Good afternoon and welcome to the latest blog.
I thought I’d write about a rash of cycling injury claims that we have had in recent months, mostly for clients in and around Leeds. I have no idea why there has been such a number in a short space of time, but I thought I could offer some common themes and tips for bringing claims.
The latest ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) figures show that casualty figures have risen in recent years and they suggest that this is mostly because of the increase in popularity of cycling. That makes sense and it will be interesting to see what difference the forthcoming staging of The Tour De France in Yorkshire makes to cycling numbers. I’ve got a strong suspicion that there will be a massive increase in the numbers of cyclists on the roads this coming summer. Let’s hope that they stay safe and that organisers and logistical planners have their wellbeing at heart.
ROSPA say 80% of cycling injuries are to males and the most vulnerable group age wise is 10 to 15 year olds. Most accidents are in urban areas. Roundabouts are particularly hazardous.
80% of accidents happen in daylight, but then that is because the vast majority of cycling takes place then. I wonder if the recent spate of claims we have seen have in part been because the very short hours of daylight and the almost constantly wet weather and therefore wet road surfaces?
More accidents numerically actually occur in Spring and Summer, but that is because many more miles are cycled in those milder months. This is confirmed by the fact that per mile cycled, the Winter is statistically the most dangerous time.
Injury patterns confirm that limb injuries are very common. Over 40% of hurt cyclists have arm injuries and about 25% have leg injuries.
Chest and abdominal injuries are more rare, at about 5%, but are more often serious and are often sustained with head injuries too.
Head injuries are common with over 40% of injured cyclists suffering them and they are more often serious. Over 70% of cyclist fatalities in London were due in large part to head injuries.
Injured cyclists almost always come off worst when in collision with any other vehicle and the most common cause of accidents involving them is due to one or both of the parties not looking properly. In my experience, it is much more likely to be the other vehicle driver/rider at fault and not the cyclist. This means that cyclists often have strong claims.
Many cyclists now have head cameras to record other driver behaviour and the footage can often be very helpful with a claim. They are a good idea.
Evidence is the key to most claims and that is just as true in cycling claims. Gathering evidence is sometimes hampered by the fact the cyclist has the more serious injuries – it’s hard to gather witness details etc if you are in a bad way. Fortunately, when serious accidents occur the public usually respond well and police attend.
It makes sense to contact a good Solicitor pretty swiftly after the accident, so that no evidence is lost. Pick someone, like us, who has a lot of experience of such claims and who will speak to you for free and explain how a claim will be pursued. Give us a call or click on the button below.
Happy (and safe) cycling!
John
