Cycle injury lawyer backs police operation on motorists passing too close to cyclists

Cycle injury specialist, David McWilliam is backing a West Midlands Police initiative to target drivers who drive too close to cyclists as they overtake. Police will initially offer warnings at the roadside. Repeat offenders will be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

Ellis Jones specialise in cycle injury claims and have seen an increase in claims of this nature. Here are just 3 examples of recent cases that have been taken on :

1. A car overtook a cyclist on a quiet road and his wing mirror hit the cyclist’s arm and knocked him off resulting in extensive bruising to his arm & a serious injury to the shoulder.
2. A lorry passed to close to the cyclist and an argument developed further down the road between the driver and the cyclist. Eventually, the cyclist stopped to let some cars out of a junction and the lorry driver deliberately drove into the rear of the bike. Fortunately, the cyclist survived with relatively minor injuries.
3. A car towing a trailer overtook a cyclist and pulled back in too soon and the trailer hit the cyclist knocking him off. He sustained a fracture to a shoulder and is now having extensive physiotherapy treatment. He may need an operation.

If you have been knocked off your bike in an accident that was not your fault, contact David McWilliam, Partner & Head of Personal Injury at Ellis Jones to discuss your case. This is free of charge. Telephone 01202 057710 or e-mail david.mcwilliam@ellisjones.co.uk