Cycling Personal Injuries

Having worked in a solicitor’s practice in the personal injury defence specialty, Michael is fully aware of the many pitfalls that a less experienced injury lawyer may succumb to. As an avid cyclist cycling to work in Dublin City Centre for a number of years and also having taken part in numerous road races, Michael has both a professional and personal interest in protecting cyclists’ interests and ensuring that cyclists are fully compensated for injuries suffered as a result of the mistakes and negligence of other road users.

As a cyclist, you are entitled to compensation for an injury suffered in an accident where that accident was caused by another person e.g. a motorist, pedestrian, another cyclist or where your bicycle itself is faulty or repairs carried out on it are done so in a negligent manner and which causes you to suffer an injury as a result.

Common injuries include:

Head injuries
Facial injuries
Broken teeth
Shoulder injuries
Whiplash
Leg injuries

Common causes

Motorist negligence: e.g. a bus or another motorist knocks you off your bike when the fail to see you or do not leave enough room whilst overtaking you. Another common cause is where a taxi or bus knocks you off your bike when pulling into a bus stop or taxi rank.
Pedestrian negligence: Many pedestrians walk listening to music or talking on their mobile phones and do not pay full attention when crossing the road. A pedestrian may be negligent where they walk out in front of you without looking or using a pedestrian crossing, causing you to fall from your bicycle and suffer injuries and damage to your bicycle.
Another cyclist: e.g. Where another cyclist swerves in front of you when overtaking. Cyclists must have due regard and consideration for all road users when using the road.
Faulty bicycle: If you purchase a new bicycle it should be fit for the purpose intended. Similarly, if you have your bike repaired you are entitled to expect a competent level of service. If the repairs are faulty resulting in a bicycle that is not road worthy or contributes to loss of control and you suffer an injury as a result of this.

What should I do if I have been injured?

Firstly, get the medical help you need. Shock can often delay the realisation that you are in pain, and some cases, common injuries such as symptoms of whiplash may take a number of hours or days to appear

You should report the accident immediately or as soon as possible to the Gardaí
You should take the names of witnesses and their contact details. It is very important to get their addresses and any insurance details.
You should, if you are physically capable, take as many photographs of the scene of the accident as possible.
Contact MBSolicitors for a free consultation and claim assessment, and we will help make the process as simple as possible so that you have time to dedicate tyo your recovery.

Should I settle with the insurance company myself?

It is our advice that you do not settle your case until you have received advice from your solicitor, who will have the experience and professional knowledge to fully evaluate your claim. Remember, the insurance company have claim handlers who are employed to settle cases like yours every day and have the benefit of legal advisors in their own company.

As your Solicitor, my only goal is to look after your interests and ensure you receive the right level of compensation for the injuries, physical and /or psychological, that you suffer because of the negligence or carelessness of another person.

In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement