Cycling Accident Claims

Who can make a bicycle accident claim?

A bicycle accident claim can be made by any cyclist who has been injured because of someone else’s negligence on the road in the last three years.

The most common reason for cycling accidents in 2024 was ‘ineffective observation by either the driver or rider or pedestrian’ – this is according to the Department for Transport. Some other common causes include:

• Vehicles turning into a cyclist’s path
• Vehicles emerging from side roads (without giving way or looking properly)
• Car doors opening into a cyclist’s path
• Vehicles colliding with cyclists from behind
• Poor road maintenance (potholes, uneven surfaces or loose gravel)

Because cyclists are more exposed than drivers or passengers in other vehicles, accidents can lead to serious physical harm as well as emotional suffering.

Some of the most common injuries to cyclists are:

• Head and brain injuries – including concussion and traumatic brain injury
• Fractures and broken bones – often to the arms, legs, collarbone or ribs
• Spinal injuries – which can cause long-term pain or mobility issues
• Soft tissue injuries – such as sprains, strains and whiplash
• Cuts, bruises and grazing – from impact with the road surface
• Dental and facial injuries – caused by direct impact in a fall or collision

If you’ve been hurt in a cycling accident, you could make a claim against the person or organisation responsible – whether that’s a car driver or the local authority (if road surfaces weren’t maintained).

Get in touch with us for a free initial chat about your accident today.

How can I claim for a bicycle accident?

Every bicycle accident case is unique, but the claims process will usually look something like this:

1. Getting medical attention
   Your health comes first. Make sure your injuries are treated and documented, as medical records will form part of your evidence.
2. Reporting the accident
   If another road user was involved, report the accident to the police. This will provide an official record that could be used to support your claim.
3. Contacting a solicitor
   A specialist cycling accident solicitor will assess your case, explain your options and guide you through the claims process.
4. Gathering evidence
   Photos, witness accounts, CCTV or dashcam footage will all be used to strengthen your case.
5. Submitting your claim
   Your solicitor will notify the other party (or their insurer) of your claim, providing evidence of their negligence and the injuries you’ve suffered.
6. Negotiation and settlement
   Most claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate to secure fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
7. Receiving compensation
   Once a settlement has been agreed on, you’ll receive your compensation.

It’s worth remembering that as well as your injury, your claim will consider financial losses and property damage. For this reason, you should try to keep your damaged bicycle and cycling equipment.

To find out if we could help you make a claim, get in touch for a free consultation.

What evidence is needed for a claim?

To make a successful bicycle accident claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to show how the accident happened, who was at fault and the impact it’s had on your life.

Some key types of evidence include:

• Photos and video footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Financial documents

We can match you with a road traffic accident solicitor who will help you gather this evidence, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have it all to hand right now. They’ll work with you to build a strong case for compensation.

How much compensation will I get for a cycling accident?

If your bicycle accident claim is successful, your compensation will be split into two sections: general damages and special damages.

General damages take into account the pain and suffering caused by your accident. Your solicitor will use the Judicial College Guidelines as a starting point to work out how much you should receive in general damages, based on your injuries.

Some examples include:

Special damages are slightly different as they’ll consider the financial losses related to your claim. This could include:

• Loss of earnings – if you’ve been unable to work while recovering
• Future loss of income – if your injuries mean you’re unable to return to your current role
• Medical expenses – cost of treatments, counselling or private healthcare
• Travel costs – transport to and from medical appointments
• Bike repair or replacement – the cost of fixing or replacing your damaged bicycle

It’s also important to remember that making a claim isn’t just about getting compensation. Your solicitor can also help you access non-financial support, such as:

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Counselling services
• Specialist equipment or adaptations

Your solicitor will work to relieve some of your financial pressures, as well as ensuring you receive the ongoing support needed for you to move forward.

How long does it take to claim for a bike accident?

The time it takes to settle a bicycle accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries and whether the other party accepts responsibility.

Some straightforward claims could be resolved in a few months, while others can take a year or longer.

Factors that can affect the timescale include:

• Liability disputes
  If the other side admits fault early, the process will usually be quicker. But if they deny responsibility, your claim may take longer to resolve.
• Medical treatment and recovery
  The full impact of an injury won’t always be clear immediately. In these cases, a solicitor may recommend waiting to make sure your compensation reflects your long-term needs.
• Gathering evidence
  Collecting medical records, witness accounts and accident reports can take time but it is crucial to building a strong case.
• Negotiations with the other side
  Most claims will settle out of court, but the back and forth process of agreeing to a fair settlement can sometimes extend the amount of time a case takes to resolve.

While there’s no fixed timeline for these claims, your solicitor will keep you updated at each stage and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

What is the time limit for making a claim?

You’ll usually have three years to make a bicycle accident claim. This is the standard time limit set by the Limitation Act 1980.

If you don’t begin legal proceedings within this period, you may lose the right to claim compensation. There are some important exceptions to this rule, though:

• Children
  If the injured cyclist was under 18, a parent or guardian can make a claim at any time up until their 18th birthday. They will then have until they’re 21 to make their own claim.
• Lack of mental capacity
  If the injured person is unable to manage their own legal affairs because of reduced capacity, there will be no time limit unless they later regain capacity. This might apply in cases where an accident resulted in a head or brain injury.
• Fatal accidents
  Sadly, bicycle accidents can be fatal. In these cases, family members will usually have three years from the date of death (or from when the cause of death was confirmed) to make a claim.

Because the rules can vary depending on your circumstances, it’s always best to seek legal advice sooner rather than later. Acting early not only ensures you meet the deadline but it will also make it easier to gather strong evidence while the details are fresh.

Why choose First4Lawyers?

At First4Lawyers, we’ve been helping people get the justice they deserve since 2008. We’re committed to providing dedicated support for our clients, and will do everything we can to help you find the right legal expert for your case.

When you choose us, your road traffic accident claim will be handled by our panel firm First4InjuryClaims. They specialise in cases involving road accidents, so you can be sure that you’re in expert hands.

You can find out more about the First4InjuryClaims team here.

First4InjuryClaims is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you can trust that your claim is being managed to the highest professional standards.

We also use smart technology to make the claims process as simple as possible. From our straightforward online form – which sends your details directly to First4InjuryClaims – to our Touchpoint system, we aim to take the stress out of starting a claim.

The team at First4InjuryClaims have already helped thousands of people claim compensation – like Martin, who was hit by a car while cycling. If you were injured in a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault, we could put you in touch with experienced solicitors, too.

Cycling Accident Claim FAQs

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?

Having expert legal support can make the claims process much easier and increase your chances of success.

Cycling accident claims can involve complex issues, such as proving who was at fault, negotiating with insurers and accurately valuing what your claim is worth.

A specialist solicitor can handle all of this on your behalf, giving you the time and space to focus on your recovery.

Can I still make a claim if the driver fled the scene?

Yes, you can still make a bicycle accident claim, even if the driver who caused the collision left the scene. These cases are often referred to as ‘hit and run’ incidents.

If this happens, you could make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This is an organisation set up to compensate people who are injured by uninsured or untraced drivers.

Although these cases can be more complex, a specialist solicitor will guide you through the process. They’ll handle communication with the MIB, and make sure your claim is presented as strongly as possible.

Can I make a cycling accident claim if I was partly at fault?

You may still be able to make a claim even if you were partly responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence. In these cases, compensation is usually reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

Common situations where cyclists are found partly at fault include:

• Not wearing high-visibility clothing at night
• Riding without lights
• Being distracted or failing to follow road rules
• Making a minor error in judgment while another road user was mainly at fault

The key point is that being partly at fault doesn’t automatically prevent you from claiming. A specialist solicitor can assess your case, explain how contributory negligence might apply and work to make sure you still get the fairest possible outcome.

If I was knocked off my bike because of a pothole, can I claim?

Yes, you may be able to claim if you were injured after hitting a pothole.

Local councils and highway authorities have a duty to keep roads in a reasonably safe condition. If they fail to repair dangerous defects within a reasonable time, they could be held responsible for any accidents that happen as a result.

To bring a successful claim, you’ll usually need to show that:

• The pothole or defect was dangerous (e.g. deep enough to cause a cyclist to lose control)
• The authority responsible knew about it – or should reasonably have known – but didn’t repair it in time
• The accident directly caused your injuries and any financial losses

Evidence is especially important in pothole claims. Try to gather:

• Photos of the pothole, including its size and depth
• The exact location and date of the incident
• Details of any witnesses
• Medical records showing the injuries you suffered
• Evidence of expenses, such as bike repairs or travel costs

Pothole claims can be more complex than other cycling accident cases. But with the right legal support, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries, damaged property and other related losses.

To find out if we could help you make a cycling accident claim, get in touch with us. You can reach us on the number at the top of the screen or start your claim online.

When the time feels right for you, our team will be ready to help.