Cycling Accident

Cycling is a non-polluting, cheaper way to travel. It's good for cardiovascular fitness, improves circulation, reduces stress, encourages weight loss... the list goes on!

However, many car drivers who encounter a cyclist on the road seem to forget these facts and instead choose to frantically beep their horn, and generally get annoyed at the 'idiot' who is blocking their way.

However, it is not usually the cyclist's fault that they slow other vehicles down, nor do they do so deliberately. As with all road users, there are legal consequences for cyclists who do disregard the laws of the road. So, if cyclists get penalised in the same way as any other road user, surely they should be shown the same respect as any other vehicle too? Sadly this is, at times, not the case.

With an estimated amount of over 3 million cyclists on the roads in Britain today, it is important to remember that cyclists have as much right to the roads as any other road users. Nevertheless, the most common cyclist accidents happen because no matter how many lights, reflectors or big signs they wear saying "I'm here!!" other vehicles just don't seem to see them.

Many cyclists are treated unfairly when it comes to accidents on the road and end up wrongly taking the blame for 'being in the way.' However, if you have had an accident whilst riding your bike and have suffered an injury as a result, you may well have a claim.

What to do in the event of an accident:

• Report the accident to the police within 24 hours. If you're injured you're legally required to do this.
• Seek the appropriate medical treatment.
• Obtain all the details of the other party involved in the accident and take the details of any witnesses
• If there are no other parties involved and you have hit a stationary car due to your own error, leave a note on the car with your full details
• If you have a camera, take some photographs of the scene

Try to keep a record of all medical treatment you undertake and make sure that you keep your receipts for other means of transport required as these details can be put forward in your claim.

If you would like more advice relating to your specific circumstances then ask one of our compensation claims experts your question today. They will be able to give you all the information you need and will let you know where you stand with regards to a possible future claim. All you have to do is type in your question into the portal on the homepage and one of our experts will answer it within 15 minutes for free and with no obligation.

If you have had a cycling accident, why not ask a claims question.