a solicitor early on ensures you are confident in understanding your legal rights and have the necessary support and guidance to begin creating a strong claim.
Start a conversation about your potential cycling accident claim by contacting us today.
Is there a time limit to make a compensation claim after a cycling accident?
Yes, in most cases, you will have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim in the UK.
The only exceptions are if the injured party is under 18, in which case the three-year limit begins from their 18th birthday.
If the injured party lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, there’s no time limit until unless, or until, they regain capacity.
What are the eligibility criteria for making a compensation claim after a cycling accident?
The eligibility criteria to claim compensation are relatively straightforward.
The accident must have involved negligence by another party.
Common examples of negligence are:
- A driver failing to check mirrors before turning
- A driver being distracted while operating their vehicle (for example, using their mobile phone)
- Being hit by a car door suddenly opening into your path
- Potholes or other road damage (often the responsibility of the local authority)
- Pedestrians stepping onto the road without warning
As part of this, you will also need to prove that, as the injured party, you have suffered injury or loss (for example, physical injuries, damage to your bike, loss of earnings, emotional or psychological trauma)
You must also provide evidence as part of your claim that the accident occurred within the past three years.
Need support following a bicycle accident?
Cyclists account for about 11% of all road casualties and 5% of road fatalities in Great Britain.
While these figures are improving year on year, they still highlight the vulnerability of cyclists on UK roads and the importance of knowing what to do if you’re involved in an accident.
So, if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in the past three years due to another road user’s negligence, it’s important to be aware that you may be entitled to compensation.
Wafer Phillips has served the Liverpool community for more than 35 years, specialising in road traffic accident claims – including those involving cyclists.
To learn more about how our team of solicitors can assist you, feel free to visit our cycling accident claims page or get in touch today by dialling 0151 256 7898.
Alternatively, send an email to enquiries@waferphillips.co.uk
