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Bicycles are generally a safe form of transport and are commonly used across the UK. However, when road safety laws and regulations are not followed, accidents can occur, causing cyclists minimal or serious injuries. Cycling accident claims provide compensation to those who suffered injuries in such accidents. So, if you were injured in a cycling accident that was not your fault, you could pursue a claim with us here at Legal Helpline to help get your life back on track.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, there were a total of 14,549 reported cycle accidents that led to either slight, serious or fatal injuries.
- Cyclists can be involved in accidents with cars, taxis, buses and pedestrians.
- Cycling injuries could vary from soft tissue damage to more severe injuries such as spinal cord and brain injuries.
- If a road user breached road safety laws, resulting in your cycling injuries, you may claim compensation.
- Our panel of solicitors at Legal Helpline may help you claim cycle injury compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
Contact Us
Contact our advisors for a free claims consultation to find out if you can pursue a cycling injury claim with our panel of solicitors.
Jump To A Section
- What Are Cycling Accident Claims?
- Can I Make A Claim After Being Injured While Cycling?
- What Are Some Common Cycling Accidents That Might Occur?
- What If I Was Injured By A Pothole Whilst Cycling?
- What Injuries Could Be Caused By A Bicycle Accident?
- How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Cycling Injuries?
- What Is Needed To Claim Cycle Accident Compensation?
- How Can Legal Helpline Assist With My Claim?
- No Win No Fee Cycling Accident Claims With Our Panel Of Solicitors
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 11More Information
What Are Cycling Accident Claims?
Cycling accident claims are a type of personal injury claim where compensation can be pursued for any cycling injuries and subsequent financial losses suffered due to the negligent actions of another road user.
All road users have a duty of care to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner to avoid causing injury to themselves or others. This includes cyclists, drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. As part of their duty, they must also adhere to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) and the Highway Code. If they fail to use the roads in a safe and reasonable manner, causing harm to cyclists, this gives rise to cycling accident claims.
Our panel of solicitors specialise in road traffic accident claims and may help you claim cycling injury compensation. If you have any questions about cycling accident claims, please contact our friendly advisors.
Can I Make A Claim After Being Injured While Cycling?
Yes, you may make a claim after being injured while cycling if it can be proven that the injuries were caused by another road user who acted negligently and failed to comply with road safety laws.
Essentially, to have a valid claim, your case must meet the following:
- You were owed a duty of care. All road users have a legal responsibility to use the roads in a safe manner to avoid causing any injuries or damage to themselves or other users of the road.
- That duty of care was breached. If road users are negligent, such as not adhering to speed limits, driving under the influence, or failing to give way, for example, this is considered as them breaching their duty of care.
- This resulted in your injuries. This can include physical and psychological injuries that are medically recognised, such as fractures or anxiety, for example.
Contact us today to find out if you are eligible to pursue a cycling injury claim.
What Are Some Common Cycling Accidents That Might Occur?
Some common cycling accidents include being hit by a vehicle or a car door, accidents involving public transportation, and accidents with other cyclists. Below, we explore these and other examples in more depth.
Cyclist Hit By A Car
For example, a cyclist may have safely stopped at a red light when a car behind fails to slow in time, colliding with the cyclist from the rear and causing them to fall from their bike and suffer a shoulder and arm injury.
Cyclist Hit By A Vehicle Door
For example, a cyclist may be riding on a bicycle lane when a car user negligently fails to check the mirror before opening the door. This results in the cyclists colliding with the open car door and suffering a chest injury.
Vehicles Overtaking Cyclist Too Closely
For example, a driver misjudges the distance when trying to overtake, and their vehicle scrapes the handlebars of the bike, causing the cyclists to lose balance and fall onto the pavement and suffer a broken arm.
Cycling Accidents Involving Buses Or Coaches
For example, a bus driver may pull away from a bus stop without checking the mirror for traffic behind. As a result, they fail to see a cyclist and collide with them, causing the cyclist to suffer a severe spinal injury and brain damage.
Cycling Accidents Caused By Delivery Vans Stopping or Loading Illegally
For example, a heavy goods van may illegally unload goods on the corner of a street with a cycle path. The cyclist turns the corner and collides with the back of the van, as they could not see the vehicle there, and suffers a broken nose and cheekbones.
Cyclist Injured By A Reversing Vehicle
For example, a motorbike may reverse out of a driveway when it is unsafe to do so, without checking for oncoming vehicles. This causes them to back up into a passing cyclist, who then suffers a leg injury.
Accidents Involving Ride-Share Or Taxi Vehicles
For example, a taxi driver may fail to adhere to the rules of the roundabout, exiting it in the wrong lane. This causes them to crash into a cyclist who was using the roundabout correctly, and they suffer from multiple injuries, including a back injury.
Collisions Between Two Cyclists
For example, a cyclist may not be paying attention to the road ahead because they are distracted by their phone on the bicycle mount. This means they fail to notice the cyclist in the bicycle lane ahead of them has come to a stop at a junction, colliding into the back of them, and both cyclists suffer various injuries.
Regardless of the type of cycling accident you were injured in, discuss this with our advisors to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
What If I Was Injured By A Pothole Whilst Cycling?
If you were injured by a pothole whilst cycling, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Such claims are typically made against local councils or the Highway Authority as they have a duty of care to ensure roads are safe for all those who use them. If you can prove they breached their duty, resulting in your cycling injuries, you may be eligible to pursue a claim against them.
For example, if a pothole had been reported to them and they failed to repair it within a reasonable time, causing your accident and subsequent injuries.
Contact us today with any questions you may have about pothole cycling accident claims.
What Injuries Could Be Caused By A Bicycle Accident?
Various injuries could be caused by a bicycle accident, such as fractures, soft tissue damage and concussions. Below, we provide some additional examples:
- Head injuries such as brain damage or concussion
- Spinal injuries such as paralysis
- Fractured and broken bones
- Facial injuries such as broken teeth or jaw
- Psychological harm
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage
- Scarring and laceration injuries
Whether you suffered minor or serious injuries, it is important to seek medical attention. This ensures you receive the correct treatment and may support your claim.
Discuss your cycling injuries with our advisors today to find out if you can claim compensation for them.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Cycling Injuries?
The amount of compensation you may claim for your cycling injuries will depend on the type of injuries they are, their severity and how they will impact your life moving forward. As with all personal injury claims, this is calculated under the head of claim general damages and considers both your physical and psychological injuries.
When calculating your compensation, legal professionals may refer to the compensation guidelines within the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to help them. The JCG lists injuries alongside their suggested compensation brackets.
The table below contains some JCG entries that may be applicable for cycling accident claims. However, the figures you see are suggestive and not guaranteed. Additionally, the top entry has not come from the JCG.
| Injury | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries and Significant Financial Losses | Up to £1 million plus | For multiple injuries that are serious and impose significant financial losses, such as lost earnings, medical expenses and rehabilitation fees. |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 | The bracket is determined by life expectancy, physical limitations, sensory impairment, communication skills, and behavioural problems. |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | This bracket is determined by the level of pain, independence, depression, age, life expectancy and sexual function. |
| Loss of One Arm (i) | Not Less Than £167,380 | Suggested for full single arm amputations from the shoulder. |
| Above-Knee Amputation of One Leg | £127,930 to £167,760 | This bracket depends on the level of amputation, phantom pains, stump issues, psychological harm and the risk of developing osteoarthritis. |
| Severe Pelvis And Hip Injuries (i) | £95,680 to £159,770 | Suggested for extensive pelvic fractures or a hip injury that causes spondylolisthesis of a low back joint. |
| Severe Psychiatric Damage | £66,920 to £141,240 | Factors considered include the claimant’s ability to cope with life, work, relationships and their treatment, prognosis and future vulnerability. |
| Severe Ankle Injury | £38,210 to £61,090 | Suggested for ankle injuries persisting for a long period of time causing significant residual disability. Any pain, risk of osteoarthritis and sleep disturbances are also considered. |
| Less Severe Elbow Injuries | £19,100 to £39,070 | Suggested for injuries that impair the function of the elbow without causing significant disability or require major surgery. |
| Noticeable Laceration Scars or a Disfiguring Scar | £9,560 to £27,740 | Suggested for several laceration scars that are noticeable or a disfiguring scar to the leg(s), arm(s), hand(s), back or chest. |
Can Cycling Accident Claims Cover Financial Losses Caused By The Accident?
Yes, cycling accident claims can cover financial losses caused by the accident and subsequent injuries. This form of compensation is referred to as special damages.
Some examples of the losses you may be reimbursed for after suffering a cycling injury include:
- Lost earnings and employment benefits, such as bonuses, due to taking time off work to recover
- Medical bills, treatment costs and prescription payments
- Costs towards mental health services, such as counselling
- Travel costs for going to and from medical appointments
- Special equipment costs, such as mobility support
- Home modification costs, such as a hoist installation
It is important to keep a record of any financial losses you incurred, such as payslips and receipts, as these will support your claim for special damages.
Contact our advisors today for more information about how much compensation you may be entitled to.
What Is Needed To Claim Cycle Accident Compensation?
To claim cycle accident compensation, you need to have sufficient supporting evidence. This could include your medical records, helmet footage, and the contact details, vehicle registration and insurance information if involved in an accident with a driver. For further examples, you can read our dedicated guide on what evidence is needed for a personal injury claim.
Additionally, you must also start your claim within the 3-year time limit, as set out within the Limitation Act 1980. This runs from the date your accident took place. You can learn more about this and the exceptions that apply in our dedicated personal injury claim time limit guide.
If you have any questions about evidence or time limits regarding your claim, please contact our advisors.
How Can Legal Helpline Assist With My Claim?
Legal Helpline can assist with your cycling accident compensation claim as we have an excellent panel of solicitors who specialise in such claims.
Deciding what law firm to represent you throughout a cycling accident claim can feel overwhelming. However, you can trust that our panel of solicitors will be there to support you every step of the way. In doing so, they will:
- Walk you through every stage of the claims process
- Put their combined experience and training into practice
- Help you gather evidence to establish third-party liability
- Utilise their legal skills to help you obtain a fair compensation payout
- Set you up with an independent medical assessment and mental health services
- Help you apply for interim payments to cover any immediate medical costs
At Legal helpline, we understand the impact a cycling accident may have had on your health, well-being and day-to-day life. So, we will offer endless support to help you find justice and obtain a compensation payout that will help you get back on track with your life.
For more information about how Legal Helpline can assist you with your claim, please contact our helpful advisors.
No Win No Fee Cycling Accident Claims With Our Panel Of Solicitors
You may pursue a cycling accident claim with our excellent panel of solicitors at Legal Helpline on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that if you sign a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with them, you can avoid paying upfront costs for seeking legal representation on your claim. You also will not need to pay them for their ongoing services or for their completed work should the claim fail.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will take a small success fee. This fee is a legally limited percentage of your compensation. The legal limit ensures the majority of the compensation stays with you.
Contact Our Team To Start A Claim
Contact our advisors today to find out if you are eligible to claim cycling accident compensation by:
- Calling them on 0333 300 0729 to discuss your cycling accident
- Sending them a message with any enquiries on a private live chat
- Contacting us online
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of our frequently asked questions regarding cycling accident claims.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet?
You may pursue a contributory negligence claim for injuries caused in a cycling accident if you were not wearing a helmet. In this instance, your compensation would be reduced in accordance with how much you were deemed to have contributed to your injuries by not wearing a helmet.
What If An Animal Caused My Cycling Accident?
If an animal caused your cycling accident, you may pursue a claim. However, you must prove that the animal’s owner breached their duty of care, resulting in your injuries.
What If I Had A Cycling Accident Caused By Roadworks Or Temporary Traffic Management?
If your cycling injuries were caused by roadworks or temporary traffic management, you may pursue a claim. Here, you must prove that the third party, such as the local council, breached their duty of care.
Do I Need To Report A Cycling Accident To The Police?
Yes, if you were injured in a cycling accident, you should generally report this to the police within 24 hours and provide the third party’s details, if possible. This may support your claim.
What Should I Do After A Cycling Accident?
After a cycling accident, you should:
- Seek medical support for your injuries
- Take photographs of your injuries and the accident scene
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other involved party
- Note down the contact details of any witnesses to the accident
- Report the incident to the police
- Contact our advisors for legal support
What If I Was Partially Responsible For My Accident Whilst Cycling?
You may pursue a split liability claim if you were partially responsible for your cycling accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in accordance with your liability; e.g., if you were 50% responsible for the accident, you would receive 50% of the total compensation.
More Information
Read more guides by us:
- Answers to our road traffic accident FAQs
- Learn about fatal road traffic accident claims
- A guide explaining Motor Insurers’ Bureau Claims
References:
- Find your nearest emergency care centre
- Information about vehicle insurance via Gov.UK
- Advice regarding road safety via the Police
Thank you for reading our guide on cycle accident claims.
