'Edward' - Knocked off his bicycle by a lorry

Case handler: Matthew Dixon (Senior Solicitor)

In this case, our client was a cyclist who was driven into by a lorry and knocked off. It is then believed that the rear wheels of the lorry ran over her lower limbs causing multiple fractures, a degloving injury along with facial fractures, dental damage and multiple cuts.

Key elements of our client's case

Our client was cycling at the nearside of the road wearing a helmet and bright clothing. Traffic was heavy and our client passed on the nearside of the lorry and moved to a position just ahead of the cab of the lorry. Our client and the lorry were travelling at a similar speed. As they approached a pedestrian crossing, the lights changed to amber and the lorry accelerated in an attempt to 'beat the lights'. As the lorry proceeded through the crossing, the driver veered the lorry slightly to the nearside kerb and collided with our client.

Where we added value as serious injury specialists

The defendant was subject to a long criminal trial at which the defendant was found not guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and subsequently his insurer refused to admit liability for our client's claim. Extensive enquiries were made in relation to liability which was scrutinised in forensic detail. Detailed analysis was also carried out in relation to CCTV and dashcam footage. Ultimately, we satisfied ourselves that there were reasonable prospects of obtaining a finding of primary liability against the Defendant.

Reaching settlement

Proceedings were commenced and our belief in the case and the pressure we had imposed was fully justified as the defendant, who previously had refused to pay our client anything, then made a large five figure offer to settle the matter which represented our 100% valuation of the claim and was accepted by our client.