Many of us are cycling more at the moment. Richard Meggitt, Partner at ASD Solicitors, explains what you can claim for following a cycling accident. Most cyclists understand that if they suffer injury as a result of someone else’s negligence they can claim damages for personal injury. See our guide here. In this article I set out other claims that can be made in addition to General Damages (compensation for injury).
Real Understand of the value of your Bike
I understand that your bike may have cost many thousands of pounds, and in some scenarios can have a value above that of the car that struck you. In addition to the purchase cost you may have spent hundreds of pounds on extras such as GPS trackers or performance pedals. Bikes often suffer major damage in seemingly minor collisions.
If it is economic to repair i.e. the cost of the repair is less than the value of the bike, I seek to recover the cost based on an estimate. If the bike is beyond repair, I will look at the purchase cost of the bike and the equipment. As a general rule you are entitled to claim the pre-accident value of the bike. This will depend on the age, condition, purchase price. A purchase receipt is ideal but not absolutely necessary. In addition to recovering the pre -accident value of the bike additional extras for equipment can also be recovered. The value of these extras is generally the purchase price less a percentage to cover for ‘wear and tear’. If the equipment is almost new the reduction will be minimal, if it is, say, 3 years old the deduction could be as much as 50% depending on use.
Safety Equipment
Clothing, helmet, cycling shoes can all be damaged in an accident. Indeed, after an accident the helmet should not be re-used if it has suffered a blow. Similar to bike equipment the purchase cost of these items can be claimed less a percentage for wear and tear, depending upon age and use. An original purchase receipt is useful bit not a prerequisite.
Other losses following a bike accident may include:-
- loss of earnings;
- medical expenses, such as the cost of
physiotherapy or psychological treatment; - travel expenses. For example, if you would
normally cycle to work but have to take an alternative method transport
then taxi fares etc may be recoverable; - care and assistance provided by family members
If you need further information about how to make a cycling claim, please call 0114 2678780, email Richard Meggitt at [email protected], or complete our online form today to submit a claim. We have been assisting local cyclists
since 1984.