We have all seen reports that cycling is up by 200 to 300% as a result of the lockdown and strongly suspect that\u2019s true from the number of cyclists we see on our rare journeys by car these days. New cycle shops are opening in many parts of Sheffield and the local Council has received criticism for opening new cycle-only lanes on several of the City\u2019s main commuter routes.<\/p>\n
Our Personal Injury team has noticed a corresponding increase in the number of cycling-related accidents we are dealing with both in rural and urban settings, including victims of drivers who deliberately drove at them.<\/p>\n
Cycling accidents often lead to serious injury claims. We cannot understate how important it is to wear a helmet as well as protective and high-visibility clothing when you make a trip on your bike, however far you are intending to go.<\/p>\n
From our experience of dealing with hundreds of cycling accidents, we would give the following tips to injured cyclists who are thinking about bringing a claim following an accident:-<\/p>\n
a)<\/span><\/strong> If possible and when safe to do so, use your mobile phone to take photographs and\/or film of the location, all the vehicles and people involved including witnesses.<\/p>\n b)<\/strong><\/span> Accurately record the time of the accident \u2013 check with others that they agree that the time is correct.<\/p>\n c)<\/strong><\/span> Ask the driver involved for their mobile phone number. That may be a lead to important evidence at a later date if liability is denied, as the service provider will be able to ascertain if the motorist was using their mobile phone at the time of the accident.<\/p>\n d)<\/strong><\/span> Take names and contact details of the person(s) who was\/were responsible for the collision and all those who witnessed it. Film the witnesses telling you what they saw.<\/p>\n e)<\/strong><\/span> Ensure you take the registration number(s) of all the vehicle(s) involved.<\/p>\n f)<\/strong><\/span> If you have a GPS or other record of your journey, make sure it is stored safely for future use if needed.<\/p>\n g)<\/strong><\/span> Record details of the Police officers who attend including their names, collar numbers and Police station. Often they will hand you a business card.<\/p>\n h)<\/strong><\/span> Make a record of the exact location of the accident. Either the Police, your SatNav or your phone will provide the details.<\/p>\n i)<\/strong><\/span> If you cannot do any of the above, ask someone else to do it for you as soon as possible after the accident.<\/p>\n a)<\/strong><\/span> Report the incident to the Police if you haven\u2019t already done so and obtain the Police reference number for the accident. Please do this even if you can\u2019t trace the person and\/or vehicle which caused the accident.<\/p>\n b)<\/strong><\/span> Arrange for all your damaged property including the bicycle and clothing to be stored in a safe place in case insurers want to inspect it later.<\/p>\n c)<\/strong><\/span> Report the accident to your insurers who will arrange for the repair\/replacement of any damaged items.<\/p>\n d)<\/strong><\/span> If your accident occurred near buildings, consider visiting them to see if any of the occupants\/residents were witnesses to the accident and take their contact details.<\/p>\n e)<\/strong><\/span> Where possible obtain 2 quotes for the repair\/replacement of the bike. Ensure that you keep the damaged bike in a safe place. If it is to be repaired, take plenty of photos of it from many different angles showing all the relevant damage before it is mended.<\/p>\n f)<\/strong><\/span> Check if you have legal expenses insurance to cover the cost of bringing a claim against the person responsible for the accident. The cover could be contained in your house buildings and contents policy, in a specialist bike insurance policy or elsewhere. This could save you thousands of pounds at a later date.<\/p>\nAfter the accident<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n