Cyclist suffers foot fracture in Glasgow roundabout collision
At Cycle Law Scotland, we regularly encounter insurers denying liability for cycling accidents. Some denials raise genuine disputes about how a collision occurred. Others leave us wondering whether anyone has properly considered the evidence.
When a Glasgow cyclist was knocked off his bike by a driver entering a roundabout, we thought liability should be straightforward. The driver had even apologised at the scene.
Her insurer, however, had other ideas.
Our client was cycling through a roundabout in Glasgow on a bright, clear day when a driver entered the roundabout and collided with him.
Under Rule 185 of the Highway Code, drivers approaching a roundabout must give priority to traffic approaching from their right, unless directed otherwise. Our client was already circulating on the roundabout when the driver entered and collided with him.
He suffered an avulsion fracture to his foot and his brand new Merida Reacto bike was destroyed.
The driver was very upset at the scene and apologised profusely. Liability ought to have been straight forward – road users should give way to traffic approaching from their right before entering a roundabout.
Insurer denies liability despite driver's apology
So, imagine our surprise when liability was denied by the drivers insurers! The insurer's position was straightforward: their driver had looked, the road was clear, she entered the roundabout and did not see any cyclist.
The problem with that argument was obvious. If a driver enters a roundabout and collides with a cyclist who is already on it, saying "I didn't see him" is rarely a defence. More often, it is the very reason the collision occurred.
Our client's account was clear and consistent. He was riding in a normal road position, travelling through the roundabout towards his intended exit and conditions were excellent. He explained that the vehicle approached from his left, appeared to be slowing, and then accelerated into the roundabout colliding with him. The collision threw him from his bike and left the bicycle trapped beneath the front of the car.
The photographs taken at the scene showed the bicycle lodged beneath the front nearside corner of the vehicle, exactly where our client said it would be after the impact.
Perhaps most tellingly, our client recalled the driver apologising and stating that she had not seen him. That was entirely consistent with a failure to keep a proper lookout and entirely inconsistent with the suggestion that our client had somehow appeared unexpectedly.
Court proceedings prompt insurer to admit liability
We immediately took a statement from our client confirming (as suspected) that he did not appear out of thin air and accordingly, raised his case at the National Personal Injury Court.
Despite the confidence of the initial denial, the insurer's position changed dramatically once court proceedings were raised.
Liability was promptly admitted and the matter moved into settlement discussions. The case was then successfully resolved within approximately six months of the accident, despite the need for a Court action to be raised.
Specialist cycling lawyers secure early settlement
For us, the real story is not simply that liability was eventually admitted, it is that a claim which initially faced a complete denial was progressed quickly and efficiently through careful preparation, detailed evidence gathering and a willingness to challenge an untenable defence.
As a niche cycling injury practice, we are proud of the attention we give to every case. We do not carry out investigations simply to tick boxes. We take the time to understand exactly what happened, identify weaknesses in the opposition's position and keep matters moving forward wherever possible. That approach often allows us to cut through unnecessary disputes and achieve early resolutions for our clients.
Our client had this to say, "Roz Galloway at Cycle Law Scotland represented me after being hit by a car in April 2026. What we believed would be a straightforward case, turned complicated when the insurers refused to accept liability. Despite difficulties, Roz remained steadfast and was extremely communicative, accessible, and helpful throughout the entire process. We were able to achieve a good settlement at the end. She is also lovely person in general and was a delight to work with. I highly recommend Cycle Law Scotland! Thanks for your excellent work, Roz!"
We were delighted to be able to resolve this case and pleased to hear that our client is back on his new bike and back to racing and training.
Our Award Winning Team
Brenda Mitchell
Senior Partner
Brenda has been a Personal Injury Lawyer for over 38 years and for the last 20 years has specialised representing injured motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Jodi Gordon
Partner
Jodi is a Partner at RTA Law LLP with 14+ years’ experience in catastrophic injury claims for vulnerable road users including cyclists and motorcyclists.
Thomas Mitchell
Partner
Thomas represents clients who have been involved in road traffic incidents and he specialises in representing vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
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