Bike accident compensation can help you recoup the financial losses caused by your injuries and support your overall recovery. These special damages cover a wide variety of losses, including:
- Lost income from time off work.
- Private medical treatment, prescriptions, and rehabilitation costs.
- Travel expenses related to medical appointments. For instance, you might have needed to pay for public transport because your injuries prevented you from driving.
- Paid care and domestic assistance from professionals or loved ones.
- Mobility aids or home adjustments, if needed, ranging from grab rails and ramps to wheelchairs and tri-walkers.
To receive special damages, you must provide evidence of your losses. That proof could include payslips, invoices, receipts, and bank statements.
Want to find out how to prove special damages? Or do you have questions about compensation in general? Then, please speak to our advisory team today for guidance and a free case assessment to see whether you can make a bicycle accident claim.
What Could Cause A Cycling Accident To Occur?
Below are some common causes of cycling accidents, together with scenarios showing how they might give rise to a compensation claim:
- A driver opened their car door without checking for cyclists: A driver parked on the side of the road failed to check their mirrors and surroundings before opening their car door. You were cycling past at this point and had no time to avoid it. As a result of the collision, you are knocked off your bike and suffer a broken wrist.
- A vehicle turned across your path at a junction: You were cycling straight through a green light when a car coming from the opposite direction suddenly turned right, cutting across your path. The driver didn’t signal or check for oncoming cyclists, causing a collision that led to multiple fractured bones.
- A pothole wasn’t repaired despite being reported: You were cycling along a busy main road when you hit a large pothole that had clearly been there for weeks. The council had failed to carry out necessary repairs despite knowing about the damage, leading you to crash and fracture your shoulder.
- A lorry overtook you too closely: While cycling on a main road, a large vehicle overtook you without giving sufficient space, clipping your handlebar and knocking you off your bike. This dangerous manoeuvre leaves you with serious head and knee injuries.
- A pedestrian stepped into the cycle lane without looking: A person suddenly stepped into a clearly marked cycle lane while looking at their phone. You don’t have enough time to avoid them, causing you to suffer a soft tissue injury in the accident.
No matter whether you have had a similar experience or not, please don’t hesitate to share the circumstances of your bicycle accident. Our advice services are live 24/7, so you can always be sure to get a quick response and free eligibility check.
What Injuries May Be Sustained After A Bicycle Accident?
There are a variety of injuries that may be sustained because of a bicycle accident. Common cycling injuries include:
- Traumatic brain damage and paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries.
- Multiple fractures and dislocations.
- Injuries to the wrists, arms, and hands.
- Neck and shoulder injuries.
- Damage to legs, knees, and feet.
- Lacerations and scarring.
- Psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Such injuries can have long-term effects on mobility, mental health, and income, which is why a compensation claim can play an important role in supporting someone’s recovery.
Whether the injuries you suffered in a cycling accident were major or minor, you might be entitled to compensation. Don’t delay claiming. Contact our advisory team today for personalised guidance and a free case assessment.
Is There A Bicycle Accident Compensation Claim Time Limit?
Yes, in most cases, there is a 3-year time limit for beginning a bicycle accident compensation claim, as set out by the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit typically begins from the date the accident occurred.
However, there are exceptions to this rule where the time limit is paused for groups who cannot start a claim for themselves:
- Individuals under the age of 18: The 3-year time limit only begins once a child turns 18. Until then, a trusted adult can bring a claim on their behalf at any time before time limits apply by becoming a litigation friend.
- Adults lacking mental capacity: Time limits are put on indefinite hold unless an individual regains their mental capacity. In such circumstances, the standard 3 years apply from the point capacity returns. As with minors, mentally incapacitated claimants can be represented by a litigation friend to pursue compensation while time limits are frozen.
Unsure if you’re within the time limit to claim? Call our advisory team now to see if you can get started on your claim as soon as possible.
How To Prove Liability In Cyclist Accident Claims
To prove liability in cyclist accident claims, it needs to be shown how someone breached their duty of care, causing injuries. That means gathering strong evidence, such as:
- Medical records confirming the injuries sustained and the prognosis for your recovery.
- Photographs or videos from the accident scene. If your injuries were caused by a pothole, then you’ll want to use a measuring tape or ruler to illustrate its dimensions.
- Witness contact details from those who saw the accident, so they can potentially provide a statement to your solicitor later on in the claims process.
- If a driver was responsible for your injuries, then you should try to obtain their information, including insurance details, registration, and vehicle information (such as model and make).
- CCTV, dashcam footage, or other recordings if available.
- Copies of police reports, if applicable.
- A personal diary where you’ve noted your symptoms and treatment.
Our panel of specialist cycling accident solicitors can help gather this evidence on your behalf as part of their service. This can be particularly helpful if you’re recovering from your injuries or are unsure how to begin obtaining proof.
Let one of the expert solicitors from our panel do the work for you. Contact our advisory team today and they’ll explain how a solicitor from our panel can help build a strong case for your bicycle accident claim.
No Win No Fee Cycling Injury Claims
Our panel of solicitors help clients make No Win No Fee cycling injury claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means:
- There are no solicitor fees upfront.
- No solicitor fees to pay during the whole claims process.
- Zero solicitor fees at all when a claim is unsuccessful.
When a claim does win, the solicitor just takes a small success fee from a client’s compensation as payment for their work. Success fees are kept small because of a cap on the maximum percentage that can be taken, which ensures clients get the majority of their compensation.
Every one of the dedicated solicitors making up our panel takes pride in delivering a service that meets the individual needs of their clients. They’ve used their expertise, built on years of experience and training, to help people successfully claim compensation across the country. Here’s how they can help your case:
- Explaining unfamiliar terms and any aspect of the claims process you’re unsure about.
- Providing assistance with the task of collecting evidence. They understand what it takes to make a compelling case and know exactly how to prove a claim.
- Supporting your recovery by connecting you with specialists like physiotherapists and psychologists.
- Navigating the claims process on your behalf so you can stay focused on your own recovery.
- Expertly negotiating to secure the best possible settlement for you.
Contact UK Law’s Advisors
If you’ve suffered a cycling injury and believe someone else was at fault, don’t hesitate to contact our advisors. They work day and night to answer queries and can assess your case for free. Get started and see if you can claim with one of the expert solicitors making up our panel by using the details below:
- Call 020 3870 4868.
- Fill out our ‘Claim Online‘ form.
- Send a message in our live on-screen chat box.
Bicycle Accident Claims FAQs
Keep reading to see answers to some frequently asked questions about bicycle accident claims.
What Rights Do Cyclists Have On The Roads In the UK?
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other road user. However, motorists must take extra care to avoid endangering cyclists.
Can I Still Claim If The Cycling Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Yes, you may still be able to claim if the cycling accident was partly your fault. However, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility on the basis of split liability (in a similar way to contributory negligence claims).
How Can I Make A Bicycle Accident Compensation Claim Against An Uninsured Party?
You can make a bicycle accident compensation claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the other party was uninsured or cannot be traced.
My Bike Was Damaged In An Accident – Can I Include This In My Bicycle Accident Claim?
Yes, damage to your bicycle can be claimed as part of your special damages. Keep receipts and repair estimates to support this.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Bicycle Accident In The UK To Support A Compensation Claim?
You should take the following immediate steps after a bicycle accident to help support your compensation claim:
- Seek medical attention. That will ensure you receive appropriate care and create an official record of your injuries.
- Report the incident to the police if necessary.
- Collect evidence from the scene if it is safe to do so and obtain details from the driver (as noted earlier and if a vehicle was involved in the accident).
- Take photographs and note down what happened.
- Contact our advisory team to get the claims process started.
Do Bicycle Accident Injury Claims Go To Court?
Bicycle accident injury claims can potentially go to court, but it is rare for that to happen. Most personal injury claims, including those involving bicycles, settle out of court.
How Long Does It Take To Settle Bicycle Accident Claims?
There is no definitive timeframe for how long it takes to settle bicycle accident claims. For instance, some claims may take longer if evidence is hard to come by or a defendant disputes liability. If you are connected with a solicitor from our panel, they will work hard to ensure that your claim is settled as smoothly and as efficiently as possible.
Learn More
Read some of our other related guides here:
- How to make a motorcycle accident claim.
- What steps you need to take as a cyclist hit by a car.
- Bus accident compensation claims explained.
These external resources might also be useful for you:
- Learn about the government road safety campaign, Think!
- NHS information on what to do if you have suffered a head injury or a concussion.
- Government guidance on how to apply for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
For support with bicycle accident claims, speak to our advisory team today to see if one of the specialist solicitors from our panel can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
