Cycling is excellent for recreation. But riding on the bicycle path in a park is different to riding on the road, sharing the space with other motorists. With just a helmet for physical protection, cyclists and bikers have to be ever vigilant of the traffic around them while maintaining a safe distance from surrounding traffic.
But accidents can happen in a split second and have a devastating impact on riders and their families. Recently the laws in NSW have been strengthened to protect bike riders. Motor vehicles have to maintain minimum distances from bicycles.
These changes to the laws have been necessary because of the dramatic increase in serious injuries to bike riders here in NSW. The main scenarios that have led to injuries include:
- Motor vehicles get too close to riders which can make a bike unstable. The bigger the vehicle and the faster it’s moving can cause havoc to a bike rider and cause severe injuries as a result.
- Often motorists are not keeping a proper lookout for bike riders and open doors into the path of unsuspecting bike riders.
- Drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots.
- Cycling accidents also occur when a cyclist collides with another rider or a pedestrian.
Here are immediate safety measures to be taken in the event of cycling accidents, to protect your rights and safety.
Move to the shoulder of the road. Your priority should be to move to a safe location and out of the way of moving traffic. Call for help if required and once out of harm’s way you can assess the damage.
Seek medical help. Call the ambulance even if you think that your injuries aren’t severe or life-threatening. After the initial shock has worn off, there might be underlying injuries like concussion that may come to the surface.
Record the details. Try and get details of the person you believe was responsible for the accident. Get the driver’s license details and use your smartphone if possible to take photos of the scene and your injuries/damages.
Call the police. You will need to report the accident so call the police and provide a detailed account of what happened. Make sure you ask the Police for an Event number.
See your doctor. Don’t delay, and visit the closest doctor or your family doctor for medical help. Even if you don’t have any apparent injuries, get checked by a doctor and tell them that you’ve been in an accident. Keep a record of all your treatment costs.
Seek legal advice for legal and insurance issues. Even if you don’t have cycling insurance, you might be able to claim from another party’s insurer or your own home and contents insurance. If you are hit by a car, you may have a claim under the Motor Accidents Legislation. Strict time limits apply, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible.
How Taylor & Scott Lawyers can help:
Our team of bicycle accident compensation lawyers will offer you a Free Case Assessment. We will meet with you at home, hospital or another convenient place if you are unable to meet at one of our offices. If we act for you, it will be on a no-win/no-pay basis meaning if you don’t win, we don’t get paid.
Remember, time limits apply. Contact the bicycle accident compensation legal team here at Taylor & Scott on 1800 600 664 or complete the Contact Form on this page. We will assist you to complete the Motor Accident Claim Form that must be served on the greenslip insurer of the motor vehicle at fault.
At Taylor & Scott, We Care For You.
