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CHILD CYCLING ACCIDENT

Where children are concerned we all know that accidents will happen. We can all accept a wobble and a graze on the knee as a blameless accident but when a more serious accident occurs because of someone else’s negligence and your child is seriously hurt you will want justice to be done. 

Cycle SOS can guide you through making a claim for compensation from start to finish. Our advice is based on more than 30 years of experience from a team who are cyclists themselves. Our team incudes ex-traffic police and those trained in accident investigation and reconstruction providing an unrivalled service for your child. We can also provide access to medical assistance and physiotherapy.

Making a claim for compensation on behalf of your child isn’t much different from making a claim for an injury you have suffered yourself. You will be required to act on your child’s behalf if they are under the age of 18 and the settlement monies that are awarded will be invested by the court funds office until your child has their 18th Birthday. This is to protect the child’s best interests.

To get the advice and assistance you need please contact us by filling out our contact form, or call us on our Freephone helpline 0808 100 999 5.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If your child is involved in a cycling accident, there are legal considerations that parents and guardians should be aware of. In the event of an accident, it is important to exchange contact and insurance details with any other parties involved. If there are injuries sustained by the child, it is also important to contact the emergency services and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a driver or a local authority, the parents or guardians of the child may be able to make a personal injury claim on behalf of the child. The claim could cover the cost of medical treatment and any other expenses related to the accident. Personal injury claims in the UK are subject to strict time limits. In most cases, claims must be filed within three years after their 18th birthday.  After an accident, parents or guardians should seek legal advice to determine if a claim can be made. If you need advice you can trust, contact our expert team on 0808 100 9995.
To prevent child cycling accidents caused by collisions with motor vehicles, it is important to take a multi-faceted approach that includes education, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement of traffic laws. This can involve educating children and parents about safe cycling practices, promoting the use of cycling helmets, improving cycling infrastructure such as dedicated bike lanes and crossings, and educating drivers to be aware of and respectful towards cyclists on the road. According to the Department for Transport’s “Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain” publication for 2022, there were a total of 13,405 reported road accidents involving children (aged 16 and under) in Great Britain in that year. When looking at the total figure for road accidents in the UK for 2022, 3% of fatalities and 10% of all casualties were aged 16 and under. Our expert team can help after your child is injured on a bicycle by calling 0808 100 9995.
To ensure that children are safe while cycling, parents and guardians should encourage their children to always wear a well-fitting helmet and reflective clothing. They should also teach their children to obey the rules of the road, and to stay alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that children’s bikes are properly maintained and that they are aware of any potential hazards or dangers on their cycling route. Finally, children should be supervised while cycling, especially when they are still learning, and should only be allowed to cycle on roads that are appropriate for their level of experience and ability. We can help if your child was in an accident while riding a bicycle by calling 0808 100 9995.
There are several important safety precautions that children should take while cycling to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. And remember to always ensure that children ride with a parent or guardian accompanying them:
  • Wear a properly-fitted helmet: A helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a collision or fall.
  • Use appropriate safety gear: Protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, as well as brightly coloured clothing, can help improve visibility and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Obey traffic laws: Children should be taught to follow the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, and riding on the correct side of the road.
  • Use hand signals: Using hand signals to indicate turns and stops can help make other road users aware of the cyclist’s intentions.
  • Be aware of surroundings: Children should be taught to be aware of their surroundings and anticipate potential hazards, such as parked cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
  • Maintain the bike: Regular bike maintenance, including checking the brakes, tires, and gears, can help ensure that the bike is safe to ride.
  • Ride defensively: Children should be taught to anticipate the actions of other road users and ride defensively, especially when cycling in areas with heavy traffic.
By following these safety precautions, you can help children reduce their risk of accidents and injuries while cycling. You can seek expert advice if your child was involved in a bicycle accident by calling 0808 100 9995.
Infrastructure improvements are a crucial part of creating safe conditions for child cyclists. Many cities and towns across the UK have implemented bike lanes, segregated cycle paths, and traffic calming measures to reduce the risk of accidents involving child cyclists. For example, in London, the Cycle Superhighway network provides dedicated cycle lanes that are separated from traffic, making it safer for cyclists of all ages, including children. The government has also introduced a range of funding schemes to support the construction of cycling infrastructure across the country. If your child has been involved in a bicycle accident, call 0808 100 9995 for expert advice.

Cycling can be a safe and enjoyable pastime, but certain steps must be taken to reduce the associated risks. Here are some key considerations to take into account:

Road Safety Awareness: It is critical that you teach your child about road safety requirements and that they grasp traffic signs, signals, and basic road etiquette. Encourage them to always wear a properly fitted helmet while cycling.

Choose Safe Routes: When feasible, plan your bicycle routes carefully, preferring quieter roads, dedicated cycle paths, or locations with lower traffic levels. Learn about the safest paths available to you and your child, which may include designated cycle lanes or parks.

Visibility: Make sure your child is visible to other road users. To improve visibility, outfit your child’s bike with proper lights, reflectors, and brightly coloured clothing, especially in low light settings.

Bike Maintenance: Inspect and maintain your child’s bike on a regular basis to ensure it is in good operating order. To reduce the chance of mechanical failure, inspect the brakes, tyres, and other critical components.

Supervision: Depending on your child’s age and abilities, it is critical to give sufficient supervision during bike outings. Younger children may need more monitoring and assistance before they learn the essential skills and confidence to ride alone.

Traffic Regulations: Following traffic regulations is critical for everyone’s safety. Teach your child the rules of the road, including stopping at red lights and using hand signals.

Assessing hazards: Assess the hazards associated with certain road conditions, such as high traffic, complex junctions, or low-visibility locations. Adjust your bicycle plans appropriately and consider alternative routes or modes of transport if necessary.

If your child has been injured by a vehicle while cycling, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact a specialist solicitor who deals with child cycling accident claims on a regular basis, as they can offer you the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal process and identify the best course of action for your circumstances.

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

The time it takes to settle a claim is typically determined by factors such as the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and the cooperation of the parties involved. It is critical to collect all essential information to back up your claim, such as medical records, witness testimonies, and any photographs or videos of the accident scene.

Once you have employed the services of a solicitor who deals with child bike accident claims, they will begin the legal procedure by sending a letter of claim to the responsible party’s insurance company. The insurance company has a set amount of time, usually three months, to investigate the claim and decide whether or not to accept or deny liability.

If the insurance company acknowledges responsibility, the next stage is to analyse the damages and reach an agreement. This approach may include seeking additional medical evaluations or expert opinions to evaluate the extent of your child’s injuries and their impact on their life. The length of this step can vary based on the case’s intricacy.

In some circumstances, a settlement may be attainable through negotiation or alternative conflict resolution procedures such as mediation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the claim may be taken to court. The length of time it takes to resolve a matter through the court system can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the court’s backlog and the intricacy of the case.

It is critical to remember that each case is unique, and there is no standard deadline for settling a child bike accident claim. It is best to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible to guarantee that your child’s rights are protected and to improve your chances of securing a fair and timely settlement.

If your child has been injured as a result of an accident on the road while riding their bike, contact CycleSOS for advice you can trust. Call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

In the United Kingdom, there are time limits known as the “Statute of Limitations” or “limitation periods” within which you can file a personal injury claim, including those involving child traffic incidents. In most cases, the time limit for filing a claim is three years from the date of the accident. When it comes to children and their ability to file a claim, there are several exceptions and modifications.

If your child was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, they are deemed a minor and can file a claim until their 21st birthday. The three-year limitation period will commence on the day they reach the age of 18. This expanded time frame recognises that minors may lack the legal competence to pursue a claim on their own and allows them to do so once they reach maturity.

It is critical to remember that the guardian of the child can bring a claim against the party liable on behalf of the child before the child’s 18th birthday. It is generally better to seek legal counsel and begin the claims process as soon as feasible. Delaying the procedure may make gathering evidence, witness statements, and other required information to support the claim more difficult.

If your child has been involved in a traffic accident involving a vehicle, it is critical that you seek professional legal advice from someone who is experienced in dealing with child bike accident claims. Because they can assess your specific circumstances and provide specialised legal advice based on current UK laws and regulations.

To speak to one of our specialist solicitors, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback for trusted, independent legal advice.

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.