Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a common occurrence in London, and while much attention is often given to car accidents, pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable. According to official statistics, London sees thousands of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists each year. If you’ve been involved in an RTA as a pedestrian or cyclist, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. In this blog post, we will explain how accident claims work for pedestrians and cyclists in London, what you can claim, and how National Claims can help connect you with experienced solicitors who will guide you through the process.
The Vulnerability of Pedestrians and Cyclists in London
London’s roads are notoriously busy and often congested, making pedestrians and cyclists particularly vulnerable to accidents. According to GOV.UK data, around 6,000 pedestrians are injured every year in road traffic incidents, with over 70% of these accidents occurring in urban areas. Furthermore, cyclists make up a significant portion of road traffic accident victims, with over 4,000 cyclists injured annually in London alone, as reported by Transport for London (TfL).
London’s mix of dense traffic, poor infrastructure in some areas, and higher numbers of people walking and cycling increases the risk of accidents. Even with the city’s efforts to promote cycling and walking as sustainable transport options, the risks remain, especially for those who are unprotected by the metal frame of a car.
What Compensation Can Pedestrians and Cyclists Claim for RTA Injuries?
If you have been involved in an accident as a pedestrian or cyclist, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages and losses, including:
- Medical Expenses
If your injury requires medical treatment, you can claim compensation for the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, or ongoing physiotherapy. - Loss of Earnings
If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the wages you have lost during your recovery period. - Pain and Suffering
Compensation can be awarded for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of your injury. - Care Costs
If you need someone to care for you while you recover, you can claim for the costs of this care, whether it’s professional help or help from a family member. - Damage to Property
If your bicycle or any personal property was damaged in the accident, you can claim compensation for the repair or replacement costs. - Long-Term Impact
If the accident results in a permanent injury or long-term disability, you can claim for future care, ongoing medical treatment, and loss of quality of life.
These are the typical types of damages that can be claimed, and the amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact, and the evidence provided.
Who Is Liable for RTA Injuries Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists?
In many RTA cases, the person responsible for the accident is the driver of the vehicle, especially if they were driving recklessly, speeding, or failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists. However, in some cases, liability may be shared, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
- Driver’s Responsibility
If a driver fails to observe traffic signals, runs a red light, or doesn’t give priority to pedestrians at crossings, they may be found liable for the accident. This is often the case when the driver is the primary cause of the incident. - Pedestrian and Cyclist Responsibility
While drivers are often at fault, pedestrians and cyclists also have a duty to ensure they cross roads or cycle in a safe manner. For example, if a pedestrian crosses the road without looking, or a cyclist rides through a red light, they may be partially responsible for the accident. - Shared Liability
There are also cases where both parties are at fault to some extent. For example, a driver may have been speeding, but the pedestrian or cyclist may not have been paying attention to their surroundings. In these cases, compensation may be reduced to reflect the shared liability.
It’s important to remember that even if you were partially at fault, you could still be entitled to compensation, but the amount you receive might be reduced depending on the degree of your own responsibility.
How to File an Accident Claim as a Pedestrian or Cyclist in London
If you’ve been injured in an RTA as a pedestrian or cyclist in London, here’s what you need to do to file a claim:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be your first priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical reports are vital to support your claim. - Report the Incident
Ensure that the accident is reported to the police, especially if there was significant injury or damage involved. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report, which can be used as evidence in your claim. - Collect Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible. This includes:- Photos of the accident scene, any damages, and your injuries.
- Contact information for witnesses who saw the accident.
- The driver’s insurance details if available.
- Your own medical records and reports.
- Contact a Solicitor
Once you have your evidence, contact a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They will help you determine who was at fault and guide you through the process of making a claim.
How National Claims Can Help You
If you’ve been involved in an RTA as a pedestrian or cyclist in London, National Claims can help you get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced solicitors who specialise in personal injury claims for road traffic accidents. Here’s how we can assist:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Our solicitors will help you navigate the complex legal system, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- No Win, No Fee: Many of the solicitors we work with operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
- Maximising Your Compensation: We’ll work to ensure you receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to, covering all aspects of your injury, loss of earnings, and care needs.
Conclusion
Pedestrians and cyclists face a greater risk of injury in road traffic accidents, particularly in busy cities like London. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries, medical costs, loss of earnings, and other related expenses. By working with an experienced solicitor from National Claims, you can ensure your claim is handled effectively and efficiently.
If you’ve been injured in an RTA as a pedestrian or cyclist in London, get in touch with National Claims today, and we’ll connect you with the right legal experts to guide you through your claim.
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