Case study: £28,000 for cyclist injured in collision with bus

Our cycling accident solicitors helped a woman claim compensation for injuries she sustained as a result of colliding with a bus.

Accident circumstances and injuries sustained

Our client, Ms K, was cycling to work in Bristol. She was on the left side of the road and a bus was overtaking her on her right. As it passed Ms K, the bus hit her on the right arm, ran over her right ankle causing her to fall to the ground.

As a result of the accident, Ms K sustained the following injuries:

• A fracture to her foot requiring skin grafts from her thigh
• Scarring from the skin grafts
• Subsequent infections
• Psychological injury

Claiming compensation for personal injury

Ms K approached our specialist cycling accident solicitors five months before the three-year limitation period of making a personal injury claim was due to expire.

We notified the Defendant’s (bus company) insurers of the claim outlining details of the claim.

Medical reports obtained

As there was a lot of work required before the expiry of the limitation period; our solicitors immediately requested copies of Ms K’s medical records and instructed a General Practitioner (for a prompt report for the court proceedings) and a Clinical Psychologist whilst we waited for the liability decision.

The medical report from the Psychologist outlined Ms K had suffered raised anxiety whilst cycling on the road but was already well recovered given we were already three years after the accident.

The General Practitioner confirmed that Ms K’s foot and ankle symptoms resolved within five months of the accident albeit she had been left extensive scarring and discolouration. They therefore recommend a report from a Plastic Surgeon.

We also prepared a Claim Form and issued court proceedings prior to the three year anniversary of the accident.

Claim for financial losses

Our personal injury lawyers collated details of Ms K’s financial losses she incurred as a result of the accident. These included:

• Care and assistance from her husband in respect of self-care and household chores for the first three months
• Travel expenses (Ms K was unable to cycle and instead used Ubers).

Liability not accepted

With medical reports and financial losses evidence, court proceedings were sent to the Defendant as a liability decision had still not been provided by them. Their Defence was eventually received which confirmed that they were not accepting liability for the accident.

We were surprised by their Defence given that the bus driver pleaded guilty for driving without due care and attention, and therefore continued to pursue the claim.

Settlement offer

Despite the Defendant’s denial, they made an offer of settlement of £28,000. Ms K had been to her appointment with the Plastic Surgeon, who confirmed that the scars were healing well and he would not recommend any management and/or scar revision.

Ms K therefore accepted the offer of £28,000. The claim settled within 10 months of our initial meeting with her.

Contact our cycling accident solicitors

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact a member of our Personal Injury team today on 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form.