If you have experienced a bike accident, it’s very likely that you have suffered from traumatic injuries that have affected your life. You did not deserve to get hurt when travelling on the road. When the lockdown came into place, the UK government took it as an opportunity to encourage people to start riding their bikes if they needed to go out for essential travel, such as going to work or shopping for groceries. That’s why you make have bought a bike and decided to go out.
Unfortunately, cyclists are one of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. This is because 80% of the road is used by cars, and as bikes are unprotected vehicles, it makes it more likely that you will get hurt in a road traffic accident. However, if you were not responsible for your bike accident, you could claim compensation for your injuries. The first thing you need to discern is what hazard actually caused you accident. That way you can understand who was responsible for you getting hurt and why they owe you compensation. Gowing Law’s experienced RTA solicitors will be here to support you throughout the claim’s process.
Contact our traffic accident solicitors today by calling 0161 464 4444 or use the link below to visit our bike accident claim’s page.
Experiencing a bike accident: Who are the most vulnerable road users?
When you go on the road, it’s important to be aware of all of the other vehicles around you. That way you can make sure that you keep a safe distance from them and they can do the same for you. If you are driving a car, it’s important to understand that you are in an extremely protected vehicle. Unfortunately, there are other vehicles that do not have the same type of casing. Bikes and motorcycles are going to be faster than your car. Although, these vehicles do need to obey the rules of the road, just like you, it is likely that you may see them weaving around the traffic. If you do not see these vehicles fast enough, it is likely that you could cause a traffic accident where they could be severely injured.
All compensation claims are based on negligence. If someone is guilty of negligence, they may have to make a pay-out to the party who were injured as a result of it. Although pedestrians cannot really make a pay-out because they are not insured, other vehicles can make this type of pay-out. Negligence can include:
- Speeding
- Moving through red lights at traffic stops
- Drinking whilst driving
- Talking on a mobile device
- Eating and drinking whilst driving
If you end up causing an accident because of this type of negligence, it is very likely that you will have to pay for the victim’s compensation from your insurance. That’s why it is essential that you keep an eye out for vulnerable vehicles and people who either use the road or are trying to cross it. You do not want to be responsible for an accident.
What hazards are there that could cause a bike accident?
As a cyclist, it is important that you keep an eye on the other vehicles around you. You can wear safety equipment (such as a helmet and bright clothing) but that doesn’t mean that other cars and large vehicles can see you. That’s why it’s up to you to keep safe and try and obey the speed limits on the road. Do not take risks or try to “weave” through traffic. This can be extremely dangerous on a busy road and could end up with you getting hurt. If you are responsible for the accident it is very unlikely that you will receive compensation. With that said, if you were the victim of someone else’s negligence, you could receive a high pay-out depending on the extent of your injuries.
It’s important that you understand who could be responsible for your injuries. Take a look at the gif below to get an idea about who you could ask for a pay-out from:
As you can see, it is likely that there are quite a few determining factors when you get hurt in a cycling accident. For instance, if there was not another party present in the bike accident, but you got hurt due to potholes or the disrepair of the road. That would mean that you would have to launch a complaint or compensation claim to your local government. You would expect not only a pay-out but for the road’s damages to be fixed appropriately.
Thinking about making a bike accident claim?
Speak to your solicitor before you think about making your claim. That way you can know exactly who to ask about your compensation. With that said, it’s also important that you understand that the type of hazards that could cause you to get hurt. Take a look at the infographic below to understand the type of hazards that you need to be aware of on the road:
What should I do if I have been involved a bike accident?
If you have been hurt in a bike accident due to someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is get their contact details (including their full name, phone number and insurance details). However, if you have been badly hurt then you should call an ambulance as quickly as possible. That way you can have your injuries tended to and also receive a medical report that can prove that you were hurt in the accident.
Whilst you should always focus on your health first, if you do have the time to collect evidence then you should do this. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you are going to get a successful pay-out. Evidence can include:
- Photographs
- Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam footage
- Witness statements
- Diary entries
- Medical reports
- Police reports
- Receipts
- Communication with insurance companies and other people involved in the accident
Your solicitor can help you organize this information and evidence. That way you can discuss a settlement agreement with the other party. Then you can come to a solution as quickly as possible.
Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your Bike Accident today!
Here at Gowing Law, we understand that any type of bike accident can be extremely traumatic. That’s why we are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. You can work with our RTA specialists for free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, our solicitors can offer you their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. Therefore, you will never need to pay any hidden fees and will always come out on top.
Contact Gowing Law today by phoning 0161 464 4444, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to discuss your claim. Feel free to ask them any additional questions.
Read more about cycling accidents
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