Injured in a bike accident?
If you're injured in any kind of bicycle accident you may be able to make a cycling accident compensation claim and be entitled to a range of benefits. The circumstances of your bike accident will determine the legal options available to you.
We can help you through any type of bicycle accident
Public roads can be a hazardous place for bicycle riders. A range of cycling accidents can happen if you or the other road users around you aren't careful.
Two of the common cycling accidents we see are 'car-dooring' and accidents caused by potholes.
'Car-dooring' accidents
There has been a disturbing trend of cyclists being injured or killed as a result of collisions or attempts to avoid collisions, specifically from car door openings, also known as 'car-dooring'.
As the number of cyclists on our roads increases, motorists and in some instances passengers should be more aware of the likelihood of riders on the street and be mindful when opening car doors.
In 1995, the laws were improved to cover cyclists who have been hit by an opening car door. However, many injured cyclists are not aware of their right to entitlements under the state’s motor vehicle injury insurance scheme and, as a result, are not getting access to medical care and compensation.
The area of law relating to cyclists is complex and it's important that cyclists seek independent legal advice if they’ve been in an accident involving a vehicle or a near-miss with a vehicle.
Cycling accidents caused by potholes
Unlike bicycle accidents that involve a motor vehicle, pothole accidents are not covered by the insurance company or regulatory body in your state. Instead, damages for injuries caused by pothole accidents are covered by the other party, such as the council's, public liability insurance.
To be successful in a claim for public liability, you must prove that your injury, loss or damage was caused by the fault or wrongdoing of another party.
What to do if you're injured in a bicycle accident
If you are injured in a cycling accident, you should do the following things.
At the scene, if possible
- Report the incident to the police
- Obtain details of any witnesses.
After the accident
- Seek appropriate medical treatment
- Report the accident to the police if this was not done at the scene
- Make a claim with the insurance company or regulatory body in your state
- Speak to us for expert legal advice on your entitlement to medical expenses, loss of wages and lump sum public transport accident compensation.
Your entitlements
Cycling provides a whole host of physical and mental health benefits. But if you have been injured in any kind of cycling accident, there may be a range of negative consequences you have to deal with - such as your capacity to work and serious injuries you need to recover from. Because of this, you may be entitled to a range of benefits and compensation.
Compensation and benefits available to injured bicycle riders may include:
Lost income
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation
Vocational training
Assistance returning to work
Cost of home and vehicle modifications
Household help
Childcare
Gardening services.
If the accident wasn't your fault
Depending on your injury, you may also be entitled to claim lump sum damages for pain and suffering and loss of earnings if you can show that the cycling accident was caused by the negligence or fault of another party.
Making a claim
You'll need to lodge a claim with the insurance company or regulatory body in your state.
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We know how to win cases like yours
Many of our senior lawyers are highly experienced in managing cycling accident claims. By choosing an accredited lawyer with extensive experience in cycling accident claims, you can expect the highest quality legal services and the best possible results.
Where appropriate, we appoint reputable experts, such as engineers, who will examine the accident circumstances and provide a comprehensive report as to how the accident occurred. In addition, we engage quality medical experts who can assess how an injury is likely to affect you over the course of your life.
Our cycling accident lawyers are not only committed to helping you access compensation but dedicated to pursuing insurers for important rehabilitative benefits such as physiotherapy, domestic assistance and gym memberships to help improve your quality of life.
Fees
Slater and Gordon's No Win - No Fee* arrangement is generally available for all cycling accident claims. This means you do not pay for legal costs unless your case is successful. If your case is successful, our fees are not a percentage of your compensation payout. Fees are agreed to upfront so there are no hidden or unexpected costs.
The No Win - No Fee* arrangement is designed to help those whose financial circumstances might otherwise deny them access to legal representation.
You will receive a document setting out the details of the No Win - No Fee* arrangement after your first appointment. You're not committed to anything until you sign and return the document to us. This is so you can take the time to fully understand your options and make a decision you're happy with.