Pedestrian Hit By Cyclist On Pavement: What Should I Do?

Being hit by a cyclist can lead to a serious injury and an expensive recovery. With the increase in gig-economy delivery cyclists, these incidents are becoming unfortunately common. If you find yourself in this situation, you should understand what you can do next and your options for seeking support.

At Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in road traffic accident personal injury claims, and offer expert legal guidance to pedestrians caught up in unfortunate incidents. In the following guide, we explain the steps you should take after being hit by a cyclist, outline your legal rights and detail how you can apply them to make a compensation claim.

Your Rights as a Pedestrian

As a pedestrian, you are entitled to safety while walking on pavements. To this effect, pedestrians have specific rights and protections under the law, especially when it comes to interactions with cyclists on pavements. The Highway Code clearly states that cyclists should not ride on pavements designated for pedestrian use. If you are hit by a cyclist riding on the pavement, they are likely at fault for breaching these regulations.

Cyclist-pedestrian collisions can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head injuries. Understanding your rights is the first step in ensuring you receive the appropriate support and compensation for your injuries.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident

Your immediate priority should be to move to a safe location away from any further potential harm. If you are seriously injured, try to attract attention and wait for help without moving too much. Even if your injuries seem minor, get medical help as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can properly assess your condition.

Collecting evidence at the scene can make the difference between success and failure if you decide to make a claim for compensation later down the line. If it is safe for you to do so, collect the following evidence:

• Photographs: take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and the bicycle involved.
• Details of the cyclist: note down the cyclist’s name, contact information, and any insurance details they may have.
• Witness information: if there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact details, as their statements could be valuable.

You must also report the accident to the authorities - contact the police and file a report. This is especially important if you have sustained significant injuries or if the cyclist was riding recklessly. If poor pavement conditions contributed to the accident, report this to your local council to prevent future incidents.

What Next?

After addressing the immediate concerns following the accident, consider the long-term actions that will support your recovery and potential legal claim.

• Medical records: maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and any therapies you undergo. Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your treatment.
• Follow-up on health: attend all follow-up medical appointments to monitor your recovery progress. Document any ongoing symptoms or new health issues that arise, as these could be relevant to a compensation claim.
• Personal diary: note down your physical and emotional state, the impact on your daily activities, and any pain or discomfort you experience. This can provide valuable insight into the extent of your injuries over time.

These long-term actions are crucial in building a strong case for compensation and ensuring you have comprehensive documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Making a Personal Injury Claim

If you have been injured as a pedestrian due to a cyclist's negligence, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. To make a successful pedestrian personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the cyclist was at fault and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. Gathering the evidence mentioned earlier will be crucial in proving this. If you were unable to do so, a solicitor can also help you to collect evidence and prove your case.

Compensation can cover various aspects, including:

• Medical expenses: reimbursement for any medical costs incurred due to the accident.
• Lost wages: compensation for any income lost if your injuries prevented you from working.
• Pain and suffering: a financial award for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Additional costs: coverage for any additional costs directly related to your injury, such as travel expenses for medical appointments or the cost of care assistance.

To get a bicycle accident claim started you should talk to personal injury solicitors that specialise in road traffic accident claims and pedestrian accidents. Your solicitor will work with you to organise your evidence and will help you collect more, such as medical reports from your doctor, or police correspondence.

Making a personal injury claim can be complex, but with the right legal support, the process becomes easier and your chances of securing the compensation you deserve increase.

How Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors Can Help

At Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors, we understand the challenges and complexities involved in pedestrian accident claims. With extensive experience in handling road traffic accident personal injury claims, our solicitors have the knowledge and skills to guide you through the process from start to finish.

We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay our legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you. This ensures you can pursue your claim without financial risk.

By choosing Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors, you gain access to a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how we can help you to make a pedestrian accident claim, simply call us today on 0161 464 6765 or fill out an online contact form and we will return your call at a time suitable for you.