Cycling Accident Claims

What Are The Most Common Cyclist Accident Claims?

By far the most common cycling accident claims arise as the result of road traffic accidents involving third party vehicles. The negligence of other drivers is often at the root of a subsequent claim but there are other instances where bicycle accident claims can be brought to us.

 

The following is a comprehensive list of potential circumstances:

  • Road Traffic Accidents involving other vehicles

  • Defective equipment including crash helmets and/or issues with cycle manufacture

  • Accidents due to poorly maintained roads or cycle paths including potholes and damage to tarmac

  • Accidents due to negligence of pedestrians or other cyclists

 

These are the most common causes of bicycle accidents but it’s not an exhaustive list, so if you have been injured while cycling and the accident wasn’t your fault, get in touch with us to discuss the individual circumstances.

 

What Are The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Cycling accident injuries can take many forms but broken bones are among the most common issues. Muscle damage is another typical injury while, sadly, a minority of cycling accident compensation claims can involve permanent paralysis or even death of a loved one.

 

Thankfully, those instances are rare as the list of potential cycling accident injuries includes but is not limited to:

  • Broken bones

  • Muscle strains and tears

  • Ligament damage

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Head injuries

  • Road rash (surface injuries to the skin)

  • Psychological trauma

 

What to Do After A Cycling Accident?

The actions that you need to take may depend on the exact circumstances. For road traffic accidents involving a third party, it’s important to take details of the other vehicle involved including insurance policy information where possible.

 

In all cases where an injury is sustained, the Gardai should be contacted immediately and it’s also vital to get in touch with the Injuries Board in Ireland. They can be contacted in a variety of ways, by telephone (1890 829 121) or using the online claim form. A phone call means that you can be instantly reassured that the incident has been logged with the board but a claim form is acknowledged swiftly too so it’s all down to personal preference.

 

Carry out those actions in sequence and it’s time to take things forward with a solicitor who has expertise in dealing with cycling accident claims.

 

How to Make A Claim for A Cycling Accident?

Once the incident has been logged with the Injuries Board, the claims procedure can now be set in motion. The next step, therefore, is to appoint a solicitor who will undertake the legal process on your behalf.

 

Following your cycling accident, solicitors will collate all the relevant information including third party details, together with potential medical costs of the injuries sustained and any eye witness reports that are available.

 

Legal action will then be taken against the third party or parties that are considered to be negligent and therefore responsible for causing the accident. In time, successful cycling claims will be met with compensation on behalf of the injured person.

 

How Long After A Cycling Accident Can You Claim?

Time limits in regards to submitting bicycle accident claims are set out in the statute of limitations. Generally speaking, the claimant has two years from the date of knowledge of the incident in which to submit their claim.

 

Note that the ‘date of knowledge’ does not necessarily refer to the date of the actual incident. It refers to the date the potential claimant became aware that their injury was a significant one and that it was the fault of a traceable third party.

 

Reporting an incident outside of the two year time limit can significantly affect the chances of obtaining a satisfactory outcome in regards to a cycling compensation claim.

 

What Is The Average Payout for A Cycling Accident Claim?

Any cycling compensation amounts will depend on a number of factors and, while there is an overall average payout, circumstances may affect it.

 

One key criteria to consider is the severity of the injuries sustained. For a bone fracture, a typical average figure may come in at around 10,000 Euros while, at the other end of the scale, a severe head injury may attract a payout of anything between £2000 and £350,000 Euros.

 

Naturally, the costs of medical bills and any loss of earnings can also make a difference in terms of the total payout. In summary, the sums involved in cycling accident compensation claims are subject to a number of factors so the best course of action is to discuss your specific circumstances with your solicitor.