Cyclist wins £5,000 compensation from council after sign crash
A local authority was ordered to pay compensation to a cyclist after he suffered personal injury when he crashed into the back of a temporary road works sign which was blocking the cycle path.
The Poole bicycle accident resulted in the man, who was knocked unconscious, suffering injuries which included torn muscles and tendons in his legs and a damaged elbow as well as a suspected brain injury.
He told a judge at Bournemouth County Court that the sign was unlit and he did not see it until it was too late, causing him to crash into it.
The machine engraver, who was unable to work for several weeks after the road accident, was awarded £5,000 damages by the court which also ordered the Borough of Poole to pay £8,099 costs. The council had denied liability.
After the case, the victim told the local press the amount of damages was not important, he just wanted the council to be punished and he was pleased the judge had made it clear that cyclists and other path users should be protected.
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
