Bicycle Accident Legal Advice
Posted on 8th January 2021 at 18:12
Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable users on the road. While they often come under criticism, mostly from drivers, the truth is that the majority of accidents involving cyclists are caused by third parties such as motorists.
Roads are dangerous places and those in motor vehicles need to show due care and attention when there is someone on a bicycle ahead. The problem is, they often get it wrong.
The vast majority of serious accidents occur when a vehicle drives into a cyclist. The numbers increase in rural areas where motorists often aren’t on the lookout for someone on a bike. In fact, for all cycling accidents involving a motorist, the research suggests the fault lies with the driver about 75% of the time. You might also be surprised to hear that 80% of accidents tend to occur during daylight hours which might point to the fact that motorists tend to take much more care when it’s dark.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident it can be very a traumatic experience. It pays to ensure you follow a few simple guidelines if you can:
First of all, take some time to consider who caused the accident and get their details. At the very least, the registration number of the car. If you have been knocked down by a vehicle then you’ll want their insurance details. If there are any witnesses, you should also get their details.
Many cyclists nowadays carry videoing equipment on their helmets which is a good idea if you want to properly record any incident. Should you have your mobile phone with you, taking pictures of the accident area (if you are able) is the least you need to do.
Of course, a lot depends on the seriousness of the accident. If you are injured, you’re going to need medical attention either there on the spot or later at an A&E or your GPs.
It’s likely that the police will be involved and they’ll be able to check any nearby CCTV for evidence and interview all the parties. You should ask for a copy of the police report in case you need to make a personal injury claim.
If you have unfortunately been injured and need medical attention, you might well want to make a claim for compensation – not least also for the damage done to your bike. As you might expect, anyone on a bike who has a collision with a vehicle such as a motor car is likely to come off worse. Accidents can lead to simple bruises, cuts and grazes to bone breaks and life threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention
The first thing you’ll want to do is get that treatment but your next step should be to contact a personal injury solicitor for advice.
At DSM Legal Solicitors, we have the qualified and experienced teams in place who can help you evaluate the potential for any claim which means you get the right advice and guidance when you most need it. As we operate on a 'no win no fee' basis, you can be sure that you won’t be charged anything unless your claim is eventually successful. Contact us today on 01925 937070 if you need to make a claim.
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