Now that the weather is improving, it is natural that children and adults alike may want to get out cycling. However, with more people around comes the heightened risk of children’s cycling accidents. There are some incidents where there may be an accident involving children where it is just that, an accident. However, if your child has had an accident where someone is to blame, then you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf.
Common Causes of Children’s Cycling Accidents
Many children have cycling accidents due to a variety of reasons. Some of these include:
- Hit and run accidents
- Cycling accidents in public areas such as skateparks and parks
- Accidents due to defects in playgrounds and pavements
- Slippery road or pavement conditions
- Collisions with other cyclists or pedestrians
If your child has had a cycling accident due to one of these reasons, then it may be someone else’s fault and you may be able to make a claim on their behalf.
Minimising Risks of Children’s Cycling Accidents
The nature of children means that they may have accidents that there is no one to blame for. There are certain ways that you can minimise your child’s risk of having an accident by taking certain precautions. Here are a few tips from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on how you can maximise the enjoyment and minimise the risk:
- Carry out a regular safety check (tyres at the correct pressure, brakes working and nothing loose like spokes, saddle or handlebars)
- Wearing a cycle helmet will help provide protection to the head in the event of a collision or falling off (remember to replace if damaged)
- Make sure your child is not wearing any loose clothing or shoelaces, which could become tangled in the chain or wheels
- Parents should ride with children to their competence and ability. Get them to demonstrate that they can safely control their bike and deal with other traffic
- For older children, if they are riding away from home plan the route with them; use cycle tracks and avoid busy roads and junctions if possible.
Claiming on Behalf of a Child
If a child is injured in an accident, then a parent or guardian may be able to make a claim on their behalf. The time limits are also different when making a claim on behalf of a child. Ordinarily a person would have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. This is different when claiming for a child.
In the case of a child’s accident, you have until they turn 18 to make a claim on their behalf. They then have three years from the date they turn 18 to make a claim. So, in theory, you may have a longer time in which to make a claim. however, it is always better to start a potential claim as soon as possible.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with all manner of personal injury claims. This includes children’s cycling accidents. Contact us by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.