Assaulted While Cycling Near a Road Closure — £3,500 Compensation
WHAT HAPPENED?
Our client was cycling when they came to a road closure. They asked politely whether they could pass through. Told no, they turned to head back the way they had come — and were struck from behind with a large road barrier, knocking them off the bike and into a roadside ditch.
They suffered injuries to their neck, back and hip. The incident also left a lasting mark on their confidence on a bike, which for a regular cyclist is a real loss in itself.
HOW WE HELPED
Being deliberately injured by another person raises different questions from an ordinary accident claim — including who is legally responsible and which route to compensation is available.
We took our client's account, established the circumstances, and pursued the claim on their behalf so they did not have to deal with it directly. Alongside the physical injuries, we made sure the psychological impact was properly reflected — the effect on our client's confidence was a genuine consequence of what happened, not an afterthought.
THE OUTCOME
We secured £3,500 in compensation for the injuries our client suffered.
COULD YOU MAKE A SIMILAR CLAIM?
If you have been injured by someone else's deliberate act, you may still be able to claim compensation — either against the person or organisation responsible, or, where the assailant cannot be traced or has no means to pay, potentially through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Different time limits apply to different routes, and the CICA scheme has its own rules, so it is worth taking advice early.
COMMON QUESTIONS
CAN I MAKE A CLAIM IF I WAS ASSAULTED?
Often, yes. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may be possible against the person responsible, against an organisation that failed to keep you safe, or through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Which route applies depends on the facts, and we can talk you through the options free of charge. Read more about criminal injury claims.
DO I NEED TO HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE POLICE TO MAKE A CLAIM?
For a CICA claim, reporting the incident to the police is normally a requirement of the scheme. For a civil claim against a person or organisation it is not strictly required, but a police report is useful supporting evidence. If you haven't reported it, speak to us — it may still be possible.
CAN I CLAIM FOR LOSS OF CONFIDENCE AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
The psychological effects of an incident — anxiety, loss of confidence, avoiding something you used to enjoy — can form part of a claim where they are supported by medical evidence. They are treated as a real consequence of the injury, not an extra.
INJURED BY SOMEONE ELSE’S DELIBERATE ACT?
You may have more options than you think, even where the person responsible can't be traced. Call 0330 818 1202 for free, confidential advice with no obligation.