Four cyclists have recently been awarded compensation for injuries they suffered in accidents caused by negligent motorists.

Scott Belshaw was training with other members of his cycling club when a car tried to overtake them. The driver had failed to notice an oncoming vehicle and was forced to swerve in front of Mr Belshaw, who was thrown off his bike and hit the back of the car before landing in the road.

Mr Belshaw suffered soft tissue injuries and his bicycle and equipment were damaged. The driver sped away without stopping. Fortunately, the other cyclists noted the vehicle’s registration number and the driver was traced by the police. Mr Belshaw was then able to recover compensation from the driver’s insurer.

In a second claim, Richard Allen suffered injuries to his right hand and ankle, as well as damage to his bicycle, when a motorist travelling in the opposite direction suddenly turned across his path. The insurers admitted liability but the amount of compensation initially offered was not considered adequate in the circumstances. After evidence was provided by an orthopaedic consultant, however, the offer was substantially increased.

A third claim arose after Howard Price was thrown to the ground when a car suddenly turned in front of him. Mr Price suffered a fractured wrist, cuts and bruises, for which he has now been compensated.

In the final case, cyclist Craig Harris won compensation for injuries he sustained in an accident that occurred when he was taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride. He was travelling in a coned off cycle lane when a car cut across his path, knocking him off his bicycle. Mr Harris suffered a serious fracture to his collar bone and several broken ribs.


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