We are personal injury solicitors that claim compensation for cyclists knocked off bicycles by cars. Catherine Smith introduces our no win no fee service for cycling injuries in this video.

Read more about compensation for accidents involving cyclists , or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us how can a cyclist claim compensation?

Compensation For Bicycle Accidents & Injuries

Accidents & Injuries On Bicycles

Cycling in Britain has grown strongly in popularity over the last ten years, a surge fuelled partly by the Olympic team's success in 2004 and 2008, and partly by the increased sophistication of bicycles themselves. People also use bikes for a growing range of purposes, from office commuting to mountain biking with friends at the weekend. This surge in popularity partly explains latest figures from the DTI showing that the number of serious injuries sustained by cyclists increased in 2009 to 2,606, compared to 2,450 the previous year. Overall though this rise is moderate considering the growing number of cyclists on the road. Indeed fatal accidents involving cyclists actually fell 10% over the same period. The inherent dangers in cycling are however highlighted by the fact that cyclists are ten times more likely to be involved in an accident than the average road user. More worrying still, a third of bicycle accidents on roads involve children. Bicycles offer little practical protection in the event of an accident, and cyclists are often unsure of themselves riding in public. The relative size and weight of other road vehicles means that in a collision the cyclist will always come off worst. Where a forcible collision occurs, a cyclist is likely to be thrown some distance through the air, and may sustain potentially life-threatening injuries on landing. Not surprisingly when our lawyers are asked; can a cyclist claim compensation for being knocked off a bicycle and injured as a result of this accident? The answer is often yes. However, we advise talking to one of our lawyers who can let you know free of charge if and how much you can claim.

Injuries Caused By Bicycle Accidents

While the majority of the estimated 17,000 annual roads accidents involving cyclists on Britain's roads result in minor injuries, others can cause serious fractures and head injuries, especially when a cyclist is not wearing adequate protective equipment. In other cases where cyclists are thrown from their bike by force of impact, leg and arm injuries commonly result, as the cyclist will naturally use these limbs to break their landing. A cyclist may also experience psychological trauma as a result of a bicycle accident, often causing them to require time off work, and sometimes to abandon cycling altogether. Compensation claims for bicycle accidents may be brought against a variety of third parties, including other road users, those responsible for road maintenance, and bicycle manufacturers. A cyclist may still claim compensation for injuries sustained even if the other road user involved was only partly at fault. Damages will seek to compensate a claimant for bodily injuries and their medical repercussions, as well as time off work and damage to property. This last award may be substantial given the fact that many of the latest bicycles cost thousands of pounds.

Typical Causes Of Bicycle Accidents

The most regular cause of bicycle accidents is the behaviour of other road users. A poorly driven car, van or lorry may knock off a cyclist with the smallest to nudges. Lorries pose a special danger to cyclists who pull up alongside them at a turning, as the lorry driver may not be able to see them. Bicycles and generally less visible on the roads than other vehicles. A person opening a car door while parking, or a pedestrian crossing a road may equally well not see a cyclist approaching. All these hazards have the added effect of encouraging cyclists to swerve in an attempt to avoid them. This may however lead the cyclist into the path of another vehicle or obstruction. The second major danger to cyclists on the road are poor surfaces and hazardous conditions. Holes, obtruding objects, discarded maintenance materials and spillages may all cause cyclists to either take evasive action or crash and fall. In winter roads that are not gritted to defend against ice can be treacherous for all road users, especially cyclists. Roads and junctions may also be poorly laid out, or lack required signs. Finally bicycles may suffer from manufacturing defects making them unsafe to ride and directly causing accidents. Failed brakes and handles bars or pedals which break off are just some examples. In these instances a claimant may bring a product liability claim against the bicycle's manufacturer, importer or supplier.

Find Out More About: How A Cyclist Can Sue An Unidentified Driver

Bicycle Accident Compensation Claims

We have bicycle accident solicitors that can answer common questions such as; how can I claim compensation for a cycling accident? How much compensation can I claim for a cycling accident. Provided your claim relates to an injury that has taken place in the last three years, we can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis for cycling accidents. You are therefore assured of keeping 100% of any compensation awarded, with no deductions. In the event that your compensation claim is successful our fees are paid by the losing party to the claim and their insurance company. The vast majority of the claims we take on are successful, and where they are not we will charge you nothing.

Bartletts have been protecting and supporting clients for 150 years and enjoy a reputation nationwide for trusted legal advice. Call us today on 0800 158 2454 for a free consultation regarding your case or to begin a claim. You can also contact us for free legal advice via our new Live Chat function below.