Bicycle riders using public roads are extremely vulnerable to other road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and other riders. Accidents of this type are often caused by poor or inattentive driving, speeding, driving too close to cyclists, risky driving and unsafe overtaking manoeuvres. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can have serious personal injuries* for those affected, including head injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and lacerations. Not only can bicycle accidents cause extreme physical personal injuries*, but they can also lead to psychological trauma. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle accident caused by another person, you may be able a bicycle accident claim* for the pain, suffering, and loss experienced. Our car accident claims Solicitors specialise in bicycle car accident insurance claims* and will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Typical injuries
Due to the vulnerability of cyclists, accidents can cause a wide range of injury types, ranging from the minor to the most serious. Bicycle accident injuries can include:
- Back injuries – spinal cord damage, damage to the vertebra
- Broken bones – including wrist, arm, leg, and the collarbone
- Facial damage
- Head injuries – including damage to the brain, haematomas, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Limb damage – including arms, legs, hands, feet
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries – including sprains and other damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Whiplash
Head injuries often occur as a result of bicycle accidents and can have serious, even fatal, consequences for those affected. While cycling helmets can avoid or reduce any damage caused, this may not always be the case. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to repair the damage caused in a cycling accident, especially in the event of internal bleeding, head injuries, serious lacerations, or broken bones.
How To Handle a Bicycle Accident
Seek Medical Assistance
If you have suffered an accident as a cyclist, it is always advisable to seek medical advice, especially if your head is impacted. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, so even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you may go on to have medical problems several hours later. By exercising caution, you can ensure that if damage has been caused, you will receive the medical care you need.
Get the Details of the Liable Party
It is important to get the details of the person who was responsible for your bicycle accident, including their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
Gather Witness Details and Other Evidence
Where possible, it is recommended to gather the names and contact details of any witnesses and any other evidence available. Evidence includes photos of the accident scene, photos of the damage to the bike, the injuries caused, and details of the weather and conditions at the time of the accident.
Contact the Gardaí
As soon as possible, it is important to report the accident to the Gardaí, if this has not already been done. They may not attend if the accident and injuries are of a minor nature. If so, it is advisable to ask them to record the accident and provide them with the details you have. In more serious accidents, the Gardaí may attend to gather details and take witness statements. If the Gardaí attend the scene, ask for the attending officer’s name, station, and police ID number.
Contact a Solicitor
Once you have received medical treatment for your bicycle accident injuries*, it is advisable to engage the services of a bicycle accident Solicitor in Ireland, who can review your case and advice you as to whether you have a bicycle care accident insurance claim*. If you have a valid claim for compensation*, we will explain the process and handle your application to the Personal Injures Assessment Board. Like any personal injury action* you will have to establish that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused you to sustain personal injuries. If this is the case, we will be able to bring a bicycle accident claim* for the pain, suffering, and loss you have experienced, including any medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and lost income.
Why Choose Hanahoe and Hanahoe?
Experience and legal expertise are vital when making a bicycle accident claim* against a negligent party. Hanahoe and Hanahoe have been successfully assisting clients in Ireland to claim compensation for bicycle accident claims* since 1979. Our award-winning team prides itself on their progressive, friendly, caring, and empathetic approach and will seek compensation from the insurer on your behalf. We understand the physical and mental trauma that can occur as a result of bicycle accidents* and always strive to reach the best outcome possible on behalf of our clients. For a consultation in complete confidence with one of our friendly and understanding bicycle accident compensation claims* Solicitors in Ireland, please phone 045 897784 or on 01 5255637 or email info@hanahoeandhanahoe.com.