Reporting Cycling Incidents to the Members' INCIDENT HELPLINE

 

Most incidents reported to the British Cycling Incident Helpline involve members who have either sustained injury or who have sustained damage to their bicycle or other property as a result of a road traffic incident. In most cases incidents arise through the negligence of the driver of a motor vehicle but a small number involve defects to the public highway. Invariably both result in damage to members’ bicycles and more often than not personal injury.

 

The Members’ Incident Helpline offers legal and insurance assistance to members who have been involved in an incident whilst riding or wheeling their bike, and where appropriate it will arrange advice and representation from professional personal injury lawyers experienced in handling legal actions on behalf of cyclists.

 

British Cycling's lawyers are recognised leading experts in personal injury litigation and in acting for sports men and women. Whether you have suffered a catastrophic injury or simple damage to your bicycle, you will receive a personal, first class legal service to deliver your compensation.

• you will not be asked to purchase an insurance policy to indemnify you against a Defendant's legal costs in the event of an unsuccessful claim
• you will not be asked to purchase an insurance policy to cover legal disbursements
• you will not be asked to personally fund any legal disbursements
• you will keep all of your compensation.

If you are involved in a cycling incident contact the Incident Helpline straight away. Your membership details and a brief description of the incident will be taken over the telephone and a report sent immediately to our appointed solicitors and/or insurers. If you would like to receive the support of British Cycling’s solicitors you must report the incident to the Incident Helpline within 12 months of the incident.

 

An Incident Information Form will then be sent to you within 24 hours of reporting the incident, which you should complete and return without delay. The form that you receive will be used by both insurers and solicitors, as there are often disputes about liability after the event.

 

 

Time Limits for Making a Claim against a Third Party

Most of our members report incidents to the Incident Helpline immediately, and it is important that this step is not delayed. As a general point, the statutory time limit for bringing a claim for damages for personal injuries is 3 years from the date of the incident. For cases involving property damage only, the limit is 6 years. 

 

It will be appreciated that the sooner the matter is reported, the sooner it can be dealt with, particularly if witnesses need to be traced and interviewed. All too often a case can be prejudiced because of the failure to obtain at the outset, basic information regarding the incident, the location and the witnesses. 

 

If you are under the age of 18 then the time limit is extended to 3 years from the date of your 18th birthday. However it is very important that you progress your claim through your parent or legal guardian as quickly as possible so get them to report the matter to the Incident Helpline for you immediately.

 

 

Incident Checklist

 

If possible, you should have made a record of the time and place of the incident and details of any other vehicle(s)/property or person(s) involved. You should not have any discussion with the other party with regard to liability. You may, however, provide details of British Cycling’s insurance department:

 

Insurance Department

British Cycling Federation

National Cycling Centre

Stuart Street

Manchester M11 4DQ 

Tel: 0870 871 2000

Fax: 0870 871 2001

 

Always make sure you obtain:

• Third Party driver contact details, including registration number and insurance details
• Contact details for all witnesses
• Witness accounts
• Details of the incident location to include photos of the incident location or highway defect

We recommend that all incidents are reported to the police immediately. Insurance particulars should be obtained from the motorist at the very earliest opportunity. If a motorist fails to provide this information or you have any concerns that the information given to you is incorrect or incomplete, you should also report this to the police immediately.