How to claim compensation for a cycling accident

According to an article by Cyclist magazine, cycling increased by 200% during the first lockdown. For some, it was the only way of getting to and from their jobs as key workers. And for others, getting out on the bike was the perfect way to pass that extra free time.

Now, more than a year since that first lockdown and with the UK leaving restrictions behind, it looks like the cycling boom is set to continue. The Bicycle Association are predicting that e-bike sales will triple by 2023. So, pedestrians and drivers alike will need to get used to sharing the tarmac with those on two wheels.

However, with the government still encouraging people to cycle or walk to work rather than use crowded public transport, accidents are inevitable and with that, cycling accident claims.

If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault, you can be left feeling frustrated as well as worried about coping with your injuries. Claiming compensation is often the only way to deal with the negative effect of your injuries on your life.

How can I claim for a cycling accident?

Cycling accident claims can be complex and are often hotly contested by the defendant. It’s therefore vital to have specialist advice from a personal injury solicitor to ensure you’re supported and given the best chance of a fair outcome.

If you were hit by a motor vehicle, you may be able to claim compensation, even if the driver was uninsured or left the scene without leaving details.

Our cycling accident solicitors can advise you on whether you are likely to be eligible for a Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claim and guide you through the entire claims process.

Our personal injury lawyers can assist with all types of bike accident claims, including:

• Collisions between cyclists and cars, vans or other motor vehicles
• ‘Dooring‘, where a cyclist has collided with a car door

Aside from seeking compensation on your behalf, our cycling accident solicitors will also help you to access any treatment and rehabilitation you need. This means that, as well as recovering the funds to cover any loss of earnings, you will be able to make the fullest possible recovery from your injuries.

Case study | £17,500 settlement for cycling accident claim

How much can I claim for a bike accident?

Whether you can claim or not depends on factors that will affect your claim’s likely value. These include how bad your injuries were and the impact they will have on your life, costs you’ve incurred due to your injuries and those you’re likely to incur in the future, i.e. loss of income.

Case study | £11,000 settlement for injured cyclist

Is there a time limit for starting a cycling accident claim?

As with other types of personal injury claims, if you have been involved in a bike accident, you will typically have three years from the date of the incident to make a compensation claim. However, there are circumstances where this time limit will be extended.

If the person injured is under 18, the final deadline to make a claim is usually their 21st birthday.

If the cycling accident has left a person without the mental capacity to make a claim, special consideration is given to the three-year time limit and different rules apply. Our personal injury solicitors will discuss time limits with you in more detail during your consultation.

Get in touch with our cycling accident lawyers

For the vast majority of those enjoying taking to their bikes, whether seasoned commuters or having taken it up as a new hobby, as long as you’re protected and other road users comply with the Highway Code, you won’t have to think about making an accident claim.

If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be the victim of a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault and you’ve sustained a serious injury, you may wish to start a cycling accident claim. Call our personal injury solicitors on 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form for a no win, no fee consultation.