Cycling Accident Claims

Many negative effects can arise following a cycling accident. Making a compensation claim can help to ‘undo’ as many of these effects as possible. Your injuries are likely to be the main harm you have suffered but many consequences, such as effects on your life and other losses, can arise from them.

The compensation you claim will be financial but this can bring with it many other benefits. These include:

• Assisting your recovery by getting you treated – After an injury, your first priority will be to recover and get back to normal as soon as possible. Timely treatment can make a big difference. However, NHS waiting times for rehabilitation (such as physiotherapy) could delay your access to vital treatment. Paying for it privately yourself may not be possible, or place a financial burden on you at an already difficult time. When you are making a claim, treatment can often be arranged through a medical agency, allowing you to receive treatment and claim those costs from the negligent party’s insurance company.
• Redressing some of the injustice you have suffered – Unfortunately, there is no way to actually ‘undo’ an accident. But if you do not make a claim, the injustice will remain with no measure of recompense at all.
• Easing any financial worries – After an accident, worries about your health are often followed by worries about your income. Many financial losses can arise after an injury, such as being unable to work for some time. Claiming for repayment of these losses, as well as your injuries themselves, can help to ease money concerns. In certain situations, compensation can be paid whilst a claim is ongoing. These are called ‘interim payments’.

Your injuries will usually form the main part of your claim. Compensation awards for your injuries will take into account the pain and suffering caused and how your life has been affected.

An accident on your bike can easily affect your enjoyment of cycling. Whether this has undermined your hobby or made your commute much more difficult, losing the pleasure from cycling should be accounted for in your claim. This can include physical and psychological effects.

Most personal injury claims will also include other losses besides injuries alone. A cycling accident may cause losses such as: damage to your bike, clothing, and protective gear.

If the accident as caused your loss, then in most cases it can be included in your claim. Other common categories of loss include:

• Lost earnings – such as reductions in your normal income or lost bonuses.
• Medical expenses and treatment costs – such as physiotherapy or the costs of a wheelchair.
• Care and assistance – provided by friends or family.
• Travel expenses – such as taxi fares or mileage
• Replacement bike – on a like for like basis, not new for old