Compensation for cycling injuries

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular way to get around. Unfortunately, the increase in the number of cyclists on the road also leads to an increase in accidents involving them. For many of these accidents, it is possible to claim compensation for the damages suffered.   

What accidents can I claim compensation for?

The law provides for the possibility of receiving compensation for any accident (including while cycling) that has caused you harm. Most often, this is a traffic accident, for example, a collision with another vehicle. It is also possible to seek compensation if you fall into an unmarked hole with your bicycle, which causes you injuries or damages your bicycle.

What should I do if I have a bicycle accident?

The first and most important thing is to seek medical attention if you have sustained injuries in the accident. These should be duly certified by a medical professional at the medical facility where you were admitted for treatment or care of the injuries you sustained.

Medical verification of cycling injuries is essential for proving damages.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident, you should also notify the law enforcement authorities. If there are any witnesses to the incident, try to contact them, as their testimony may be used in any future legal proceedings.

What damages can I claim compensation for when cycling?

Compensation can be sought for both material and non-material damages. Material damages are mostly related to the expenses that the injured person has incurred in connection with his/her treatment. Such are the expenses for medicines, medical examinations, rehabilitation procedures, etc.

Non-pecuniary damages, on the other hand, are for the pain and suffering suffered as a result of the accident. The amount of compensation for cycling injuries can vary widely and depends on the length of the recovery period, the age of the injured party, the degree of recovery, and other facts and circumstances.

What is the order?

1. We are trying to voluntary dispute settlement – we hold a meeting with the insurer (if any) and/or the responsible person, where we try to negotiate the best terms for you. After your approval of the parameters of this agreement, we can proceed to its signing.

2. We are filing a civil lawsuit., to claim the compensation due to you for material and/or non-material damages. In addition to not owing us any fee in advance, we will also do everything possible to exempt you from paying any fees and expenses to the court, if the prerequisites for this, provided for by law, are present.

3. If there is a formation criminal case in connection with the tort, we can also represent you in it. In this case, we can bring the claims that would otherwise be the subject of the filed civil case, referred to above in item 2.

4. In the event of a successful outcome of the case(s), we file a lawsuit and we represent you before a private bailiff, who will assist you in receiving the actual amount awarded by the court decision - through seizure of bank accounts or other appropriate actions.

How the law regulates the cyclist as a participant in traffic?

The cyclist is a participant in the movement. In order to participate in traffic on roads open to public use, each bicycle must have working: brakes; a bell and no other sound signal; a device for emitting a white or yellow clearly visible light at the front and a red reflector at the rear; it is allowed to place a device for emitting a red light at the rear; white or yellow reflectors or reflective elements on the sides of the
the wheels.

The cyclist is obliged to: use a reflective vest when riding outside of populated areas, during the dark hours of the day and in reduced visibility; ride as close as possible to the right edge of the traffic lane.

The driver of a two-wheeled vehicle is prohibited from: driving parallel to another two-wheeled vehicle; driving the vehicle without holding the handlebars with his hand, as well as releasing the pedals with which he controls the vehicle; driving in close proximity to another vehicle or holding on to it; carrying, towing or pushing objects that interfere with driving the vehicle or create a danger to other road users; driving a vehicle on areas intended only for pedestrians; this prohibition does not apply to cyclists under the age of 12.

The movement of cyclists in a training group is prohibited if there are no car or motorcycle companions in front and behind the group.

When there is no lane or alley specifically designated for them, drivers of
mopeds, bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles may be used for movement
the roadside shoulder located on the right in the direction of their movement, if it is suitable for this and
if this does not interfere with other road users.