Case studies
Here are some examples of how we've helped cyclists.
- Russell Jones & Walker's Sheffield office acted for a cyclist who was struck by a car at a busy junction in Long Eaton. The cyclist was on her way home at dusk when a car pulled out of junction straight on to her. The motorist claimed not to notice her despite the fact she was wearing a fluorescent jacket and her lights were on. This accident should never have happened but unfortunately this is the kind of incident cyclists face all too frequently.
- The Sheffield office also acted for a Doncaster cyclist who was badly injured when she was catapulted into a ditch by an 83-year-old driver. The driver claimed he did not see her because of low January sunlight. Witnesses said the van ploughed straight into the cyclist, sending her flying into a roadside ditch and her bike into a hedge beyond. She was unable to work for a year following her accident. The RJW team were able to help and negotiated a significant settlement on her behalf.
- Russell Jones & Walker acted for a CTC member who was badly injured when a lorry ran over her on her bike 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 did she receive constructive advice which led to RJW investigating her claim. One of the first firms she approached said that the accident was her fault and only her injuries prevented the Crime Prosecution Service from taking action. The second firm agreed 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. RJW 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.
- Russell Jones & Walker acted for a cyclist who was cycling home from work when she 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 a difficult claim because initially no Authority was prepared to take responsibility for the dangerous manhole cover. Despite this problem, RJW were able to prove negligent behaviour and successfully won this cyclist compensation.
