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Edinburgh Bicycle Accident Claims Guide

Welcome to Edinburgh Bicycle! Our site is dedicated to providing you with impartial and reliable advice on cycling not just in the beloved Scottish city, but beyond too.

Take some time to browse around to learn more about the likes of cycling accidents, how to keep yourself safe on roads, and what to do if you suffer an injury when riding your bicycle.

Cycling is an enjoyable and affordable way to get around. Many people enjoy cycling because, unlike other forms of transport, there is little to no impact on the environment, and it’s a great form of exercise.

cycling accident claims

However, the downside to cycling is that a disproportionate number of cyclists are killed or injured on the roads compared to people travelling in cars, buses or vans. Indeed, cyclists are considered vulnerable road users because they don’t have an outer shell on their vehicles to protect them.

We have created content to help cyclists keep themselves safe on the road so they can spend more time enjoying cycling. Please keep reading to find out more.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Cycling accidents can happen if a cyclist collides with another vehicle, such as a car, lorry or bike. A cycling accident can also happen if the cyclist loses control of their bike and comes off the road, or the cyclist hits a stationary object such as a lamp post, or even worse, a pedestrian.

According to government statistics, these are 5 key factors that contribute to fatal collisions between cyclists and vehicles:

  1. The driver or rider failed to make the correct observations.
  2. The driver or rider failed to judge the speed the other person was travelling at or their path.
  3. A vehicle driver or bike rider acted recklessly.
  4. A cyclist entered the road from the pavement.
  5. A cyclist made a poorly executed manoeuvre or turn.

Safety For Cyclists

Unfortunately, there are risks for cyclists on the roads, and sometimes cyclists are injured because of the irresponsible actions of other road users.

However, there are precautions that cyclists can take to help them stay safe on the road.

  • Plan your journey, stick to cycle paths or quiet roads and avoid busy roads where possible.
  • Wear a helmet to protect against head injuries in case of an accident.
  • Wear fluorescent clothing to make it easier for motor vehicles to see you.
  • Make sure your bike light is working and bright enough.
  • Make sure you make all the correct observations when on the roads. It would be best if you also understood who has priority at junctions and pedestrian crossings.
  • Signal with your hands to show other road users your intentions. Make eye contact with drivers if possible.
  • Make sure your bike is in safe working condition and the right size.
  • Even if you are an experienced cyclist, you can take a road safety course for cyclists.

Possible Injuries From A Cycling Accident

Some cycling accidents only result in minor injuries. Unfortunately, some can cause fatal or life-changing injuries too. Here are examples of cycling-related injuries:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent mental impairment. This risk is increased if the cyclist isn’t wearing a helmet.
  • Spinal cord injuries, resulting in potential paralysis.
  • Road rash, where the friction of the cyclist hitting the road tears away skin.
  • Broken or fractured bones, which can be painful and debilitating.
  • Punctures to major organs such as lungs.

Are Cyclists Ever At Fault?

If an accident involving a cyclist happens, the police may investigate and determine who is at fault. A driver or cyclist may be at fault, or both parties may have played a part in causing the accident.

You may wonder if you can claim compensation for a bicycle accident. If you suffer an injury as a cyclist and you believe it was caused by someone else, you could claim compensation.

The Highway Code, updated in 2022, introduced new rules about the hierarchy of road users. The rules state that less vulnerable road users, such as car drivers, are responsible for making decisions that protect the safety of more vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

These rules do not detract from cyclists’ and pedestrians’ responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

Who Could Make Cycle Accident Claims?

Cyclists can often make cycling accident claims if they are injured on the roads due to the fault of someone else.

You can use information such as a police report, CCTV or dashcam footage, your medical records and any photographs of your injuries to support your claim. You can also seek the legal services of a solicitor to represent your claim (likely on a No Win No Fee basis) and negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company for you.

If a cyclist claims against a car driver, the driver’s insurance company will pay compensation. You can claim through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) if you are injured by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. The MIB was set up to provide compensation to people who were hit by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

How Do Cycling Accident Claims Work?

All road users owe one another a duty of care. Therefore drivers, cyclists and other users of the roads are responsible for making safe and responsible decisions.

To qualify for compensation, you will need to prove the following:

  1. Firstly, another party, such as a driver owed you a duty of care.
  2. Secondly, the driver breached their duty of care, such as not giving you enough room or making a dangerous manoeuvre.
  3. Finally, the road traffic accident injured you.

If a cycling accident causes injury, you could collect evidence to support any cycling accident claims you may wish to make. For example, you can take photographs of any visible injuries or damage to your bike.

You can also collect any witness contact details. Moreover, you can write down a personal account of how the accident took place and how you have coped with your injuries afterwards.

Please feel free to contact a personal injury solicitor if you wish to make a cycling accident claim. The best cycling accident solicitors have relevant experience and could offer you the option to make a No Win No Fee claim.

If you would like to know more about keeping yourself safe on the roads or claiming personal injury compensation, please feel free to get in contact with us.

Learn More About Bicycle Safety

Below you can find links to more of our guides on bicycle safety:

To learn more about cycling accident claims and cyclist safety, please get in touch.