Lawyers have warned Edinburgh City Council that they must take preventative action in order to prevent a fatality.
According to many experts, the nature of some of the turns on the road as well as the placement of the tram tracks means that a fatal accident is imminent. One law firm has stated that it has over 100 claimants taking legal action against the council, with experts warning that there are more injuries as a result of tram tracks and road traffic accidents.
Despite defending its safety record, the city council are facing compensation claims of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Injuries to Cyclists
In January, it was reported that at least sixty cyclists were taking legal action against the council following falls as a result of the tram tracks. Injuries included broken jaws, cheekbones and collarbones as well as collisions with other vehicles attempting to evade trams.
Many of the cyclists are injured as a result of tram tracks going directly through cycling lanes with the turn at Edinburgh’s Haymarket considered to be the most dangerous area of the city’s tram network. The area of the track in question presents a rather sharp bend with many cyclists getting their wheels stuck in the tracks, skidding, colliding with trams of falling off their bike as a result of the turn. Due to the vulnerable nature of cyclists, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they fall off their bike or are struck by another car.
Some cyclists have required surgery as a result of their falls with many having serious injuries and lasting damage.
Need to Accept And Adapt to Tram According to Council
Edinburgh’s city council have stated that the best way to avoid any accident is to take any turn near a tram track as close to a right angle as possible, and have defended their safety record. City of Edinburgh Council transport convener Lesley Hinds said: “We have always encouraged cyclists to take care when travelling near the tram tracks, especially during wet weather when they can become slippery.
“The council advises that it’s best to cross the tracks as close to a right angle as possible and to take extra care to avoid getting wheels caught in between the rail grooves.
“We have also installed signage which helps to guide cyclists along the safest possible routes.”
Making a Personal Injury Claim
While many cyclists are making claims for their injuries, it is worthwhile noting that you do not only need to make a claim for your injuries, but can also claim for damage to property, any rehabilitation costs or any loss of employment as a result of your injuries. If you have been injured cycling in Edinburgh as a result of the tram tracks or anywhere else through no fault of your own, you will be able to make a personal injury claim.
In order to make a personal injury claim it is imperative to have as much evidence as possible including key details about the accident, a medical report and any proof or witness statements about the accident.
Contact Us Today
To begin a personal injury proceeding, contact our team of specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how you could make a claim. Get in touch today using our online contact form.