Bicycle Accident Compensation
Cycling is a liberating activity that unfortunately comes with its own set of risks, especially on unpredictable roads. Bike accidents, even the seemingly minor ones, can turn your world upside down, leaving you both physically and emotionally shaken.
Here at Lawhive, we believe that if you've suffered due to someone else's negligence, you deserve more than just an apology. You deserve cycling accident compensation to aid in covering the recovery expenses, especially if you’ve been forced to take time off work, incurred costs because of the accident, or an injury has left you in need of physical therapy or rehabilitation.
How to claim after a bicycle accident
When you're ready to take the next step towards a bike accident claim, get in touch with our legal assessment team. We'll assess your situation and determine if you qualify for a cycling accident injury claim.
Starting a cycling accident claim with Lawhive is not only about support and advice but also about making it financially possible for you. We operate on a system known as conditional fee agreements (CFAs), ensuring that pursuing your claim won't burden you with upfront costs.
This means that if your case qualifies, we'll pair you with a dedicated personal injury solicitor, and their fees will only apply if your claim is successful. No win, no fee – it's that simple. This means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the financial pressures of seeking justice.
What can I claim after a cycling accident?
What you can claim after a bike accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact of them.
Generally, cycling accident compensation claims cover:
Loss of income;
The cost of fixing or replacing your bike and equipment;
Costs for medical treatment like physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or counselling;
Expenses related to changes in your vehicle or home if required.
What evidence do I need to prove a bicycle claim?
When looking at your claim, it may be helpful to your case to have the following:
Footage from your helmet camera (if you have one);
Dashcam recordings from witnesses;
Medical records that show the extent of your injuries and their impact;
Location data from map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps to help reconstruct the accident;
Witness statements for additional perspectives;
Official police and ambulance reports;
Photos taken at the scene or of your injuries and damage to your bike;
Footage from CCTV cameras in the area.
What do cycling accident claims involve?
The process for making a cycling accident claim with Lawhive generally follows these steps:
Free (no-obligation) case assessment: Our legal assessment team will listen to what happened to you and help you understand your options in making a claim;
Solicitor assignment: If you choose to work with our personal injury solicitors, we’ll assign the best solicitor to your case;
Fact-finding: Your solicitor will talk to you and gather details about the accident, as well as any evidence you have;
Identifying the cause and liable party: We’ll help you get to the bottom of what caused the accident and who is responsible, so you know who you’re claiming against;
Medical evaluations and financial loss evidence: Often your solicitor will arrange for an independent medical expert to assess your injuries and medical records. We’ll also collect evidence of financial losses you’ve suffered;
Valuation of the claim: Your solicitor will put a value on your claim based on suffering, injuries, and financial losses;
Negotiation or court proceedings: Your solicitor can work to negotiate a settlement on your behalf, or represent you in court should it come to that;
Settlement or court decision.
It's important to note that lots of personal injury claims don’t go to court. In many cases, choosing the right time to settle can be crucial in determining your compensation. Our solicitor will guide you through this process and advise on whether to accept a settlement offer at different points during the process.
Who pays compensation for bike accident claims?
Compensation for bike accident claims is typically paid by the insurance company involved directly to the victim. For example, if a car turns and knocks you off your bike, if the driver is deemed to be at fault their insurance will cover your damages.
How much compensation could I get for a cycling accident claim?
How much you could get from a successful bike injury compensation claim isn't easy to determine until your cycle accident solicitors investigate and talk to the other party's insurer.
The amount depends on things like how the accident happened, how severe your injuries are, how long it takes to recover, and if you've lost money or had other costs. Your bicycle injury lawyer will carefully assess these factors to estimate what you might get and keep you informed about it.
General damages are the compensation you get to make up for the pain, suffering, and overall impact on your life, also known as loss of amenity. There are some guidelines, issued by the Judicial College, that show the range of payments for general damages, however, it’s important to understand that these guidelines cover all kinds of injuries, not just those sustained in a cycling accident.
Type of injury | Potential compensation |
Head injury | £1,880 - £379,100 |
Severe neck injury | £38,800 - £139,210 |
Severe back injury with spinal cord damage | £77,700 - £151,070 |
Hip or pelvis injury | £3,370 - £122,860 |
Fractured thigh bone (femur) | £7,780 - £13,210 |
In the heartbreaking event that a family member has passed away due to a bike accident, we know that nothing can replace your loss. However, compensation can help you to manage everyday life without them, especially if you depend on them financially.
Our solicitors will work closely with you to calculate the amount of compensation, considering the impact of your loss, funeral costs, and the dependence of those left behind.
If you need to discuss a fatal accident claim, we understand doing so can be incredibly difficult and sometimes traumatic. Please, rest assured, that we are here to guide you through your options at your pace, and should you speak to our legal assessment team, your conversation will remain entirely confidential and there is no obligation to claim with the support of one of our solicitors.
Common cycling injuries
Bike accidents can hurt, and leave you with lasting injuries. While helmets help, head and brain injuries following cycling accidents can still happen.
Following a bike accident, people often seek compensation for injuries like:
Compensation doesn’t just cover physical injuries either. We also look at how a cycling accident affected you mentally. Any kind of injury can be traumatic, especially where negligence is involved, and equal weight must be given to psychological injury when making a claim.
For example, if the thought of getting on a bike following your accident is distressing to any extent, we consider that in compensation calculations, too. Therefore, it's important to be honest with your personal injury solicitor and remember, it's okay not to be okay. Our job is to help you get appropriate compensation for all the damages you've suffered, including psychological damage.
Common causes of cycling accidents
Often in bike accidents, the fault lies with other road users being careless. We’d even go as far as arguing that cyclists are one of the most vulnerable types of road users, especially considering some driver's attitudes toward them in recent years.
A common cause of cycling accidents is when a car or lorry turns left without noticing the cyclist, resulting in a collision. While these types of accidents might happen at low speeds, they can lead to serious injuries.
Other common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Drivers not paying attention to their surroundings (i.e. using their phones);
Other road users not giving cyclists enough space to maneuver;
Speeding;
Drivers drifting into bike lanes or weaving through traffic;
Changing lanes without checking the way is clear;
Driving through a red light or failing to comply with a stop sign;
Failing to yield to oncoming traffic (i.e. when entering a roundabout);
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Driving while tired.
It would be impossible to list all causes of cycling accidents, as each situation is unique. However, if you’ve been injured while riding a bike, whether the incident involved a car, HGV, van, or other type of vehicle, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation case assessment from our legal assessment team.
What happens if I’m involved in a bicycle accident but the other vehicle doesn’t stop?
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, and the other person doesn’t stop this is a hit-and-run and it can be very distressing.
If you are able, you should try to note down any details you can about the vehicle, like its make, model, colour, distinguishing marks or features, and, if possible, the registration number.
You should also report the incident to the police as soon as possible, and tell them everything you know. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should try and get their contact information.
Of course, in the trauma of a hit-and-run bicycle accident, you may not be able to do these things - especially if you’ve sustained significant injuries. In cases where the driver is untraceable, you can make a bike accident claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. A solicitor can help with this.
How long does a cycling accident claim take?
Every bicycle accident claim is unique, so the time it takes to resolve each claim varies. For example, proceedings may be slower if your injuries are more severe.
In general, claims are settled faster when a fault is established and liability by the other party is accepted. In these cases, negotiations usually don’t take that long, and payment of the settlement happens quite swiftly.
On the other hand, if a case goes to court, it might take longer to conclude. At Lawhive, our goal is to handle your claim efficiently and effectively while keeping your best interests and goals at the heart of everything.
Why talk to us about your cycling accident claim?
At Lawhive, our solicitors have extensive expertise in cycling accident claims. They understand the nuances of these cases and can help you increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
We conduct a thorough evaluation of your claim, considering various factors such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and potential future costs. This comprehensive approach helps in accurately determining the compensation you may be entitled to.
What's more, we believe in transparent and supportive communication. Before you engage with our solicitors, our legal assessment team will discuss your case with you for free, help you understand if you have a case, and advise on the best next steps. This case assessment is completely obligation-free. We won't pressure you into using our services, and signpost you to further resources for support if you need it.
Our approach also includes conditional fee agreements for qualifying cases, meaning you won't face upfront costs. We operate on a "no win, no fee" basis, aligning our interests with yours and providing financial peace of mind during the claims process.
Choosing Lawhive means choosing a team that is passionate about helping you through the challenges of a cycling accident, ensuring you receive fair compensation and the support you need. Get in touch to find out more.