Bicycle Accidents
If you have been injured while riding your bicycle, we may be able to help.
Your accident could have been caused by a car door being opened into your path of travel, the driving of a motorist, a pothole, a faulty bridge, or even a sign or a post that you did not see or could not avoid. If your accident happened while riding your bicycle, talk to us to see if you have a claim.
You can even make a claim if you were involved in “hit and run” and therefore you don’t know the identity of the driver that caused your accident. We can discuss the process with you.
What the Law says
At Accident Legal, we are acutely aware of the road rules relating to cyclists.
While most of the laws are the same for all motorists on the roads, there are some laws that apply to cyclists only. They relate to:
- Riding too close to a motor vehicle: You must keep a certain distance from other motor vehicles.
- Carrying someone on a bicycle: You can carry someone on your bicycle only if certain conditions are met.
- Keeping left and overtaking: There are a number of roads rules relating to how you must keep left and overtake other vehicles.
- Riding a bicycle: The law dictates the way you must straddle your bicycle.
- Roundabouts: There are special laws relating to how you must approach and ride on roundabouts.
- Equipment: There are road rules relating to helmets, the condition of your bicycle, and equipment required in certain conditions, such as riding in darkness and unsafe weather.
- Trailers and Loads: Can I tow someone or carry a load. Yes, but as long as certain conditions are met.
- Riding on the shoulder: You can ride on a road shoulder.
- Signalling: Riders must always signal their intention to turn.
- Special purpose lanes: You can ride in special purpose lanes.
- Riding on footpaths: You can ride on footpaths, however you must comply with special rules.
- Hook Turns: You can perform a hook turn, however again, you must comply with special rules while doing so.
Speak to one of our expert bicycle lawyers now for more information on these special laws and how they may or may not affect your case! Our expert knowledge of these special laws can help you win your case.
Are there time limits in bringing a claim?
Yes. Strict timelines apply to bicycle injury claims. Contact us immediately to see whether you are still within time for making a claim.
How long will my claim take?
This will depend on the severity of your injuries that you have sustained in the bicycle accident and the complexity of your claim. As a general rule, most claims take between 12 months to 3 years to complete. There is often an initial delay while your injuries stabilise.
What can I claim for?
You are entitled to claim compensation for the following:
- The pain and suffering you have experienced.
- Your past and future loss of income (including superannuation).
- Your past and future out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. medical expenses, travel expenses, rehabilitation expenses).
- The past and future paid care or services (i.e. cleaning, gardening, personal care needs etc.) that you had to pay someone to do as a result of your injuries.
- The past and future care provided to you by others (usually family members) for no charge (i.e. cleaning, gardening, personal care needs etc.) that you required as a result of your injuries.
How much compensation can I receive?
Each individual claim will be assessed on the basis of the extent of their injuries resulting from the accident and how these injuries affect their work and social functioning. You can see the latest CTP statistics here.
Do I need to pay a fee?
You don’t pay us a cent unless you win your case and you are paid compensation.
