On Britain's busy roads, cyclists are incredibly vulnerable. Not only can drivers often fail to leave room or pay sufficient attention, potholes pose an ever-increasing risk of injury. So if you have been injured while cycling, you may be entitled to make a cycling accident compensation claim.
Our expert cycling accident solicitors are highly ranked in prestigious independent legal directories and have a wealth of experience helping clients secure bicycle accident compensation
Cyclists are among some of the most vulnerable road users. In September 2023, GOV.UK released a report on the number of reported pedal cyclist accidents in Great Britain in 2022 that had resulted in injuries. They confirmed that:
11,546 were slightly injured,
4,056 were seriously injured and tragically,
91 were killed.
if you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligent actions – whether that’s another road user or even the local authority – you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Sometimes referred to as a bike accident claim or a bicycle injury claim, a cycling accident claim can provide important resources to aid your recovery and support you and your loved ones financially. At Slater and Gordon, our expert solicitors have helped hundreds of clients access the compensation and care they need. If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, contact us today to find out how we can help you.
What are the most common causes of cycling accident claims?
When you've been injured in a cycling accident where someone else was either fully or partly at fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Some of the most common causes of cycling accidents where compensation has been sought are:
Road traffic collisions, where a driver of a motor vehicle is at fault
Car door collisions, where a driver has not checked their mirror before opening their car door
Animals, such as horses and cattle, causing collisions, where their owner is at fault
Cycling accident claims can sometimes be complex cases and it’s therefore extremely important if you decide to make a claim, that you instruct a specialist cycling accident solicitor to represent you.
How to start a cycling accident claim
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today for a no-obligation conversation about your case with one of our industry-leading cycling accident solicitors
We’ll assess your claim and help you collect all the necessary evidence, working with medical experts and witnesses to support your case
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing legal evidence
Our experts will ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to maximise the changes of a full recovery and future independence
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your solicitor will represent you through proceedings
What do other cyclists say about Slater and Gordon? - Watch Ian's story.
Watch Ian's video to see how we helped him recover both physically and financially when an unsuspecting driver pulled out causing a collision. Ian was left with life-changing injuries.
Found this useful?
Share this video:
How long does a cycling accident claim take?
It's impossible to say how long your cycling accident compensation claim will take as it depends on several things, such as the seriousness of your injuries, the length of time any treatment or rehabilitation will last and how long any recovery will take.
In addition, it also depends on those at fault for the accident and whether they accept they were responsible. However, as we're cycling accident specialists, we'll negotiate your claim to get the best possible outcome and ensure your claim is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A cycling accident claim will seek to compensate you for the injuries caused in the accident, as well as the subsequent impact they have on your quality of life. These are known as general and special damages:
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
What happens if the driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
It is still possible to pursue a cycling accident claim if the driver at fault is uninsured or cannot be traced because they fled the scene of the accident.
The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) is a government-backed organisation set up to help people who have suffered because of an uninsured or untraceable driver, and any claims made to them will consider damage to your property, as well as any injuries sustained. Claims are submitted to MIB in a similar manner to a claim directly against the liable party and can still be handled by a specialist cycling accident solicitor.
Given the complex nature of many bicycle accident claims, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice on your own circumstances before starting a claim. Our specialist solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling MIB claims and can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to support your recovery.
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again!
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s cycling accident solicitors?
Given the complexities which can arise in cycling claims, choosing lawyers who specialise in this area of law is extremely important. We’re able to offer that dedicated specialism.
We’re highly ranked in independent legal guides
We’ve been shortlisted and won industry awards demonstrating our specialism
We’ve been instrumental in some of the most important and ground-breaking landmark cases
We work with the best available medical experts, case managers and treatment providers in the UK
We offer No Win No Fee funding so there's no financial risk to you
We work closely with a range of dedicated charities throughout England, Scotland and Wales who can offer a full range of practical advice and support
As one of the largest consumer law firms in the UK, we’re able to offer an end to end service for all your legal needs and independent financial planners for compensation protection
We've helped many people not only seek compensation, but also ensure that they get the treatment and rehabilitation needed to get them back on the saddle, such as Tracey Patmore.
If you've been injured in a cycling accident, register your claim today and our specialists will be happy to help.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about cycling accident claims
How much compensation will I get for a bicycle accident claim?
It’s impossible to say how much compensation you’re likely to get for a cycling accident claim as it depends on:
How serious your injuries are, for example, the pain and suffering you’ve had to endure and the effect it’s had on your everyday life
Your financial losses, for example, how much you’ve lost in wages if you’ve been unable to work for a certain period and what additional expenses you’ve had as a result
The pain, suffering and losses you’re likely to have in the future
What we can say at this stage is given our level of specialism in this field we’ll ensure that you get the absolute maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Given our vast experience, we know exactly what compensation you’ll need to maximise recovery and future independence.
Can I still claim bicycle accident compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, you can still make a claim even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident. However, failure to wear protective gear such as a helmet could be taken into consideration when determining the amount of compensation you should be awarded, particularly if it is determined that the lack of a helmet contributed to the extent of your injuries.
Can I make a No Win No Fee cycling accident claim?
The cost of instructing a lawyer to represent you can sometimes be a concern, especially as it most often comes at a time when you're unable to work due to your injuries, so already may be suffering from financial hardship.
Can I make a bicycle accident claim on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in an accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity
Claiming for someone with life-changing injuries
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert solicitors will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.
Is there a time limit for making a cycling accident claim?
In general, under UK law you have three years from the date of the accident to make a cycling accident claim. There are certain circumstances in which this time limit may change; for example if you’re claiming on behalf of a child, or someone who lacks mental capacity to do so for themselves.
It’s always best to speak to a specialist road traffic accident solicitor to discuss your personal circumstances in more detail. To get in touch, call us on 0330 041 5869 or reach out online, and we’ll be able to help you start your claim.
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again! Client testimonial (Personal Injury)