The Bournemouth Echo reports that a cyclist has won £5,000 in compensation having been involved in a cycling accident. Roger Excell was cycling when he collided with a temporary road sign back in August 2007. He suffered several muscle injuries to his legs and groin area and tore his tendons. As such he was unable to walk for several weeks. Mr Excell also took a week off work and required his wife to carry out several household chores and provide him with care and assistance.
It would appear as Mr Excell was making his way to work he hit a temporary road works sign which was obstructing the cycle path he was using. This occurred despite the fact that Mr Excell had taken several precautions, in particular, he was using a headlamp to ensure that he could clearly see anything in front of him (or so he hoped!) Fortunately, Mr Excell was also wearing a helmet – it was a good job he was! His helmet cracked into two pieces upon his impact with the ground and he was left unconscious. We can only imagine that the outcome may have been far, far worse had Mr Excell not been wearing a helmet.
In the court case the judge made it clear to Poole Council, who were responsible for the road works, that they had a duty to ensure users of their highways are safe. We all know that road works are a part of everyday life. It seems that wherever we go someone is trying to improve our highways in some way or to make right any problems that have occurred. To make sure we are aware of these road works, those undertaking them have to clearly warn road users that road works are ahead; to do this, a variety of signs are used as well as traffic lights and lighted barriers. Although these signs are there to warn road users, the signage must be placed in safe positions so that accidents like that which happened to Mr Excell do not occur.
If you have been unlucky enough to have had a collision with, or an accident involving road working equipment, and have subsequently sustained an injury, please report this accident to those undertaking the works. Then get in touch with a quality personal injury lawyer who can advise you as to your potential claim. Remember the advice at The Injury Lawyers is free so you have nothing to lose in contacting us. In fact, you could be making your first steps to obtaining thousands of pounds in compensation.
