Head-on-Collision
For all that cycling is a great way to beat the traffic on a commute, there is nothing like getting out on the bike on quiet roads and fresher air. As idyllic as that can be, riding on often unmarked roads can lead to its own problems.
While a knock-for-knock accident on a blind bend is an unpleasant shock in a car, what is effectively a head-on collision on your bike is another thing entirely can lead to serious injuries or worse.
In this sort of claim, Cyclinglawyer uses forensic collision investigations to put you in the best possible position to win your claim.
FAQ's
Can I claim if I’m hit by a car coming the other way?
Yes, you can.
Does it matter how fast I was going?
Speed is a relevant factor, both yours and that of the other vehicle. The law expects that anyone on the road should be able to stop within their own sight line. When liability is apportioned, it’s going to matter where the accident happened in relation to the apex of the bend and how fast you were both going at the point of collision. The sharper the bend, the slower the court will think both parties should have been going.
Does the size of the other vehicle make any difference?
Not really, though it may be a relevant factor if that vehicle is “oversize” and therefore always needs to be driven particularly cautiously given the obvious hazard its size presents.
Is road positioning important?
It depends on the width of the road. Road positioning is very important if the road is reasonably wide. Vehicles should travel as close to the left side as reasonably practicable so just because there’s no white line doesn’t mean a car can take “the racing line” or generally drive down the middle of the road when it doesn’t need to.
What if I was riding two abreast?
In normal circumstances, cyclists are perfectly entitled to ride two abreast, notwithstanding all of the abuse doled out by motorists who seem unaware of this. It’s important to note though that the Highway Code warns against this when on narrow roads, or when going round bends.
This wouldn’t prevent a claim though it may be alleged that you were guilty of contributory negligence so you might get less.
What can I do to help my chances of winning?
Gather as much evidence as possible. On an unmarked country lane, there are unlikely to be any witnesses and any witnesses that there are may well be passengers in the car that hit you, so they will be biased.
If you have your phone then the best thing to do is take as many pictures as you can. In particular, get shots of the car’s number plate, where it is on the road (including where it is in relation to trees, signs or other reference points), and skid marks. If you’re hurt then none of this may be possible, though If you’re riding with someone else, then ask them.
Make sure you call the police, even if you don’t think they need to attend the scene, so the accident and the circumstances are recorded and can be relied on later.
Finally, ensure you call a specialist legal firm like Cyclinglawyer who can maximise the amount of compensation you get!