Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation, especially in urban areas where traffic can be heavy. Unfortunately, this also means that cyclists are at risk of being involved in road traffic accidents. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident while cycling, here’s what you need to know about making a claim for compensation:

What To Do After a Bicycle Road Traffic Accident 

Seek Medical Attention

Your first priority after a road traffic accident involving a bicycle should be to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to make sure there are no hidden injuries that could cause problems later on. It’s also important to keep detailed records of your medical treatment and expenses.

Gather Evidence

To make a successful claim for compensation, you will need to gather evidence to support your case. This can include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports. It’s also important to collect information from the other driver involved in the accident, such as their name, contact information, and insurance details.

Contact the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company

You will need to contact the at-fault party’s insurance company to begin the claims process. Provide them with all the evidence you have gathered and a detailed account of the accident. It’s important to be honest and accurate when providing information to the insurance company.

Negotiate a Settlement

Once the insurance company has reviewed your claim, they will likely make a settlement offer. It’s important to carefully review this offer and consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer before accepting it. Your lawyer can help negotiate a higher settlement if necessary.

File a Lawsuit

If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement through negotiations, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer can guide you through this process and represent you in court if necessary.

Receive Compensation

If your claim is successful, you will receive compensation for your injuries and other losses associated with the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Road Traffic Accident Claims Involving Bicycles: What You Need to Know

Cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but it also carries some risks. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of cycling on the road, common causes of road traffic accidents involving bicycles, steps to take after a road traffic accident, evidence to gather to support your claim, how to calculate compensation for a bicycle accident claim, No Win No Fee claims for road traffic accidents involving bicycles, benefits of working with a personal injury lawyer, common myths about bicycle accident claims, statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims, and the importance of seeking medical attention after a road traffic accident.

The Risks of Cycling on the Road

Cycling on the road carries inherent risks, including the potential for collisions with other vehicles or hazards on the road. Cyclists can also be more difficult to see than other vehicles, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Common Causes of Road Traffic Accidents Involving Bicycles

Some common causes of road traffic accidents involving bicycles include driver inattention, failure to yield to cyclists, poor road conditions, and vehicle doors opening in the path of a cyclist.

Steps to Take After a Road Traffic Accident

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident while cycling, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health and your legal rights. These steps include seeking medical attention, reporting the accident to the police, gathering evidence, and contacting a personal injury lawyer.

Evidence to Gather to Support Your Claim

To make a successful claim for compensation, you will need to gather evidence to support your case. This can include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports. It’s also important to collect information from the other driver involved in the accident, such as their name, contact information, and insurance details.

How to Calculate Compensation for a Bicycle Accident Claim

Calculating compensation for a bicycle accident claim can be complex, as it will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of your injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand how compensation is calculated and what you may be entitled to.

No Win No Fee Claims for Road Traffic Accidents Involving Bicycles

No Win No Fee claims can make pursuing a claim for compensation more accessible and reduce the financial risk for individuals who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving bicycles.

Benefits of Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Working with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in road traffic accidents involving bicycles can provide several benefits, including legal expertise, guidance through the claims process, and the ability to negotiate a higher settlement.

Common Myths About Bicycle Accident Claims

There are several common myths about bicycle accident claims, including the belief that you can only make a claim if you were wearing a helmet or that you are automatically entitled to compensation if you were involved in an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help dispel these myths and provide accurate information about the claims process.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims

It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims, which varies depending on the jurisdiction. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the statute of limitations in your area and ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Road Traffic Accident

Seeking medical attention after a road traffic accident is essential, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences. Seeking medical attention can also help document the extent of your injuries and the associated medical expenses, which can be important evidence in your claim for compensation.

How Much Can You Claim For Road Traffic Accident Claims Involving Bicycles

Case Study: Cyclist Injured in Road Traffic Accident

Here’s an example case study of a cyclist who was injured in a road traffic accident and successfully made a claim for compensation:

Background

John was an experienced cyclist who commuted to work every day by bike. One morning, while cycling to work, he was hit by a car that failed to yield at an intersection. John was thrown from his bike and suffered several injuries, including a broken collarbone, a concussion, and several cuts and bruises.

Legal Action

After seeking medical attention, John contacted a personal injury lawyer who specializes in road traffic accident claims involving bicycles. The lawyer helped John gather evidence to support his claim, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. The lawyer also helped John calculate the compensation he was entitled to based on the severity of his injuries and the impact they had on his life.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company initially offered John a settlement that was far lower than what he was entitled to. However, with the help of his lawyer, John was able to negotiate a higher settlement that fairly compensated him for his injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Outcome

Thanks to the successful negotiation, John received a settlement of £20,000 for his injuries and other losses associated with the accident. While he still experiences some ongoing pain and discomfort from his injuries, the compensation has helped him cover his medical expenses and ease the financial burden of missed work.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the importance of seeking legal representation after a road traffic accident involving a bicycle. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, calculate compensation, and negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident while cycling, consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer who specializes in bicycle accident claims to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

No Win No Fee Claims Explained: What You Need to Know

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident involving a bicycle, you may be worried about the cost of pursuing a claim for compensation. No Win No Fee claims can provide a solution for individuals who are hesitant to pursue a claim due to financial concerns. Here’s what you need to know about No Win No Fee claims:

What Are No Win No Fee Claims?

No Win No Fee claims, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements, are a type of legal arrangement where the personal injury lawyer agrees to take on the case without charging any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fees and expenses are paid out of the compensation settlement if the claim is successful. If the claim is not successful, the lawyer does not receive any payment.

How Do No Win No Fee Claims Work?

Under a No Win No Fee arrangement, the personal injury lawyer will conduct an assessment of the case to determine its likelihood of success. If the claim is deemed strong enough to pursue, the lawyer will offer to take it on with a No Win No Fee agreement.

When the claim is successful, the lawyer’s fees and expenses are paid out of the compensation settlement. If the claim is not successful, the lawyer does not receive any payment and the client is not responsible for any legal fees or expenses.

Benefits of No Win No Fee Claims

No Win No Fee claims can provide several benefits for individuals who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving bicycles. These include:

• Access to legal representation without the need for upfront fees
• Reduced financial risk for individuals who may be hesitant to pursue a claim due to financial concerns
• Motivation for personal injury lawyers to pursue strong cases that are likely to result in a successful settlement

Potential Drawbacks of No Win No Fee Claims

While No Win No Fee claims can provide many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

• Higher lawyer fees in successful claims to cover the additional financial risk taken on by the lawyer
• Possible deductions from the compensation settlement to cover the lawyer’s fees and expenses
• The need to carefully review the terms of the No Win No Fee agreement to ensure that you understand the costs and potential outcomes

Statistics on Road Traffic Accidents Involving Bicycles in the UK

• In 2019, there were 17,550 reported road traffic accidents involving bicycles in the UK.
• Of these accidents, 98 resulted in fatalities, and 4,870 resulted in serious injuries.
• The highest number of bicycle accidents occurred in urban areas (13,190), with only 4,360 occurring in rural areas.
• The age group with the highest number of casualties in bicycle accidents was 30-39 year-olds, accounting for 27% of all casualties.
• The most common time for bicycle accidents to occur was during the morning and evening rush hour periods.
• In accidents involving bicycles and cars, the most common contributory factor for the driver was “failed to look properly”, accounting for 42% of accidents.
• 80% of cyclists killed or seriously injured in accidents with cars or other motor vehicles are male.
• Cyclists are 15 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than car occupants per mile travelled.

(Source: Department for Transport, “Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2019 Annual Report“)

How Can Free Legal Justice Help with Bicycle Accident Claims?

Free legal justice organizations can provide support for individuals who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving bicycles and are unable to afford the cost of legal representation. Here’s how free legal justice can help with bicycle accident claims:

What is Free Legal Justice?

Free legal justice organizations are typically non-profit organizations that provide legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. These organizations may provide a range of services, including legal advice, representation in court, and assistance with compensation claims.

How Can Free Legal Justice Help with Bicycle Accident Claims?

Free legal justice organizations can provide several forms of assistance for individuals who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving bicycles. These include:

• Legal advice: Free legal justice organizations can provide guidance on the legal process for pursuing a claim for compensation, including what evidence is needed and what steps should be taken.
• Representation in court: Free legal justice organizations can provide legal representation for individuals who need to pursue a claim in court, including representing the individual at trial and negotiating a settlement.
• Assistance with compensation claims: Free legal justice organizations can help individuals understand what compensation they may be entitled to, based on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their life.

Benefits of Working with Free Legal Justice Organizations

There are several benefits to working with free legal justice organizations for bicycle accident claims, including:

• Access to legal representation without the financial burden of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
• Increased likelihood of successfully pursuing a claim for compensation.
• Assistance with navigating the legal process, which can be complex and difficult to understand without legal expertise.

Get In Touch With Us

Free legal justice organizations can provide valuable support for individuals who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving bicycles and are unable to afford the cost of legal representation. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and are unsure how to pursue a claim for compensation, consider reaching out to a free legal justice organization to see what support is available to you.

• Association of Personal Injury Lawyers – This organization provides information on how to find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in road traffic accidents involving bicycles.
• Free Legal Justice – This organization provides free legal representation for individuals who are unable to afford the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
• Cycle SOS – This organization provides legal advice and support for individuals who have been injured in cycling accidents.