Making a personal injury claim after pothole road accident

nerion

Hi all,

I had a pretty nasty road accident last week after my bicycle hit a pothole at speed and I ended up being thrown off into a tree.

I'm not a fan of this whole "compensation culture" thing, but I've been told by a few people that I should take action against the council responsible for the roads.

The road in question is covered in potholes - and I was pretty badly injured. I smashed up both knees and have two massive scratches down my face, one of which probably lead to a permanent scar. My glasses and bike were also damaged. I also suffered shock.

So what is the best way to pursue this? I know there are loads of "no win, no fee" firms out there, but I have no idea which ones, if any, are reputable - or if that's the best way to take any action.

I'd be really grateful for any advice.

neilmcl

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/pothole-claims

Gavin83

How much did the damage to your bike and glasses cost to fix? That's the extent of your potential claim.

nerion

Really?! So being permanently scarred is fair game?

Cotta

Bicycle or motorbike?

nerion

Thanks for the link, Neil, but that is only about damage to vehicles. It recommends getting legal advice for injuries but doesn't say where from.

nerion

Cottta, bicycle.

BooJewels

Do you have legal cover with your household insurance policy - they tend to cover personal injury matters? Mine has a 24 hour helpline, so if you have one, a call might be worthwhile.

Gavin83

nerion wrote: »

Really?! So being permanently scarred is fair game?

What medical evidence have you got that it'll lead to a permanent scar? You can claim for facial scarring but it will depend on the extent of the injury.

You didn't answer my question anyway, what was the cost of the damage to your glasses and bike?

Were you wearing any protective equipment such as a helmet?

nerion

Damage to specs has been repaired for free at the opticians'. Damage to bike is only minor but still not great - a few scratches. The main damage is to me.

And yes, I was wearing a helmet.

lincroft1710

nerion wrote: »

I had a pretty nasty road accident last week after my bicycle hit a pothole at speed

The road in question is covered in potholes

This 2nd statement will beg the question "If you knew that why were you going so fast?"