Why You Should Consider Compensation for Your Cycle Accident
More than 16,000 cyclists are injured in UK road accidents each year. Almost all these accidents involved one or more cars. The consequences can be devastating. The victims don’t have to face these repercussions alone, though. Those harmed in these accidents can seek cycle accident compensation.
The damaging impact of a bike accident
Suffering a bike accident can have devastating physical and emotional effects. The most common injuries are:
- Shoulders dislocations.
- Wrist and knee injuries.
- Amputation of inferior or superior members.
- Paraplegia.
- Bladder and bowel impairment.
- Achilles tendinitis and paralysis.
Besides these problems, other issues might be invisible but equally devastating: the emotional consequences. Many victims will live years with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, even if they sustained only light injuries. Additionally, there is persistent fear, obsessive replaying of the traumatizing event, anxiety and tension. Many end up giving up on cycling forever, a habit that is both a means of transportation and a joyful hobby.
Bicycle accident compensation can help you cope
It can be helpful to receive compensation after a bicycle accident. You can use it to pay for medical bills associated with your physical and psychological recovery. It will also help you fix your bike or buy a new one, especially in cases where the bicycle costs several thousand pounds.
Of course, there is nothing fun about taking legal action against a reckless driver. However, it is essential to stress that everybody should be respected on the road, no matter what type of vehicle they are operating. Motorists are protected by their vehicles’ bodies, seatbelts, and airbags, but cyclists rely solely on helmets and padded clothes. These tools can partially absorb the impact against a car or pavement but won’t completely avoid injury.
To keep our roads safe, seeking justice in case of an encounter with a reckless driver is paramount. You’re entitled to claim compensation if you were a victim of another party’s negligent action.
Why you should claim cycle accident compensation
A major reason is to help you cover all the long-term costs associated with an accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might be unable to work for some time. This means you will not have an income for several months, which can affect your ability to pay basic bills.
Also, if you have children, it is possible that you cannot take care of them and will have to hire someone to do it for you. Long-term pain and diminished intellectual capacity due to traumatic brain injury can also be a problem.
Is there a limit on how much I can claim?
Bicycle accident compensation varies significantly in value. The Liverpool law firm Hutcheon Law has a Cycle Accident Compensation Calculator that gives general guidance on how much a victim can earn in case of an accident. The company offers advice and support to victims of motorbike and bike accidents. Injuries can result in the following payouts:
- Severe dislocations or permanent weakness in the shoulders: starting at £15k.
- Colles fracture: up to £6k.
- An injury to the knee joint: up to £137k.
- Total loss of both legs: approximately £230k.
- Below-knee amputation of both legs: up to £220k.
- Above-knee amputation of one leg: roughly £111k.
- Simple fractures in the leg: from £7k.
- Whiplash, disc lesion, need for surgery: up to £20k.
- Bladder/bowel impairment: up to £70k.
- Amputation of one foot: at least £42k.
Is it worth the trouble?
The costs of medical treatment can be huge, so getting help with the expenses can literally save your life. Also, solicitors will do all the hard work so that you can focus on your recovery.
The importance of claiming compensation for a cycling accident cannot be overstated. Besides covering your medical expenses and material losses, it’s also imperative to show drivers that our roads are not a free-for-all area. Other fellow cyclists will appreciate your commitment.