SCOTTISH law firm, Allan McDougall, has launched a new website to help cyclists who have had an accident to make a claim.
The new website, www.cyclecompensation.com, is aimed at both cycling enthusiasts and those who use their bike for everyday local journeys, such as commuting to work, shopping or just for pleasure.
Says a spokesperson: “According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 17,000 cyclists are injured in reported road accidents each year in the UK, with some 2,500 killed or seriously injured.
“However, many more go unreported – possibly two or three times as many seriously injured and double the number slightly injured – and without any claim for compensation being made.”
Julie Harris, a partner with Allan McDougall, commented: “Having attended the Scottish Bike Show in Glasgow earlier this month, it’s clear that cycling is an increasingly popular sport, leisure pastime and means of getting to work.
“Unfortunately, as with any activity, the danger of an accident occurring always exists.
“We have experienced an increase in the number of cases in recent years.
“Motorists failing to see the cyclist is the most common cause of accidents in the cases that we have dealt with, although some have been due to potholes and other road surface issues.
“Having handled many cycling accident claims over the years, we decided to highlight our dedicated compensation claim service for cyclists to make it easier for them to make a claim and also give them the confidence that their case is being handled by one of Scotland’s foremost personal injury law firms.
“Some of our lawyers have first-hand personal experience of how it feels to be enjoying your bike ride one minute only to be knocked down the next, so this is an issue that is close to our hearts.
“We would encourage anyone injured, whether slightly or seriously, in a cycling accident to make a claim for the compensation to which they are entitled.”
Note to editors
Law firm, Allan McDougall, provides a wide range of legal services that individuals may need in various situations throughout life.
Operating nationally from five offices in Edinburgh and Midlothian, the firm’s personal injury team is one of the largest in Scotland, with a wealth of experience and expertise in dealing with all types of personal injury compensation claim.
Case studies – cycling accident compensation claims
1. We acted for a retired man who was cycling along a rural road and was thrown from his bike when it went into a large depression in the road. From what seemed a fairly innocuous incident, the man sustained an extremely severe spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs.) Court proceedings were raised. The local authority denied liability. However, after face-to-face meetings between our legal team and theirs, the defenders ultimately settled the claim for £750,000.
2. Our client was a professional man with a young family. He was cycling home from work along a designated cycle path. He was wearing a high-viz jacket and back pack. A car suddenly emerged from a side road which crossed with the path and they collided. He was knocked off his bike and dragged along the ground under the front of the car. He suffered leg injuries and, unfortunately, developed a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). After initially denying liability, the driver’s insurance company then made an offer to settle for £4,200. After further negotiations, the offer was increased to £5,300.
3. Our client was cycling to work on a bright morning when the driver of a car behind him completely failed to see him, despite the fact that he was wearing high-viz jacket and high-viz headgear. He was thrown over the handlebars of his bike, fracturing his wrist. Unfortunately, the accident really put him off cycling and he was anxious about getting back on the bike. He was off work for two months. The driver’s insurers quickly admitted liability. However, they made an insufficient offer of £3,200 to settle. A court action was raised, an increased offer of £5,000 was made and the case ultimately settled for £10,500.
For further information
Julie Harris, Partner, Allan McDougall
T: 0131 225 2121
E: julieharris@allanmcdougall.co.uk
www.cyclecompensation.com
www.amcdlaw.co.uk
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Contact: Julie Harris
Phone: 0131 225 2121
Email: julieharris@allanmcdougall.co.uk
Website: http://www.cyclecompensation.com
