Case studies
Here are some examples of how the CTC Accident line helped a selection of members across the country during 2004.
- Another member was badly injured when she was catapulted into a ditch by an 83-year-old driver, who claimed he could not see because of low January sunlight. Witnesses said the van, driven by an 83-year-old man from Lincolnshire, ploughed straight into the cyclist, sending her flying into a roadside ditch and her bike into a hedge beyond. We were able to recover damages for the member who was off work for a year following the accident.
- One member was badly injured when a lorry ran over her as she crossed a junction near her home in Surrey. Two firms of solicitors turned down her case and it was only when she approached the CTC for help that they were able to give her advice that led to her case being taken up by their lawyers. One of the first firms she approached said that the accident was her fault and that only her injuries prevented the Crime Prosecution Service from taking action. The second firm agreed that there was no point in pursuing the case because an independent witness claimed the member lost control of her bike before being hit by the lorry. The member suffered five fractures in the accident and had to have an emergency operation. CTC’s lawyers settled the case for a five figure sum. The member, who trained as a professional dancer, still suffers some restriction to her movements but is back in the saddle enjoying cycling again.
- A member who was cycling home from work, rode onto the grass at the side of the road to avoid some loose gravel. Her bike hit a manhole cover on the verge, which was found to be the responsibility of British Telecom and she fell, injuring her spine. This was an unusual accident and we were delighted to get a remarkably successful settlement despite there being initial difficulties in establishing who was liable for the manhole cover.
- We were instructed to act for a member who had initially not pursued his claim through the CTC but had sought advice from his own solicitor. The member had been urged by his own solicitor to accept an offer of £850 in settlement of his claim. We reviewed the claim and having quickly advised the client in no uncertain terms to reject the offer, then negotiated a substantially higher settlement on his behalf.
- One member sustained injury when he fell from his bicycle when it dropped into a pothole. The pothole was on a stretch of road that Thames Water had carried out some work. Thames Water was informed of the pothole and failed to rectify it. Following a full investigation, Thames Water admitted liability and settled the claim for a substantial sum.
How to contact CTC Accident Line
Contacting us couldn’t be easier. You may telephone our dedicated team on:
0844 736 8452
This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.