The most common bicycle accident claim scenario arises by virtue of a collision with a motor vehicle at a road junction. The two major risk areas are when a car turns right into the path of an oncoming cyclist and when a car overtakes a cyclist immediately before a junction intending to turn right. One other major cause of accidents involves the driver of a stationary vehicle opening a door into the path of an overtaking rider.
A bicycle accident claim does not necessarily arise as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle. We have successfully claimed compensation for riders who have come off and injured themselves as a result of potholes, gravel and debris on the roads and highways and there are court records showing cyclists claiming as a result of injury following a slip on untreated icy roads. The law in this regard is well established mainly as a result of pedestrian accidents. The relevant authority responsible for the up keep of any public road must ensure that there is an adequate inspection and repair regime in place and failure to comply will make them liable for any injury that occurs to any user including a cyclist, a biker, a driver or a pedestrian.
Failure to wear appropriate head protection may result in a diminution of compensation awarded in a bicycle accident claim. This is because any cyclist who is involved in a road traffic accident is likely to be knocked to the ground and is therefore at serious risk of sustaining injuries to the head. This can often result in brain damage which can have a devastating impact on the victim’s life. Use of protective headwear can significantly reduce the level of injury. This can be the difference between somebody suffering severe brain damage or simply suffering bruises or a headache.
A matter that does often arise in legal action for a bicycle accident claim relates to the clothing worn by a rider. Since cyclists are difficult to see, particularly in rainy, icy, or dark conditions, it is essential that cyclists wear bright coloured clothing and it also makes establishing liability that much easier. Vans and cars pulling out of junctions, overtaking, crossing a roundabout or simply in heavy traffic will often fail to see a cyclist dressed in dull clothing. The more a cyclist can do to make other road users aware of his presence the safer that cyclist will be.
Umbrella Claims is a specialist organisation that deals exclusively with personal injury cases on a No Win No Fee basis. Win or lose there is no charge*. This means that you never have to pay anything to us. All compensation received of whatever nature is paid to you in full without any deduction whatsoever - absolutely guaranteed. We will minimalise any inconvenience to you and we offer free advice without obligation from some of the best lawyers in the business. We ensure that our client’s interests are a priority and our lawyers deal with claims in a friendly, efficient and competent manner to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve in the shortest time scale possible.