Fatal accident involving a bicycle

An elderly man in his 80s was involved in a fatal accident involving a bicycle. He was walking through the grounds of a stately home when a cyclist travelling at excessive speed emerged around a corner and hit him from behind. The impact threw him into the air and caused him to land on his head.

The deceased sustained a subarachnoid haemorrhage and subdural haematoma. He also suffered skull fractures, including a fracture of the zygomatic arch, which forms part of the cheekbone. In addition, he suffered a C7 fracture in his spine.

Due to the severity of his injuries, he died shortly afterwards in hospital.

Although elderly, he was active and independent at the time of the accident. He was in the process of completing a four-mile walk with his wife when the accident happened. He regularly drove and was a keen golfer and bridge player.

Matthew Tuff acted for the deceased’s widow, the claimant, in this tragic case.

This was a complex claim. One of the issues involved the extent to which the injuries caused the death due to pre-existing medical conditions.

The team was keen to ensure the claimant’s grief was not compounded by significant financial losses following her husband’s death.

A six-figure settlement was recovered from the defendant to provide future financial security and help give the claimant reassurance during an incredibly difficult time.

If you or a loved one has been injured or died in an accident that wasn’t your fault, our serious injury specialists can help you access the support you may need to move forward. Contact Fletchers for a free, no-obligation conversation about your circumstances.