The numbers of cyclists killed or injured on Britain’s roads is on the rise; however, this is perhaps inevitable when cyclists remain vulnerable not only because of their physical exposure to impact forces but also because of poor cycling infrastructure.
Although cyclists can take steps to safeguard themselves with protective equipment, this is not always enough.
If you have suffered cycling accident injury, call Thompsons solicitors on 0800 0891 331 to discuss the possibility of making a No Win, No Fee claim.
What are Common Cycling Accidents?
In the UK, common cycle accidents often stem from a lack of attention. According to 2014 DfT statistics, both drivers (57%) and cyclists (43%) admitted to failing to look properly before accidents, contributing to 73% of cycling accidents due to human error, as per RoSPA.
RoSPA highlights that inattention, especially at junctions, causes 75% of cycle accidents. Specific risk factors include filtering through traffic, navigating roundabouts, road surface issues like potholes or spills, close group riding, and high-speed limits on rural roads.
Urban settings (75% of fatal accidents), rural areas (half of fatalities), daylight hours (80% of accidents), and children's involvement (25% of injuries) are key elements contributing to cycle accidents. For further details on common cycle accidents, explore our section dedicated to these factors.
For assistance with your cycling accident claim in Scotland, consulting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is crucial. Thompsons, Scotland's leading personal injury firm, secures approximately £1 million in compensation weekly and wins 90% of its cases. Contact us today at 0800 0891 331 for guidance on your rights and options, without any obligation. Click here for more information on our offices and how to reach us.
What are Common Cycle Accident Injuries?
In cycling accidents, injuries beyond head and brain trauma commonly include harm to arms, legs, chest, abdomen, soft tissues, fractures, and spinal issues.
Notably, a significant number of cycling accident fatalities in Scotland and the UK involve Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The Freight Transport Association (FTA) acknowledges the need for HGV drivers to better understand the risks of sharing roads with cyclists. The THINK! Campaign emphasises the danger of HGVs failing to detect cyclists in their blind spots, urging increased awareness and improved driver cabin design.
If uncertain about eligibility for compensation due to common cycle accident injuries, our expert solicitors are available for consultation. Around 11% of cycling injuries involve children, and we specialise in child injury claims. For assistance in the Borders area or beyond, click here for more information. As Scotland's largest personal injury firm, winning approximately 90% of cases, contact us at 0800 0891 331 to initiate your compensation claim.
Cycling Accident Claim Information for Family Members
Thompsons Solicitors specialise in securing compensation for injured cyclists and their families due to negligence or poor infrastructure. We handle various claims, from minor injuries to severe, life-altering ones. Our solicitors offer free initial advice and a No Win No Fee service to ensure claimants' protection from costs. Families, if the injured lacks capacity, can provide support. Compensation isn't just about recognition but access to proper care and rehabilitation, especially for vulnerable cyclists. Even minor concussions can cause cognitive issues, while severe injuries demand intensive care.
For fatal accidents, spouses or dependents can pursue claims against negligent parties. We're experienced in handling sensitive cases promptly. Beginning a claim within statutory time limits is crucial, typically within three years of injury or death. However, exceptions exist, especially for minors. We break down compensation into General Damages for pain, suffering, and Special Damages for medical costs, lost earnings, and expenses.
With an impressive success rate of around 90%, Thompsons is committed to fighting for claimants' rights. If you or a family member needs assistance, contact us at 0800 0891 331.
Why Should I Trust Thompsons With My Claim?
Thompsons is a highly respected personal injury firm, having successfully helped thousands to secure compensation, averaging around £1 million per week and winning 90% of our cases. With multiple awards recognizing our litigation work and individual excellence, trust us with your claim. Contact our team today for a no-obligation discussion. No upfront charges apply.
Cycle Accident Claims FAQs
As the number of cyclists on our roads increases, cycling accidents are sadly also on the rise. If you have been injured while riding a bicycle in Scotland, speak to the personal injury solicitors at Thompsons. We can help you receive the cycling accident compensation you deserve.
If you are a cyclist and have suffered injury in a collision with a car, motorbike, HGV, bus, tram or other vehicle, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injuries if it can be proven that the incident was in some way the responsibility of another party.
You should also remember that your claim will be best supported by medical records, witness statements, police reports or other available evidence, so collect everything you can and let your solicitor know. The claim will need to be made within three years of the date of the accident occurring, although there are certain exceptions to the three-year time limit (please see below).
The first thing you need to do is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who is able to carefully assess your claim and to request all the relevant details and evidence required in order to progress. The team at Thompsons has many years of experience in this field and works for claimants only, never the insurance companies.
There are three different legal jurisdictions in the UK: Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
If you suffered your accident in Scotland, even as a visitor, tourist, overseas worker or foreign student, you should use a Scottish personal injury lawyer to claim under Scottish law.
In the vast majority of cycling accident claims, compensation is paid by the insurer of the party deemed liable for the accident – this could be a car insurance company, a public authority or the insurance representative of a business or public transportation company. In the event that you are making a claim for a hit and run incident or an accident involving an uninsured driver, the compensation will likely be paid by the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
There are processes in place that allow the family or "litigation friends" of those under 16 to claim compensation for their cycling accident injuries. The same applies if you are looking to claim for someone who lacks mental capacity; this is particularly pertinent in the event of a cycling accident brain injury claim.
Scottish law lays down a limit of three years. If the cycling accident claim is not commenced within this period the case will likely be time-barred.
There are exceptions, however. For example, if you suffered injury before reaching 16 years of age and did not have a claim made on your behalf, the three-year time limits begins three years from the date on which you turned 16.
You should look to provide your personal injury lawyer with any witness statements, medical records, police reports, photographs, contact details or receipts that relate to your accident and injuries.
The amount of compensation will depend on the extent and severity of your injuries, your degree of liability and the other unique circumstances of your case.
Compensation amounts vary from more than £300,000 for the most severe head injuries to around £500 for the mildest back or shoulder injuries.
However, awards for life-changing injuries can reach seven-figure sums once the components of special damages are accounted for. These include the cost of the following:
- Prescriptions
- Travel
- Rehabilitation
- Medical care
- Physiotherapy
- Cost of household help
- Adaption of the home environment
- Care and assistance
- Loss of earnings and loss of future earnings
General damages, or solatium as it is properly called in Scotland, are another component of compensation to consider. Solatium provides a monetary recognition of your pain and suffering.
It will also account for the limitations your injuries are likely to impose on the sorts of activities and quality of life you enjoyed before your accident. These may include such things as your sporting activities, your hobbies and your household chores.
There are a variety of funding options available to Thompsons' personal injury clients. However, it is worth bearing in mind that we offer No Win No Fee funding. This means that unless you win your case, you can rest assured you will not have to pay to fund your claim in any way.
