Compensation claims in Scotland and cycling accident statistics
Cycling in Scotland can be a wonderful thing. Beautiful scenery, great off-road trails and fresh air, but for some people road cycling in the city is a very necessary way to get to work. Up until a few years ago statistics on Scottish cycling accidents was gathered solely by the police in their STATS19 data collection system.
These were considered not to be a full reflection of all cycling accidents that occurred in Scotland. A non-fault cycling accident could result in a compensation claim in Scotland and the Scottish Executive Development Department recognised a need for more research into cycling accidents.
Before the new research, STATS19 data consisted of recording information regarding on-road accidents and those that were attended by the police, no scope was given for the collection of injury data for off-road cyclists.
The new information was collected from attendees to 5 Accident and Emergency departments in the Lothian and Borders Health Board region over a continuous year long period. Cycling casualties who attended the A & E departments were asked to complete a questionnaire about their accident.
Scottish cycling Accident findings
Interestingly, more adult males than females were injured in cycling accidents by a ratio of 4:1.
Children were found to be more likely to suffer a cycling accident than adults: 54% of all accidents involved under 16-year-olds (children aged 12-16 were most at risk).
The summer months between April and September accounted for over 70% of all accidents and almost 80% of all child casualties happened in this time span. The peak time for accidents was late afternoon to early evening.
A third of all respondents to the questionnaire had had their accident on the road, and 13% on main roads, with adults much more likely to have an accident on a main road. 43% of child accidents happened on the pavement.
The greatest proportion of accidents occurred off-road (and therefore not captured by STATS19). 72% of accidents from the hospital based survey reported no other vehicular involvement. By marked contrast STATS19 statistics show 96% accidents involve other vehicles.
This research illuminated much new data regarding on-road and off-road cycling accidents.
Major findings included;
- STATS19 recording describes a narrow range of accident causes predominantly looking at vehicular involvement; when in actuality, the predominant presentation of casualties was from off-road accidents.
- STATS19 is much more likely to record injuries reported by adults, however, children are more likely to be the casualties of cycling accidents in Scotland.
- There are a large number of cycling casualties that need A&E department medical attention who do not appear on the police statistics.
Recommendations were made that future data gathering regarding cycling accidents should be carried out by a range of agencies.
Cycling accident compensation claim in Scotland
If you have been in a cycling accident in Scotland that was not your fault or that was caused by someone else's negligence you may be able to make a compensation claim with YouClaim. YouClaim's panel of personal injury solicitors are experienced in making successful Scottish compensation claims and are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, thereby guaranteeing you the highest level of professionalism at all times.
We operate on a no win no fee basis, which means you do not have to pay for our legal services whether you win or lose. We also ensure you will receive 100% of any award that is made. Quite simply you will never have to pay us a penny.
So, if you have had a cycling accident and wish to make a compensation claim in Scotland call our helpline now on 0800 10 757 95 and our friendly operators can advise you if you are eligible to claim. Alternatively we can call you back at a time to suit you or you could even fill in our online claim form and we will look into your claim before calling you back at a time of your choosing.
