2020 was the year of the ‘bicycle boom’ and reports show that in 2021 people still have the cycling bug.
As the UK was treated to beautiful warm weather during the summer lockdown, many people dusted off their old bikes or treated themselves to new bikes when there was little else to do. Cycling levels were up 300% and bike manufacturers struggled to keep up with the demand of new bike sales.
With many people avoiding public transport and the roads feeling much quieter, some opted to cycle to work and to the shops instead of taking their cars. Some used cycling as a form of exercise whilst the gyms were closed, and others organised family bike rides to keep the children entertained during the school holidays.
Cycling is a great form of exercise, a fun family activity and a means of getting from A to B whilst reducing your carbon footprint. However, it does come with some added risks of accident and injury.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Lamb Brooks, explore how you can keep safe whilst cycling and what to do if you have an accident.
Cycling Accidents
Cyclists on the road can be particularly vulnerable to a number of risks. On busy congested roads, there is the risk of not being seen by other vehicle drivers and being hit. On country lanes, speeding cars can travel too quickly around corners and there is also the risk of potholes or poorly maintained roads or lanes causing you to fall off your bike. Faulty equipment, falling trees and animals can also be the cause of some cycling accidents.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents figures indicate that there are around 18,000 cyclists injured in road traffic accidents every year.
Many cycling injuries go unreported when minor injuries are incurred such as sprains, cuts and grazes, but a large number result in more serious injuries and even fatalities. More serious injuries can include fractures (particularly arms, legs, collar bone and ribs), head injury, concussion, facial and dental injuries, internal bleeding and bruising.
Aside from a helmet, which should always be worn, cyclists bodies are largely unprotected, particularly in the warm weather, meaning accidents involving a car or other vehicle can result in traumatic injuries.
Where There Is A Claim
When you have been injured in an accident whilst cycling that is not your fault, then you may have the right to compensation. Your accident may have been due to someone else’s negligence whilst driving or if another person was not involved, the local council or highways agency may be at fault due to poorly maintained roads.
To make a successful claim, you will need to prove that the accident occurred due to negligence, which could and should have been avoided if proper care and attention was given. Evidence can be provided from CCTV, dash cams and helmet cameras, photographs, eyewitnesses, medical reports, and police reports.
There are various aspects that are taken into consideration when pursing a personal injury claim for compensation. Pain and suffering is one aspect, but lawyers will also ask you about your ability to work, loss of earnings, costs incurred, care or rehabilitation required and changes to lifestyle.
Recovering from a road traffic accident can be a long process and many people will often suffer from psychological trauma for some period of time after the accident.
First Steps to Make a Claim
Once you have addressed the more urgent issues – such as seeking medical attention, dealing with police and insurance if necessary, it is time to speak to a lawyer who specialises in personal injury claims.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers can talk you through the process of making a claim, assess your circumstances and advise you on the success of your claim. They can help build your case, collect your evidence and present your claim on your behalf allowing you to focus on recovering.
There are strict deadlines when making a claim for personal injury. You must start your claim within 3 years of the date of the accident or within 3 years of date of knowledge.
Cycling Safety Tips
Unfortunately, sometimes there is very little cyclists can do to avoid being involved in an accident when someone else is to blame, but there are some safety tips you can follow to hopefully minimise your chances and be aware of hazards.
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head from serious injury
- Ensure your bike is in good condition and regularly serviced
- Avoid cycling on busy roads at peak times if you can
- Wear bright, reflective clothing and use lights and reflectors on your bike
- Consider investing in a helmet camera for evidence and reassurance if you are in an accident
- Ensure someone knows where you are if you are out cycling alone
- Ensure that your mobile phone is charged so that you can contact someone in an emergency
- Make sure you abide to the cycling highway code
- Avoid wearing headphones when cycling so that all your senses can help you to be alert
- Check weather forecasts before planning any long cycle rides
- Check road conditions before setting off
- Carry a small first aid kit with you
- Report any potholes, loose drain covers, low branches and other hazards or obstructions to your local council
No Win, No Fee Cycling Accident Claim
Our Personal Injury Team at Lamb Brooks have over 75 years of collective experience helping people who have suffered injuries to seek justice and compensation for their accidents.
We operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to starting your claim. We give clear, honest advice and will guide you throughout the process.
Unlike large accident companies that you might see in television adverts, we are a local high street law firm meaning that decisions can be made in-house, promptly and you will be updated regularly by your appointed lawyer.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a cycling accident or other road traffic accident within the last 3 years, then please contact our experienced Personal Injury team on 01256 844888 or email enquiries@lambbrooks.com
Other Articles You May Be Interested in Reading:
Dangers of a DIY Personal Injury Claim
What is The Time Limit on a Personal Injury Claim?
What To Do If You Are In a Road Traffic Accident
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.