A Guide To Cycling Accidents

By Danielle Newton. Last Updated 31st July 2023. You may not realise it, but if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a cycling accident that was not your own fault, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Cyclists are vulnerable road users, with little to no protection versus the much larger, heavier and faster modes of transport that they share the road with. Cyclists should always take precautions when cycling, in the daytime as well as when the sun has gone down, to protect themselves and increase their visibility on the roads. Accidents do occur, mainly when a vehicle has not seen a cyclist when turning a corner, or when not enough room is given when overtaking.

It can be an incredibly upsetting and unnerving experience and can cause minor injuries and more severe ones that you could be stuck with for the rest of your life. Read on for our guide to cycling accidents, and find out if you could be entitled to make a compensation claim today. Alternatively, get in touch with us at any time.

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Why You Should Make A Cycling Accident Compensation Claim

As well as physical issues like pain and mobility, you may also be dealing with psychological issues such as the loss of confidence and independence.

Cycling Accidents

Cycling Accidents Claims Guide

When cycling, compared to other road users, you are more exposed and less protected which is why many cycling accidents are very serious. As well as covering the financial costs to help you recover as quickly and comfortably as possible; compensation can also help you to adjust your lifestyle to cope with the impact of the accident and your injuries.

It can also help you with the support of your family due to loss of earnings, and may even cover the expenses of repairs on your bike – or a new bike completely in major incidents.

Serious injuries mean it is likely that you may have to take a long period of sick leave or may have to leave your job completely. Compensation can cover these costs and give you the peace of mind that your immediate expenses are covered.  As well as any rehabilitation, care and home modifications and alterations that were necessary after your accident. A professional personal injury lawyer with experience dealing with cases involving cycling accidents is your best hope of getting the money you deserve.

Cycling Accidents – Examples And Eligibility

As we have stated previously, if you have been injured in a cycling accident, compensation could be awarded to you following a successful claim. However, you must prove that you were injured due to a breach of duty of care.

All road users owe each other a duty of care and must follow the specific rules and obligations expected of them, as laid out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. If another road user were to breach their duty of care, as a cyclist, you could be knocked off your bike and become injured.

Some further examples of cycling accidents where a claim could be made could include:

  • A driver does not check that the road is clear before opening their car door, causing you to collide with it on your bike and injuring your shoulder.
  • A reckless taxi driver is speeding, causing them to crash into you on your bike, and you suffer from a leg injury.
  • A bus doesn’t check that the road is clear before pulling out of a junction, causing them to hit you. You then suffer from a serious back injury.

Contact our advisors today for further guidance concerning road traffic accident claims as a cyclist.

How Do You Make A Claim For Cycling Accidents?

The first thing you need to do after being involved in a cycling accident is to seek medical assistance and treatment. After that, as soon as you are able to, you need to contact a reputable professional injury lawyer.

It will help your case for compensation if you gather as much evidence and information about the incident as possible. This includes any photographs you took of the injuries and damages to your bike you sustained, as well as the place where the incident took, particularly important if it was due to surface conditions that the accident occurred, the time, place and date it occurred, details of other parties involved in the accident and anything else relevant.

Compensation Amounts For Being Knocked Off A Bike

If your personal injury claim is successful, your settlement could consist of two heads of claim: general and special damages.
General damages compensate for the physical pain and mental suffering caused by your cycling injury. When valuing personal injury claims, legal professionals could refer to a document titled the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). It provides a guideline list of compensation brackets for different types of injuries.
In our table below, we’ve listed a few compensation brackets from the 16th edition of the JCG. It is only provided as a guideline.

InjurySeverityNotesAmount
Hand InjurySeriousThe hand will be reduced to about 50% capacity. There will be a lack of dexterity and gross cosmetic disfigurement.£29,000 to £61,910
Chest Injury(C)Damage to the lung(s) and chest which causes a continuous disability. £31,310 to £54,830
Shoulder InjurySevereThis will involve damage to the brachial plexus and is usually associated with neck injuries. There will be a significant disability. £19,200 to £48,030
Leg InjuryModerate (iv)This could include serious crush injuries or complicated/multiple fractures, normally to a single limb.£27,760 to £39,200
Injury to the Pelvis & HipsModerate (i)The injuries are significant but any disabilities will not be permanent. £26,590 to £39,170
Wrist Injury(B)There will be a permanent and significant disability. However, some useful movement will remain.£24,500 to £39,170
Arm Injury(D)Simple fracture of the forearm.£6,610 to £19,200
Brain DamageMinorIf there is any brain damage, the consequences will be minimal. Various factors will also affect how much is awarded.£2,210 to £12,770
Fractures of the Nasal Complex or Nose(ii)A displaced fracture that fully recovers after surgery.£3,950 to £5,100
Damage to Teeth(iv)Damage to or loss of back teeth. Compensation bracket is per tooth.£1,090 to £1,710

Cycling Accidents – What Else Can You Claim For?

Additionally, your settlement might include special damages. This second head of a claim reimburses you for costs associated with your injury. To claim special damages, you should submit evidence. For example, your bank statements, receipts or invoices.

Here are a few items that could be included in a personal injury claim:

  • Any medical costs, such as prescriptions and therapy.
  • Your loss of earnings for time spent off work to recover from your injuries.
  • Adaptions made to your home, such as the installation of a wheelchair ramp if this is required.

If you have any questions about compensation amounts for being knocked off a bike, please get in touch with one of our advisors.

How a No Win No Fee Professional Injury Lawyer Could Help You

Your personal injury lawyer will help you at every stage of the compensation claim process and will advise you on what to do.

There is also an option for hiring legal representation which allows you to avoid paying a fee upfront for their services. For instance, you could work with personal injury lawyers that work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that if your compensation claim fails, you will not be expected to pay a success fee from your compensation.

If your claim for compensation does win, the success fee will be taken as a percentage of your compensation. The percentage is capped by law.

Cycling is something that you should be able to do without fearing injury or worse from an accident that isn’t your fault. So when this does happen, you should seek out the help of a professional to get the compensation you deserve.

If you get in touch with us, our advisors can offer free legal advice about your case. They could also potentially connect you with a bike accident solicitor from our panel who can represent you in your claim.

Learn More About Making A Cycling Accident Compensation Claim

Below, we’ve included links to some of our other guides that we think you may find useful:

We also have some other guides you may find useful:

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