Cyclists are among the most vulnerable groups on the road, and the injuries they can sustain in a bicycle accident are often severe due to the lack of physical protection they have compared to motorists. If a driver or other road user negligently caused your injuries, you can start the cycling accident claims process by gathering evidence, documenting your losses, and connecting with an experienced solicitor. Taking your first steps towards claiming personal injury compensation can seem daunting, but our friendly team of advisors are here to help you explore your options and give you the support you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Cycling accidents can have many causes, including potholes, speeding, and distracted drivers.
- Common cycling injuries include fractures, concussions, and soft tissue damage.
- A government road casualty factsheet recorded 14,549 reported cyclist injuries on British roads in 2024.
- Injured cyclists may require lifelong care and private treatments, the cost of which may be recoverable in a successful claim.
- A solicitor from our panel can represent your bicycle accident claim on a No Win No Fee basis, providing expert, personalised support from start to finish.
Our advisors are available throughout the week, so please reach out to them for the answers you’re searching for. You can start your cycling accident compensation claim anytime by:
- Calling 020 8050 4194
- Contacting us online
- Using our live chat
Jump To A Section
- Can I Claim For Injuries After A Cycling Accident?
- Examples Of Cycling Accident Claims
- What Injuries Could Be Caused By An Accident Whilst Cycling?
- How Much Cycling Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
- What Will I Need To Prove Fault For My Cycling Accident?
- How Long Will I Have To Claim For Cycling Injuries?
- Cycling Accident Claims With No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
Can I Claim For Injuries After A Cycling Accident?
Yes, you can claim for injuries after a cycle accident if they were caused by the negligent actions of a third party, such as a driver, pedestrian, or fellow cyclist. This involves demonstrating that:
- The third party owed you a duty of care. – Cyclists are classified as road users and share a duty of care with all who use British roads, including motorists. In short, this is a legal obligation that requires road users to travel in a way that avoids causing injury to others. It also means that they must follow the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
- This duty was breached. – For example, a driver did not check that a junction was clear before pulling out, causing them to hit a cyclist and knock them off their bike.
- This breach led to an injury. – Cyclists can suffer various injuries, such as soft tissue damage, to more severe injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries and brain damage.
Can Cycling Accident Claims Be Made On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, cycling accident claims can be made on behalf of a loved one if they cannot pursue compensation on their own because they are under 18 or mentally incapacitated. Under such circumstances, you can act as a litigation friend to claim for your loved one and represent their best interests throughout the process.
You can quickly see if you have a valid bike accident claim by speaking with one of our helpful advisors.
Examples Of Cycling Accident Claims
Injuries caused by speeding drivers, poorly maintained roads, and inattentive motorists are among the most common causes of cycling accident claims. We take a look at these 3 scenarios in more detail below:
- A motorist speeds through a 20mph zone and doesn’t have enough time to brake before colliding with a cyclist at a toucan crossing. The impact causes the rider to suffer a severe head injury.
- The local council delays repairs to several potholes on a busy town road. This results in a cyclist hitting one of the defects, sustaining multiple arm and leg fractures.
- A driver, distracted by a phone conversation, fails to notice they have veered into a bike lane. They subsequently hit a cyclist, leaving the rider with a serious concussion and a dislocated shoulder.
Your experience may differ from the above examples, so please reach out to our advisory team to discuss your accident circumstances confidentially and determine whether you can claim compensation.
What Injuries Could Be Caused By An Accident Whilst Cycling?
Due to a rider’s relative lack of physical protection, fractures, tooth loss, and dislocations are some common injuries that could be caused by an accident whilst cycling. Nevertheless, injuries can vary depending on the nature and severity of the incident, and a cycling accident may lead to:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Range from concussions to bleeds on the brain.
- Spinal cord damage: Potential for full or partial paralysis.
- Broken bones/fractures: Typically affect the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament or muscle tears.
- Road rash: Skin abrasions and deep cuts. Severe cases can cause permanent scarring and infections.
- Psychological harm: Encompasses post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Our advisors are here 24/7, so please don’t hesitate to share your situation and get a free case assessment today to see if you can make a cycling accident claim.
How Much Cycling Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
How much cycling injury compensation you can claim will likely depend on the nature of the harm you suffered, its impact on your daily life, and whether there have been financial losses. Your solicitor may use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when assessing general damages, the part of a claim that covers your pain and suffering. This document is widely used because it lists suggested brackets of compensation for various injuries.
You can find some of the JCG’s brackets below, but please note that the top entry isn’t from the publication, and none of the rows guarantee how much compensation you might receive.
| Injury/Severity | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Injuries and Financial Losses | Up to £1 million+ | Special damages may account for lost earnings, care costs, and medical expenses. |
| Brain Damage; Very Severe | £344,150 to £493,000 | Award will be influenced by extent of the claimant’s insight and physical limitations. |
| Paralysis; Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | Compensation level can account for depression and degree of pain. |
| Back; Severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | Spinal cord and nerve root damage, causing severe pain. |
| Neck; Severe (i) | In the region of £181,020 | Often connected with incomplete paraplegia or permanent spastic quadriparesis. |
| Arm; Permanent and Substantial Disablement | £117,360 to £159,770 | Fractures to 1 or both forearms, causing significant and permanent ongoing disability. |
| Pelvis/Hips; Severe (i) | £95,680 to £159,770 | Includes pelvis fractures that are extensive, such as low joint dislocation. |
| Leg; Severe (ii) Very Serious | £66,920 to £109,290 | Covers fractures that need extensive treatment and have caused limited movement or serious deformity. |
| Shoulder; Severe | £23,430 to £58,610 | Often involving significant disability caused by brachial plexus damage. |
| Elbow; Less Severe Injuries | £19,100 to £39,070 | Function impairment, but there is no significant disability or major surgical procedures. |
Can Cycling Accident Claims Cover Other Damages?
Yes, cycling accident claims cover other damages, specifically any financial losses arising from an injury. Through a head of claim known as special damages, you may be reimbursed for any provable out-of-pocket expenses, such as:
- Lost wages, bonuses, and other work benefits.
- Day-to-day assistance from family or professional carers.
- Private treatments, consultations, and other associated medical costs.
- Physiotherapy and mental health services.
- Bike repairs or replacement of damaged belongings.
These losses (and any others) can only be claimed for if there is evidence of them, such as bank statements and payslips. You can discuss this in further detail and get more tailored guidance by reaching out today.
What Will I Need To Prove Fault For My Cycling Accident?
The evidence you will need to prove fault for your cycling accident can include medical records, CCTV footage, and police reports (if one was made). This proof should clearly show how a third party’s negligent actions caused your cycling injuries, and may also include:
- Dashcam or helmet camera footage.
- Contact details for anyone who witnessed the incident. A solicitor can use this information to gather eyewitness statements.
- If a driver caused the accident, collect their contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration.
- Photographs from multiple angles can document your injuries, bicycle damage, other property damage, and the accident scene. For potholes, include a measuring tape in the photo to show the defect’s dimensions.
A solicitor from our panel can support you during the bicycle accident claims process by helping to gather evidence on your behalf. You can find out more about this by chatting with an advisor.
How Long Will I Have To Claim For Cycling Injuries?
You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to claim for cycling injuries sustained because of a negligent road user. This is established by the Limitation Act 1980, but the time limit does not apply to children or adults with limited mental capacity, as neither group can claim on their own. Rather, this 3-year window only takes effect if and when a claimant:
- Turns 18.
- Recovers their mental capacity (if they ever do).
Claimants belonging to one of these groups can still pursue compensation during the pause on the time limit by being represented by a litigation friend. If you’d like to discuss this further or see if you have time to claim, please contact our advisors today.
Cycling Accident Claims With No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct
You can get expert support throughout the cycling accident claims process from one of the dedicated solicitors making up our panel here at No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct. Our panel of solicitors use a Conditional Fee Agreement when representing their clients. This particular type of No Win No Fee agreement ensures clients never pay their solicitor upfront or ongoing service fees. It also means their solicitors don’t charge any service fees if a claim fails.
For successful claims, our panel of solicitors receive a legally limited percentage of the cycling accident compensation. This is referred to as a success fee and is always fully explained to clients before they start the claims process.
Our panel of solicitors don’t just offer advantageous No Win No Fee terms; they provide compassionate, individualised support that prioritises the well-being of every client. That includes:
- Help with obtaining the proof needed to strengthen your cycling injury claim.
- Professional representation in all correspondence related to your case.
- Regular updates to keep you informed about your claim.
- Being connected with physiotherapists, mental health practitioners, and other specialists.
Contact Our Team
Whether you’d like more tailored guidance on the cycling accident claims process or want to get started today, our advisors are ready to help. You can contact them by:
- Calling 020 8050 4194
- Contacting us online
- Using our live chat
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find further answers addressing some frequently asked questions about the cycling accident claims process below.
How Long Will A Cycling Accident Claim Take?
Generally, how long a cycling accident claim takes depends on case-specific factors, such as the availability of evidence and the defendant’s willingness to admit liability for an injury.
Will I Need To Go To Court Over A Cycling Claim?
You are unlikely to need to go to court over a cycling claim, as the vast majority of cases are settled before this stage. That said, claims may require a court hearing if a defendant doesn’t admit liability or disagrees over the compensation amount to be awarded.
Can I Claim For Damage To My Bicycle?
Yes, you can claim for damage to your bicycle if it was sustained in the accident that injured you. You may also be able to pursue compensation for damage to other property and belongings.
What If The Liable Party Was Uninsured?
If the liable party was uninsured, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. This non-profit organisation can award compensation to individuals who have been in accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers.
What If I Were Injured By A Road Defect Or Hazard?
If you were injured by a road defect or hazard, you can pursue a claim against the authority responsible for maintenance. Typically, this responsibility falls on a local council or a highways authority.
Learn More
You can learn more about personal injury claims by reading our guides on:
- Navigating the accident at work claims process.
- Learn when you could make a public liability claim.
- Advice on slip, trip and fall claims.
Some additional resources:
- Advice on cycling safety from the government’s Think! Campaign.
- Government factsheet covering road traffic casualties for 2024.
- Police guidance on making a road traffic incident report.
Get in touch today to find out how a solicitor from our expert panel can help you navigate the cycling accident claims process.