4 minute read
Stephen was cycling on the Antrim Road, Belfast when a car emerged from a side street into his path. He collided with the side of the car causing him to fall from his bicycle. The driver fled the scene of the accident. A pedestrian stopped and assisted Stephen, calling an ambulance due to his significant injuries. As a result of the cycling accident, Stephen suffered a broken wrist, injured shoulder and a minor head injury. He was left in great difficulties due to his wrist being placed in a cast, immobilising the use of his hand. Further, his arm was placed in a sling as his shoulder recovered.
Due to the injuries, basic tasks became chores. Stephen is athletic and enjoys participating in sports such as football, however his injuries prevented this. He was also unable to tend to his garden, a hobby previously enjoyed but had now become a burden. There was a significant limitation in respect of domestic chores, personal care, DIY, home maintenance, driving and cycling.
Left frustrated by this, Stephen contacted McCartan Turkington Breen Solicitors. He had the benefit of a free initial consultation with Michael Allison who advised him that he had a viable cycling accident claim. Stephen instructed Michael to initiate a claim for compensation on his behalf.
Initially, there was difficulty in locating the negligent driver due to no details being taken at the scene of the accident. Michael contacted the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) to initiate an unidentified driver claim. Before the MIB will accept such a claim, they will investigate using their extensive resources. In this instance, the MIB identified the negligent driver who caused the accident and provided Michael with their details. Michael sent a letter of claim to the driver’s insurer who denied liability. We issued High Court proceedings and the case was listed for a two-day hearing.
In the meantime, we had Stephen examined by several medical consultants who each provided a medical report detailing the extent of the injuries and losses.
One month prior to the hearing, the insurer contacted Michael and indicated a willingness to settle the matter outside of Court. We entered negotiations and the matter settled for the sum of £88,000, which included loss of earnings and a new bicycle. The driver of the car was arrested and charged with several criminal offences. Stephen was delighted with the result.
If you were injured in a cycling accident, our team of personal injury solicitors can help. Learn more about our bicycle accident claims service or contact us for a free, no-commitment discussion with a personal injury specialist solicitor.
