Bicycle Accident Compensation Claims

Cyclists are among the most at risk road users. Unlike car, van and lorry drivers, cyclists are not protected by their vehicle. It can also be more difficult for other drivers to see them on the roads, and accidents can happen if motorists fail to pay sufficient attention to them. There’s also the added risk of potholes, which can be particularly dangerous for cyclists.

If you or a loved one have been injured while cycling, you may be entitled to compensation. Compare bicycle accident compensation claims solicitors today to start the process.

Am I Eligible To Claim Bicycle Accident Compensation?

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Although cycling has become a popular, greener alternative to driving, many busy UK roads can be dangerous places for cyclists. A bicycle accident can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Collisions with vehicles
• Collisions with car doors
• Collisions with animals
• Running over or swerving to avoid potholes
• Defective cycling equipment, including bikes and helmets

Being involved in a bicycle accident can result in serious injuries that can have long lasting impacts, whether it’s in the head, neck, arm, wrist, leg, knee or elsewhere on the body. Therefore compensation can help to cover the costs of loss of earnings due to an inability to work, bike repairs or specialist treatment.

Whether it’s due to another vehicle, faulty bike equipment or potholes in the road, you can make a claim for compensation. By requesting a callback with us, we can offer expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

The time it takes to settle a bicycle accident claim can vary on a case-by-case basis. This is simply because some cases are more complex than others and some injuries more severe. It can take several months or longer depending on how long it takes to gather evidence and negotiate a settlement.

How To Make A Bicycle Accident Claim

Making a bicycle accident claim can be a daunting prospect, but there are certain steps you can take to make the process as simple as possible.

1. Report The Incident To The Police

Reporting the accident to the police means you can obtain an incident number and a copy of your statement, both of which are useful evidence when making a claim. In hit and run cases, a police report will be needed in order to make an untraced driver claim.

2. Gather Photos And Witness Data

Any evidence you can get at the scene will be useful in building your case. This can include statements or contact details from witnesses and photographs of the scene. If the accident was caused by a road defect, such as a pothole, it’s helpful to get photographs of the spot before any repair work is carried out.

3. Keep Evidence Of Medical Treatment

It is also useful to get evidence of your injury including photographs of the injury and a copy of a medical report from your GP, plus records of loss of earnings if applicable.

4. Get In Touch With A Road Traffic Accident Solicitor

To maximise your chances of succeeding in your case, you can use the services of a road traffic accident solicitor with specialist knowledge of bicycle accident compensation claims. As well as helping you to secure the compensation you’re entitled to, they can assist you in getting any private medical treatment you might need to aid with your recovery, such as physiotherapy.

Bicycle Accident Fees And Compensation

When making a bicycle accident claim, you don’t need to worry about losing money. Many solicitors offer a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement. This means that you only pay them if your case is successful. Known as a success fee, this amount will be a set percentage of your compensation payout. The exact percentage will be agreed with your solicitor beforehand but can’t legally be more than 25%.

Compensation awards for bicycle accident injury claims can differ considerably depending on a number of factors, including how serious any injuries are and what the financial costs of the accident come to. Your compensation award will take into account factors including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The costs of medical care, including future medical treatment
• Loss of earnings
• Costs of vehicle or home adaptations required because of your injuries
• Damage to your property, for example your bike and helmet, as well as any items you may have been carrying (such as a phone)

To find out how much compensation you may be entitled to receive, you can use our personal injury calculator which follows Judicial College guidelines.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Bicycle Accident Claim?

You will usually have to make a claim within three years of your accident, unless you’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim. You can take legal action on behalf of a child any time before they turn 18. After this point, they have three years to claim if they wish to do so. If you’re taking legal action for someone who lacks the mental capacity to do this themselves, there is no time limit.

If you wish to claim for a loved one who died because of a cycling accident, you will need to start the process within three years of their death or from receiving the results of their post-mortem.