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0808 100 9995If you have had an accident today but have not been medically examined, think now - is it necessary?
Often people feel fine - until a few hours later - maybe in the early hours of the next morning when their sleep is disturbed by aches and pains especially in the back and neck. If you have any doubts, make an appointment to see your GP or, if you have taken a knock on the head, go to casualty.
Head injuries can be subtle; symptoms to watch for are headaches, vomiting, unsteadiness, dozyness and forgetfulness.
Unfortunately, it is almost always the cyclist who is worse off in terms of injury after a collision but the following points, to be found on our contact card (free if you telephone the help line with your name and address), are these:-
- Try to remain calm and polite; you will control the situation more easily if you keep your temper and the emergency services, the Police particularly, will be more prepared to listen to you.
- Try to identify the precise location where the impact occurred and mark it.
- Obtain names and addresses of any witnesses.
- Even if the accident is damage only (no injury) Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires the driver of the vehicle to provide their own name and address and, if different, the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle. If this information is not forthcoming as soon as reasonably practical or within 24-hours at most, the accident becomes compulsorily reportable to the Police.
If there is any injury in the accident the incident has to be reported to the Police as soon as possible and at the latest within 24-hours. The driver must produce his insurance certificate to anyone who reasonably requires it (that includes the injured party or their representatives) and to the Police within 7 days.
- Note the registration numbers of the vehicles involved.
- Sketch or photograph the location, road surface and damaged vehicles/cycles, noting skid or other marks and debris on the road. (An example of a suitable sketch plan is below)
- Keep the cycle in its damaged state.
- If injuries are involved or statutory details are not forthcoming, report the accident to the Police.
- Seek detailed free legal advice from the Cyclists' National Helpline: 0808 100 9995
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