If you've been injured in a cycling accident that wasn't your fault, you should be entitled to make a no win no fee bicycle accident claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Bicycle Accident Claims
If you had a cycling accident due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to make a bicycle accident claim. You could receive compensation for the pain and suffering you endured, the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and any other financial losses resulting from the accident.
Cycling is a popular way to commute or enjoy your free time, as it is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and good for your health. However, cyclists are classed as vulnerable road users and face a significantly higher risk of injury than vehicle occupants, regardless of how careful and experienced they are.
To find out if you can make a cycling accident compensation claim, call 0800 470 0472 today for a free case assessment or use our contact form to request a no-obligation call back.
Key points about bicycle accident claims
- Eligibility: You may be entitled to claim if you were injured while cycling due to a driver’s negligence or a road defect.
- Who Is Responsible: The motorist, local authority, or another third party may be liable depending on the cause of the accident.
- Time Limit: You typically have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a cycling injury claim.
- Compensation: Can include compensation for pain, rehabilitation, loss of income, and long-term care if needed.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will pursue the claim on a no win, no fee basis. You only pay a fee if the claim is successful.
Table of Contents
Do I have a valid bicycle accident claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured in a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault. A brief consultation with a cycling accident solicitor can let you know within minutes if you have a valid claim. Usually, you will be able to proceed if:
- A third party owed you a legal duty of care.
- They breached this duty and caused your accident.
- You suffered an injury or injuries as a result.
- You are within the legal time limit to start a claim.
If you are entitled to compensation, your solicitor will guide you through the personal injury claims process, offering support and advice at every step along the way.
Who is liable in a claim for a cycling accident?
Based on the circumstances of your accident, a specialist personal injury solicitor will be able to determine who might be liable to pay you compensation. The responsible party could be:
- Another road user who drove carelessly, failed to follow the traffic laws or bumped into you.
- A local council, if your accident was due to poor road conditions, such as potholes.
- A manufacturer, if a bicycle or helmet defect caused or aggravated your accident.
- A property owner, if your accident happened on private premises.
- Another individual, if you were assaulted or attacked by a dog while riding your bike.
If you make a successful claim, your settlement will likely be paid by the defendant’s insurance company, except for claims related to criminal acts. In this case, compensation will likely be paid by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Is there a time limit to make a bicycle accident claim?
Yes. You typically have three years from the date you were involved in a cycling accident to start your claim. While this may seem like a long time, it’s always a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as possible to facilitate the legal process.
A few exceptions can apply to cycle accident claims:
- A child injury claim could be made by a parent or guardian at any time before they turn 18.
- There is no limitation period if the claimant is an adult who lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings.
- You have two years to make a claim through the CICA following a criminal injury.
- If a loved one was the victim of a fatal accident, you could make a claim for compensation within three years after they passed away.
How do I make a bicycle accident compensation claim?
To make a successful bicycle accident claim, you will need to gather evidence that shows how the accident happened, who was at fault, and how you were affected. Useful evidence includes:
- Medical records confirming your injuries, treatment and prognosis.
- An independent medical report detailing any long-term effects and future care needs.
- Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to your bicycle.
- CCTV recordings, dash cam or helmet cam footage of the accident.
- Contact and insurance details of any drivers involved in the accident, including their licence plate.
- Names and details of witnesses to your bicycle accident.
- A copy of a police or accident report, if available.
- A journal with details of how the accident occurred, the injuries you suffered and how they affected you.
- Receipts for any financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident.
Even if you don’t have all this evidence, a solicitor can help you gather any other documents you need and contact the defendant to negotiate a compensation settlement. More than 96% of all cases are settled this way.
If liability is denied or you can’t reach an agreement, your solicitor may issue court proceedings and argue your case before a judge. They will assess liability based on the available evidence and witness statements and decide on a suitable compensation award.
How much compensation can I claim for a bicycle accident?
The amount of compensation you could be entitled to will depend on the type and extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life. Every cycling accident claim includes two types of damages:
General damages for the subjective impact of your injuries, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional and psychological trauma.
- Loss of amenity.
- Loss or reduced physical and mental capacity.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Special damages for the present and future economic losses incurred as a result, which could include:
- Costs of current and future medical care.
- Lost wages, including future losses.
- The cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
- Costs of care during recovery.
Examples of bike accident compensation amounts
Compensation for general damages is awarded based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th Edition. These brackets are used as general guidelines, and all final compensation awards depend on each claimant’s specific circumstances.
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Damage | Brain damage causing serious disability, substantial dependence on others and reduced life expectancy | £289,000 - £373,000 |
| Arm Injuries | A serious fracture of one or both forearms causing permanent functional or cosmetic disability | £52,000 - £79,000 |
| Hip And Pelvis Injuries | A hip or pelvis fracture requiring surgery or hip replacement | £52,000 - £69,000 |
| Ankle Injuries | A severe ankle injury requiring extensive treatment and causing permanent walking difficulty | £41,000 - £66,000 |
| General Psychiatric Damage | Psychiatric damage affecting life, education, work and relationships, but with good improvement and prognosis | £7,700 - £25,000 |
| Shoulder Injuries | A clavicle fracture | £6,800 - £16,000 |
| Spleen Injuries | Loss of spleen with no or minimal ongoing effects | £5,800 - £11,000 |
| Fractured Cheekbone | A simple cheekbone fracture requiring surgery, with complete recovery | £5,800 - £8,500 |
Do not hesitate to use our online compensation calculator for an estimate of your compensation prospects or call 0800 470 0472 for a free consultation with a legal adviser.
Can I make a no win no fee cycling injury claim?
Yes. If you are entitled to make a cycling accident claim, the solicitors we work with will help you get the compensation you deserve on a no win no fee basis.
This means they will represent you without charging any upfront fees, and you will only pay your solicitor if you receive compensation (a success fee capped at 25% of certain parts of the compensation award). Otherwise, you will not have to cover any costs or hidden charges.
What are the main causes of bike accident claims?
In 2024, 14,549 cyclists were injured on the roads of Great Britain. Of these, 82 were killed, and 3,822 were severely injured. The most common causes of bicycle accidents are negligent driving by other road users, poor road conditions, equipment failure, and a lack of bike lanes.
Claims for bicycle accidents typically arise from:
- Distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence.
- Following cyclists too closely and passing them within less than three feet.
- Weaving in and out of traffic and making unsafe lane changes.
- Opening vehicle doors without checking if a cyclist is approaching from behind.
- Pulling out of a junction right in front of a bicycle.
- Running a red light or stop sign, ignoring cyclists who have the right of way.
- Accidents caused by potholes.
- Cracked and uneven pavements.
- Wet or slippery roads.
- Debris on roads or bike lanes.
- Icy roads or bike lanes during winter.
- Construction site hazards.
Equipment failure can be attributed to manufacturing, design, assembly or maintenance. Professional bike mechanics could also be responsible for a crash if they fail to diagnose or repair a problem.
If you suffered a bicycle accident due to component failure, you might be able to make a claim against the manufacturer or your bike mechanic. This is your legal right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Frequently asked questions
- Road rash, cuts and lacerations, especially on the knees, elbows, hands and forearms.
- Sprains and strains of the muscles, tendons and ligaments of wrists and ankles.
- Broken bones and dislocations of the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone or facial bones.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to permanent disability.
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash injuries, dislocations and herniated discs.
- Head injuries, from minor concussions to severe brain injuries.
- Dental injuries, such as chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet and reflective clothing.
- Always follow the rules of the road and obey traffic signals.
- Use dedicated bike lanes when available or choose routes with less traffic.
- Ride defensively and look ahead for any hazards.
- Avoid distractions, such as using headphones or your phone when cycling.
The MIB is an independent organisation that pays compensation to victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. The MIB covers property damage, injuries and death arising from a hit and run or an accident with an uninsured driver.
If possible, you should try to get the driver’s license plate or the colour and model of their vehicle. Report the accident to the police and get medical assistance as soon as possible.
To support your claim, it is essential to report the accident to the police and gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness details, photos of the damage and medical records.
Also, there is no law that automatically reduces the compensation you are entitled to if you suffered a head injury and were not wearing a helmet. However, the court might consider it as contributory negligence when calculating a compensation award.
In both instances, however, your compensation award could be reduced to account for any finding that your lack of visibility contributed to your cycling accident.
- A child under the age of 18.
- An adult who is mentally incapacitated, either due to a pre-existing condition such as Down syndrome or as a result of the accident.
A dedicated bicycle accident solicitor can guide you through the process and help you make a compensation claim for your loved one.
Local authorities have a duty of care under the Highways Act 1980 to maintain roads and cycle paths so they are reasonably safe for users, including cyclists. If they fail to carry out adequate inspection or repairs, and this has caused your accident, you could make a claim against the council.
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of services and companionship.
- Reasonable funeral costs.
- A bereavement award of £15,120.
