Who Pays For Cycling Injury Compensation?

Who pays for cycling compensation claims?

In New South Wales, if you are injured in a cycling accident involving a motor vehicle, the CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurer of the vehicle at fault is responsible for paying your compensation claim. This includes covering medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

It’s important to note that you don’t have to prove who was at fault in the accident to claim compensation for up to 52 weeks for loss of income and medical expenses. The CTP scheme is designed to provide financial support to injured cyclists, regardless of who was responsible for the accident for up to 52 weeks.

To make a claim, you will need to provide evidence of the accident, in particular the accident must be reported to the police within 28 days, also medical reports and receipts for medical expenses for your injuries. You may also need to provide information about your income and employment.

It’s recommended to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. They can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Does my cycling accident injury qualify for a compensation claim?

Whether your cycling accident injury qualifies for a compensation claim in NSW depends on the circumstances of the accident. Here are two common scenarios:

1. Accident involving a motor vehicle:
• CTP insurance: If your accident involved a motor vehicle, you may be able to claim compensation under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This scheme requires all motor vehicle owners in NSW to have insurance that covers injuries caused by their vehicle.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a CTP claim, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
o The accident involved a motor vehicle and was reported to the police.
o You suffered an injury that resulted in time off work, hospitalization, or medical expenses.

2. Accident not involving a motor vehicle:
• Public liability insurance: If your accident was caused by the negligence of a property owner or occupier (e.g., a pothole in the road, a faulty bike path), you may be able to claim compensation under their public liability insurance.
• Other options: In some cases, you may be able to claim compensation through other means, such as workers’ compensation if the accident occurred during work hours.

Important considerations:
• Legal advice: It’s essential to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action.
• Time limits: There are strict time limits for making a compensation claim in NSW, so it’s crucial to act quickly. You should make a claim and report the accident to the police within 28 days.
• Evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Can I claim compensation if I was knocked off my bike?

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you were knocked off your bike in New South Wales (NSW). The specific circumstances of the accident will determine your eligibility and the type of compensation you may be entitled to. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Involvement of a Motor Vehicle: If a motor vehicle was involved in the accident, you may be able to claim compensation under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This scheme provides coverage for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, regardless of who was at fault.
• Type of Injuries: The severity of your injuries will impact the amount of compensation you may receive. More serious injuries generally result in higher compensation awards.

How much compensation for a cycling/bike accident?

The amount of compensation for a cycling/bike accident in New South Wales depends on several factors, including:
• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries generally result in higher compensation awards.
• Medical expenses: This includes costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Loss of income: Compensation may be awarded for lost wages due to time off work.
• Pain and suffering: This is awarded for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This accounts for the impact of the injuries on the victim’s quality of life.

What can I claim in a cycling accident?

If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident in New South Wales, you may be able to claim compensation under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This scheme covers personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, which includes accidents involving cyclists.

What you can claim:
• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Loss of income: If you’ve had to take time off work due to your injuries, you may be able to claim compensation for lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: You may be able to claim compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
• Other expenses: This may include the cost of home care, transportation, and other related expenses.

Important considerations:
• Fault: You can receive up to 52 weeks of loss of income and medical expenses without proving the driver was at fault. To claim benefits after 52 weeks or make a common law claim the driver of the vehicle must be at fault for the accident.
• Time limits: There are strict time limits for making a claim, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
• Legal advice: It’s recommended to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and options. They can help you navigate the complex legal process and maximize your claim.

How do I claim my cycling accident compensation entitlements?

Here are the steps on how to claim your cycling accident compensation entitlements in New South Wales:
1. Determine Eligibility:
– Motor Vehicle Involvement: If a motor vehicle was involved in the accident, you are likely eligible to claim compensation under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. This applies even if you were partially at fault.
– No Motor Vehicle Involvement: If no motor vehicle was involved, your options for compensation may be limited. You might consider making a claim under your personal accident insurance policy or pursuing a common law claim against a responsible party.
2. Gather Information:
– Accident Details: Record the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident. Report the accident to the Police within 28 days.
– Injuries and Medical Records: Document all injuries, medical treatments, and expenses.
– Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses to the accident.
– Vehicle Information: If a motor vehicle was involved, note the driver’s name, contact information, and vehicle registration number.
3. File a Claim:
– Motor Vehicle Accident: If a motor vehicle was involved, you can file a claim online through the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) portal. You will need to provide details about the accident, your injuries, and any medical expenses.
– No Motor Vehicle Involvement: If no motor vehicle was involved, you may need to consult with a lawyer to determine the best course of action for your claim.
4. Seek Legal Advice:
– While it’s possible to file a claim independently, consulting with a lawyer specialising in personal injury can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
5. Important Considerations:
– Time Limits: There are strict time limits for filing a claim, so act promptly.
– Evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.

Remember, this information is a general guide and may not cover all specific circumstances. It’s always advisable to seek professional legal advice to understand your rights and options.

How long does a cycling injury claim take?

The length of time a cycling injury claim takes in New South Wales can vary depending on several factors, including:
• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries will require more medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can extend the claim process.
• Complexity of the claim: If there are multiple parties involved or disputes about liability, the claim process can take longer.
• Cooperation of the insurance company: A cooperative insurance company can help to expedite the process.
• Legal representation: Hiring a lawyer can help to streamline the process.

Cycling Injury claim time limits

There are two main time limits to be aware of when making a cycling injury claim in New South Wales:
1. Application for Personal Injury Benefits: You must make this application within 28 days of the accident to preserve your rights to ongoing benefits like weekly payments and medical expenses.
2. Report the accident to the Police – the accident must be reported to the Police within 28 days
3. Common Law Claim for Damages: This claim must be made within 3 years of the accident date. However, it’s advisable to start this process within 1-2 years to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Failure to meet these deadlines could jeopardize your ability to claim compensation.

How many years after a cycling accident can you claim compensation?

In New South Wales, you have 3 years from the date of a cycling accident to make a claim for common law damages. However, there are specific timeframes for different types of claims and injury severity:
• Personal injury benefits: You must apply for these benefits within 28 days of the accident.
• Common law damages:
– You have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a common law claim for damages.
It’s important to note that these are general timeframes, and specific circumstances may affect your eligibility. It’s always best to consult with a legal professional to get personalised advice on your situation.

Who will pay my cycling injury compensation if I take legal action?

If you have been hit by a car whilst cycling, then you can make a claim through the NSW CTP Legislation. In NSW it is compulsory for all vehicles to have CTP insurance. That is insurance that covers the driver who is ordered to pay compensation for injuries sustained by another person. This would include a cyclist hit by another car. To make a claim for compensation if you have been injured by a motor vehicle whilst cycling you need to complete an Application for Personal Injury Benefits through the SIRA website.

www.sira.nsw.gov.au

An application for personal injury benefits must be made within 28 days of the date of the accident. You also need to report the accident to the Police, also within 28 days, and obtain an event number.

You need to obtain a medical certificate from your general practitioner in relation to the nature of the injuries you have received, what treatment is required, and if you need time off work due to your injuries.

Once you have completed a claim form online you are entitled to payment of loss of income and payment of reasonable medical expenses.

All compensation is payable by the CTP insurer. Loss of income and medical expenses are paid for up to 12 months regardless of who was at fault, you only need to show that the injuries were sustained injury in a car accident.

What can I claim cycling accident compensation for?

Once you have made a claim for compensation through SIRA, you are entitled to the following compensation.

For the first 12 months

For the first 12 months you are entitled to claim loss of income and payments of medical expenses. For the first 13 weeks, you are entitled to up to 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings, and thereafter up to 80% of your pre-injury earnings.

After 12 months

To obtain ongoing weekly payments of compensation and medical expenses after 6 months, the insurer must accept the following.

1.     That you were not wholly or predominantly at fault.

2.     That your injuries are not assessed as being minor injuries.

If you satisfy both categories, then you are entitled to ongoing payments of weekly compensation and medical expenses and you are also entitled to make a claim for Common Law Damages. This is a second type of claim under the legislation.

A claim for damages entitles you to make a lump sum claim for compensation for:

1.     Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life (if you have a greater than 10% whole person impairment).

2.     Damages for loss of income, including loss of superannuation for both past and future.

How long will a cycling injury claim take?

To make an initial claim for compensation, you must do so within 28 days of the accident. The CTP insurer will then commence payments of weekly compensation and medical expenses almost immediately.

Once your injuries have stabilised, you can make a Common Law Claim for Damages if;

1.     You were not wholly or predominantly at fault.

2.     Your injuries are not assessed as being minor injuries.

The time to consider a common law claim is usually  12 months following the injury.

Most claims for damages are commenced and finalised between 2 years and 3 years following the motor vehicle accident.

Are there any time limits when making a cycling injury claim?

Yes, there are several time limits to make a cycling injury claim in NSW.

The first-time limit is that you must make an application for personal injury benefits within 28 days from the date of the accident. You must also notify the Police of the accident within 28 days. Failure to notify the Police of the accident could prevent you from making a claim.

You then must make a claim for common law damages within 3 years from the date of the accident but it is best to make a common law claim between 1 year and 2 years following the injury.

The Motor Accident Injuries Act NSW 2017 has strict time limits in which to commence claims and you should contact an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law to ensure your claim is commenced within the required time limits.