Cycling Accidents
According to figures published by the Department for Transport the number of cyclists killed in 2004 increased by 17% to 134. Over 2,000 cyclists were seriously injured and 16,648 other injuries were reported. Of particular concern is the fact that 20% of all head injuries in children are caused by cycling injuries. But cyclists who wear helmets are 85% less at risk of head injury. Car drivers can easily overlook that cyclists are particularly vulnerable especially in poor weather conditions when the visibility is poor and at night. Cycling is becoming ever more popular as the roads become increasingly congested.
If you think you may have a case for compensation contact us and seek specialist advice from one of our cycling accident lawyers. You can either fill out our online enquiry form, request a call back or call us direct on 0800 915 4650.
Our cases of cycling accidents on the road involve a range of scenarios where negligent driving is the cause including:
- Failing to signal a turn, in slow moving traffic
- Turning across the path of a cyclist
- Moving out into the path of a cyclist
- Failing to use side or rear view mirrors
- Failing to anticipate that cyclists are more vulnerable to hazards such as pot holes
- Failing to leave sufficient room when passing cyclists
- Mounting a cycling lane
We also have experience of bringing claims for compensation where there is no other driver involved but are defects in the road surface, badly designed road layouts and signs which have caused or contributed to the injury.
Sometimes cyclists are partly to blame for the accident, but they can still bring a claim provided the driver was partly at fault. Examples of cyclist errors that can contribute to accidents:
- Undertaking or overtaking at a junction in a line of slow moving traffic
- Ignoring red traffic lights or dodging round the lights by riding on the pavement
- Wearing dark clothing without reflector materials
- Riding two abreast when the road is too narrow
- Failing to signal clearly
