I’ve Been Knocked Off My Bike By A Car: Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim?

In 2018, 17,550 cyclists were injured in reported road accidents, including 4,205 who were killed or seriously injured. Many of these cyclists will have been knocked off their bike by another road user. Some of the most common cycling accidents caused by a third party include those that occur when:

• A motorist emerges into the path of a cyclist
• A motorist turns across the path of a cyclist
• A cyclist turns right from a major road and from a minor road
• Drivers or passengers open vehicle doors in front of an oncoming cyclist (known as car dooring).

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online.

What to do in the event of an accident

If you have involved in a collision with a car, there are a number of steps you should take.

• First, if you are able to, get yourself to a safe area away from the road. Exchange contact details with the other party, and make a note of the registration number of their vehicle, like you would in any other kind of road traffic accident. If the third party gives you a mobile number, it’s worth calling it while they are present to make sure they have given you the correct number.
• If there were any witnesses to your accident, try to gather their details as well, as they may be able to provide a statement which may help strengthen your personal injury claim.
• After leaving the scene of the accident, visit your GP, or if your injuries are serious, go to A&E. Next, make sure you report your accident to the police.
• In the days, weeks and months following your accident, keep a record of the costs you have incurred as a result of your injury by retaining receipts. If you take legal action, you may be able to claim these expenses back.

Types of injuries sustained in cycling accidents

A range of different injuries are sustained by cyclists, from bruising and soft tissue injuries to broken bones, concussion and serious head injuries. Some of the more common cycling injuries are outlined below.

LIMB INJURIES

Injuries to the limbs (including broken arms and legs) are common. Over 40% of cyclists involved in accident sustain arm injuries, while a quarter suffer leg injuries. In particular, wrist and elbow fractures are common when a cyclist comes off their bike in an accident.

CHEST/ABDOMEN INJURIES

Chest and abdomen injuries occur less frequently in cycling accidents but can be serious. Fractured collarbones are one of the most common breaks.

HEAD INJURIES

Although many cyclists wear helmets nowadays, 40% of cyclists who visit hospital after an accident have sustained a head injury. Head injuries range from concussion and cuts, to skull fractures and life-changing brain injury.

How much compensation might I receive?

The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend upon the type and severity of injury you have sustained. While some cycling injuries are relatively minor, some cyclists sustain serious head or spinal injuries after they are involved in a collision with a car. The more serious your injury, the higher the amount of compensation you will be entitled to.

Claiming for other losses after a cycling accident

When calculating the value of your claim, any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred will also be taken into account by your solicitor. After an accident, cyclists are often able to claim for the following:

• loss of earnings
• medical expenses and prescription costs
• travel expenses
• damage to their bicycle,
• an inspection of their damaged bicycle as well as
• the cost of replacing their cycling equipment such as clothing or helmet

If you’ve been knocked off your bike by a car, it’s essential that you keep receipts for any of the above so that these can be included in your claim.

START YOUR CYCLING ACCIDENT CLAIM WITH FIRST PERSONAL INJURY

If you’ve been knocked off your bike by a car within the last three years, you may be entitled to compensation.