If you have ever been involved in any kind of accident, then you will appreciate that it can be terrifying and difficult ordeal. Once the dust has settled, and you are sure that you are out of the way of further harm, however, attention will usually turn to more practical matters. Will you be paid for the time you need off work in order to recover? Will you be able to get your bike fixed, and items like your helmet replaced? Who will pay for the costs? These are all reasonable and understandable questions.
Fortunately, if you have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, there are steps that you can take in order to help ensure that you do not lose out financially as a result of somebody else’s negligence or error. Even if the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road surface or cycle lane, you may still be able to claim compensation from the local council or highways agency; something which many people believe is not possible because it means taking on the council.
There are certain steps that you should take following an accident that will help ensure you have a greater chance of successfully claiming compensation from the other party. While your safety should always be the main and your first priority, by paying some attention to what’s around you, using the camera on your mobile phone, and politely asking for witness details, while also making sure that you call the emergency services and have yourself checked out, you can increase your chances of a successful compensation claim later.
Your solicitor should collect details of witnesses, and try to collect as much information from them as possible. Witness statements may be presented, if needed, during any ensuing court case, and in some instances, especially those where insurance companies debate liability, one or more witnesses may be required to stand up in court and recount the accident and what exactly they witnessed.
You can also help the process by collecting some of your evidence. Ensure that you are not putting yourself or others at risk by doing so, but collect information about road conditions, details of cars and other vehicles, and use the camera on your mobile phone to take pictures of the scene of the accident. These can be used to build a picture of what happened, and if the other party tries to give a different account of the event, you will have photographic evidence that should support the real events.
Always call emergency services following an accident, especially if it involves any other people. You may actually be breaking the law by not doing so, and you can use the police statement as part of your case too. Similarly, by letting the paramedics treat you, by visiting your doctor, and by attending any meetings and appointments with specialists and other healthcare professionals, you can help to give a clearer picture of the injuries that you have sustained.
For professional help in submitting a compensation claim, call Carry On Cycling on 0333 777 3280 or visit CarryOnCycling.co.uk. If the accident wasn’t your fault, then you should be entitled to make a claim, and it could be worth thousands of pounds.