Cycling victim awarded 19 times more compensation

Stuart McIlroy was involved in a cycling accident on a sunny afternoon one Sunday when the driver ‘just didn’t see me’ coming around the roundabout and pulled out, knocking him off his bike.

Our personal injury solicitors in Aberdeen turned his £1,000 full and final settlement offer into £19,500 for his injuries and losses.

Insurers offer £1,000 injury compensation

Stuart tried to deal with the insurers directly and although they paid for a replacement bike and clothing, they only offered £1,000 compensation for his injuries.

“My shoulder was just uncomfortable at the beginning but as the weeks went on, it just got progressively worse.

“I was in constant pain and couldn’t sleep at night or do any heavy lifting – I was wary of everything I did so I didn’t cause any more pain or injury.”

As his prognosis was still ongoing at the time, he decided to get independent legal advice. It later turned out that his injuries were ligament damage and he needed an operation.

Cycling accident claim with Digby Brown - and insurers raise offer to £6,500

Once Stuart came to Digby Brown Aberdeen, the insurers then raised their offer to £6,500 – without any medical evidence even being collected.

“I thought their second offer was pretty good and sounded about right but I sat with my personal injury solicitor in the Digby Brown Aberdeen office and went through everything. They advised that I shouldn’t accept the offer as I still didn’t have my full prognosis. I decided to take their advice and wait.”

Operation to resolve injuries

Stuart underwent an operation to his shoulder to try and resolve the injury.

“The most frustrating thing was having to wait for an operation on my shoulder but the insurers refused to pay for me to have it done privately. Eventually, I had the operation on Christmas Eve which meant Christmas Day was a bit of a wash out."

“I love cycling and I’m now back doing it but I’m now very cautious on the road, especially at roundabouts. I don’t think people understand the impact a road traffic accident can have until it happens to you.”

Cycling accident compensation 19 times the initial offer

With expert legal advice throughout the cycling accident claim, Stuart was awarded £19,500 to compensate him for his injuries and losses from the cycling accident – over 19 times the initial offer.

“I didn’t expect that amount of compensation. If I was being optimistic I would expect around £9,000.

“With the compensation, I am now back to where I was. I am very grateful to Digby Brown for all they did.”

What advice would you give to others after a cycling accident?

“The same advice that was given to me. Unless you are absolutely desperate for the money, don’t accept the first offer from insurers.

“If you are not liable for the cycling accident and you have been injured, get expert legal advice and wait it out to get the best outcome.