Cycle Aid has been helping injured cyclists to claim compensation since 1988. If you are ever involved in a cycling accident that isn’t your fault, the following information will be helpful when it comes to making a claim.
1. Gather Evidence
In order to prove that the other party was at fault, you need to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. If you are too hurt to do this yourself, don’t be afraid to ask bystanders for assistance. Gathering evidence means:
- Identifying who was to blame. This should be your priority. Make sure you obtain the driver’s registration number first, then their name, contact details, insurance details, and the make and model of their car. If the information they provide you is false — and unfortunately, this happens frequently — we will still be able to identify them by checking their registration number on an insurer’s database.
- Speaking to witnesses. Write down the names and contact details of anybody who witnessed the crash.
- Taking photographs. If your mobile phone does not have a camera, ask a witness for assistance. Having photographic evidence of the scene of your cycling accident will be extremely helpful. Make sure you take images both close-up and at a distance. Check for CCTV cameras in the area and contact the owner of the camera as soon as you can, as this can be used as evidence, too.
- Reporting the incident to the Police. If you were hit by a motorist or knocked off your bicycle, you need to log the incident with the Police within five days (the sooner the better). Make sure you get a reference number and the name of the person you spoke to. For hit-and-run accidents, or incidents where the motorist gives false particulars, you will need a police report in order to pursue a claim under the Untraced Drivers Agreement.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you are in any pain after your cycling accident, it is very important that you seek medical attention. The early symptoms of concussion can often be mistaken for being a little shaken up, and it is always best to make sure you are okay. Likewise, a fracture may not always be immediately apparent, so seeking the opinion of a medical professional is advisable. Visiting A&E or your GP’s office will also serve as evidence of your injuries when it comes to making a cycling injury claim.
3. Call Cycle Aid for a Free Consultation
You can speak to one of our specialist bicycle accident solicitors 24 hours a day on 0800 387 815, omitting the first zero when calling from a mobile. If you cycle on a regular basis, we recommend saving our number to your mobile phone, just to be safe. When you call, tell us how your accident happened, where it occurred, and what injuries you have suffered. We can then advise you on how best to proceed with your claim.
If the motorist’s insurance company contacts you after the accident and makes a settlement offer, we recommend speaking to us first before deciding whether to accept or decline. These initial offers are usually low, and tend to be made when the insurance company believes that a court settlement will cost them more.
4. Keep Your Damaged Property
Damaged property has the potential to be important evidence, so make sure you don’t dispose of your bicycle, cycling helmet, lights, clothing, or anything else you have with you at the time of the accident. If you are able, contact a cycling shop and obtain a quote for the cost of repairs. If your bicycle is beyond repair, ask the shop to confirm this for you in writing.
5. Record your expenses
Write down all expenses that are a result of your injury so that they can be included in your claim. For example, if you are unable to cycle or drive anywhere after your accident, you will need to keep a record of your taxi fares and public transport costs. The cost of any prescriptions from your GP and medication charges will also need to be recorded.
Contact our Cycle Accident Claim Solicitors - Preston, Manchester, Cambridge & London
Deciding what to do after a cycling accident doesn’t have to be complicated. If you would like to speak to one of our experienced cycle claim solicitors, contact us today on 0800 387 815 or alternatively, complete our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch. You can also start your claim online here.