Claiming compensation for bicycle injuries
Cyclists are more vulnerable on the road than many other road users. The weather, road and traffic conditions, their smaller size relative to other vehicles, and the awareness and attitude of other drivers around them can all reduce their visibility and safety.
If a cyclist suffers a serious injury which was caused by the negligence of another road user, they may be entitled to claim compensation for their injury and its consequences. Serious injury claims need early advice and specialist handling from experienced solicitors to give the injured person the best chance of recovery and full compensation.
Children on bikes are even more vulnerable. They are smaller and less visible around parked or moving vehicles. They may be less able to see other vehicles when emerging onto or crossing a road. Their road sense and control of their bicycle may be less developed than adult cyclists, so extra care needs to be taken by motorists around children on bikes. Even where children are not immediately visible, motorists are expected to anticipate that children may be cycling in residential areas, near to schools, shops, parks, playgrounds and other leisure facilities, and to slow down and take extra care.
Cyclists are more likely to suffer serious injury from a road accident, collision or fall. They do not have the ‘crumple zone’ protection that the structure of a car gives its driver and passengers or an airbag to cushion their fall. Whilst cycle helmets provide valuable protection from skull fracture in lower impact accidents, a cyclist remains vulnerable to severe injury to their brain, spine and other parts of the body if hit by another vehicle.