Cycle and motorbike traffic accidents can have very serious consequences. These accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents are, because the cyclist or biker has far less protection than a car driver does.
Around 20% of fatalities on British roads are motorbike riders or cyclists, and there are about 30 incidents per day involving cyclists or motorbike riders. These accidents are often caused by other vehicle users failing to pay proper attention to the road and other road users around them. If they do not pay proper attention, then it is possible to miss a motorbike rider or cyclist in their blind spot. In many cases, the other vehicle driver is at fault, and could be held liable for any damages caused.
Types of Injuries that can be caused through such accidents
Motorbike and cycle accidents can cause a huge number of different injuries, and may even result in death in some circumstances.
Injuries which can be sustained in this type of accident include; friction burns; lacerations; broken bones and sprains; crushing injuries; head, brain and neck injuries; spinal cord injuries and paralysis. You should always seek medical attention if you are involved in this sort of accident.
What to do if a Cyclist or Motor Bike Rider is involved in an Accident
If you are involved in an accident, then you should contact the emergency services as soon as possible. Even if you do not require immediate medical attention, you should see a doctor after the incident and alert the police about the accident within 24 hours. The police report and your medical report may be used as evidence if you want to make a claim.
At the scene of the accident, you should make sure that you swap insurance details with any other parties who were involved. You should also get the contact details of anyone who may have been a witness to the incident. They will be able to help you to provide evidence if you decide to make a claim against the person who was responsible for the accident.
You are legally required to stop if you are involved in an accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident without stopping may be considered as a hit and run incident. You should also let your insurance provider know that you have been in an accident. Although it may seem amicable to accept money from the other party at the side of the road, this may be illegal and could stop you from making a claim at a later date.
It is estimated that the other party was responsible in around 80% of all motorbike and cycle accidents in the United Kingdom. The police and insurance adjustors will help to determine who was responsible if you are involved in a crash. When you are speaking to either of these groups of people, you must avoid saying anything that could be taken as an admission of responsibility, or else you may lose out on your ability to make a claim.
It is important that you tell the truth when asked, but only tell people the facts of the matter. Guesstimates and suppositions can work against you in an accident claim.
If you have been in an accident and want support in making a claim for compensation, then you should get in contact with a solicitor who has experience with motorbike and cycle claims. They understand all of the laws relating to this type of incident, and they can help you to compile a strong body of evidence to show who is liable.