Cycling Accident Claims for Compensation

Whilst cycling is a fun activity and an environmentally friendly way to travel, it does not come without risks. Cycling accidents can cause serious injuries and can lead to financial distress. Pursuing compensation through cycling accident claims can help those affected and can be a crucial step towards recovery.

Cyclists are especially vulnerable on the road due to a lack of protection compared to other vehicles. If you or a family member has been involved in a cycling accident caused by someone else’s negligence, understanding the claims process is necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

At Beacon Law, we have a team of personal injury solicitors who are well-equipped to pursue cycling accident claims. If you are looking to start a cycling accident compensation claim, our accident solicitors can help you to understand your rights and options.

Common causes of cycling accidents

Cycling accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes that lead to cycling accident claims:

Collisions with vehicles: One of the most frequent causes of cycling accidents is a collision with other road users. This can happen when drivers fail to notice cyclists, make unsafe turns, or engage in reckless driving.

Poorly maintained roads: Hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, broken glass, or debris on the road can cause cyclists to lose control and fall. It is the responsibility of the local authorities to maintain roads and ensure they remain safe for cycling.

Defective or faulty equipment: A faulty bicycle, such as a malfunctioning brake or damaged tires, can cause accidents. Manufacturers or sellers may be held responsible if defects contribute to the crash.

Pedestrians: Pedestrians can also contribute to cycling accidents by stepping into the road unexpectedly. This can force a driver to swerve in order to avoid a collision.

Poor visibility: Cycling at night or in low visibility conditions can be dangerous if drivers are not taking proper precautions. Accidents can occur if a driver doesn’t take steps to ensure they are seen, such as using their lights when it is dark.

Injuries caused by cycling accidents

Cycling accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying on the nature of the accident. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head injuries – These are among the most serious injuries a cyclist can sustain. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur. Even with a helmet, a head injury can lead to long-term complications.

Broken bones – Cyclists often suffer fractures, particularly to the arms, wrists, collarbones, legs, and ribs. These injuries occur when a cyclist falls or is thrown from their bike.

Abrasions – Also known as road rash, abrasions are a common injury when a cyclist skids along the road. It can cause painful skin scrapes, often requiring medical treatment to prevent infection.

Sprains and strains – Sudden impacts or falls can result in sprained ligaments or strained muscles. This often occurs in the shoulders, knees, and back.

Spinal injuries – Cycling accidents can result in injuries to the spine. This ranges from mild back pain to more serious issues like herniated discs or spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to permanent paralysis.

What should I do following a cycling accident?

Firstly, you should seek medical attention straight away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical expert. This is because some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious.

Afterward, report the accident to the authorities, especially if it involves significant damage or injury. Calling the police will allow them to file an accident report, which will help support any claims you may make later.

It is important to document the scene of the accident. Take clear photographs of the location, including any damage to your bike, vehicles involved, the road conditions, and your injuries. You should also exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. This includes contact and insurance details with any drivers or individuals responsible.

Once you have reported the accident to the authorities, notify your insurance company. They can assist with the claims process and help cover medical costs or damage to your bike.

If you believe the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting with a personal injury solicitor is a wise decision. A cycle accident solicitor can guide you through the process and help you understand your legal rights.

What is the process for cycling accident claims?

During your initial consultation, a cycling injury lawyer from our team will provide you with legal advice about personal injury claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury lawyers will then ask you for details about your accident and the initial injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help us to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

In the early stages of your cycling injury claim, it’s essential to gather evidence to support your case. This may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your personal injury lawyer may also request that you undergo an independent medical examination to obtain a detailed report on the nature and extent of your injuries. These medical reports serve as crucial evidence for your claim. Even if you’ve already received medical treatment, a more comprehensive assessment may still be required to ensure the reports are accurate and reliable.

In cases involving minors or those who are incapacitated as a result of the accident, family members or appointed representatives can claim on behalf of someone else.

If we think that your bicycle accident claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

How much compensation could I receive?

If you have been injured in a cycling accident, and you decide to make a claim, the compensation for your accident will be dependent on the type of injury and the level of pain and suffering you sustained.

It is difficult to determine the amount of compensation from the outset without knowing all the details of the injury. As many injuries are complex, especially those which are ongoing, it may be necessary to obtain a medical evaluation of your injuries before we can make an estimation on the value of your injuries.

The valuation of your general damages will be based on recent case law, as well as guidelines set out by the Judicial College.

In addition to your claim for compensation for your injuries, you may also be able to make a claim for additional financial losses. Your additional losses can include the following:

• Loss of earnings if you required time off due to the accident.
• Travel costs – for travel to and from medical appointments
• Parking costs at medical appointments
• Costs of any care received
• Medical treatment costs

Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices for any additional expenses, as these will be necessary to verify your losses.

If your injuries are severe and require long-term treatment or result in extended time off work, your compensation is likely to be significantly higher than for a minor injury where recovery occurs within a few weeks.

In cases where immediate financial support is required, interim payments may be provided. These advance payments cover urgent expenses or loss of income if the claimant is unable to work due to the injury. This can help them manage their immediate needs before the final settlement.

What are the time limits for making a claim?

In the UK, the time limit for making a claim for personal injury is typically three years from the date of the accident. This is governed by the Limitation Act 1980, which sets the standard time frame for cycling accident claims. However, there are some key exceptions to consider:

Children

• If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until their 21st birthday to make a claim. Alternatively, a loved one can claim on behalf of a child.

Mental incapacity

• If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, the three-year time limit does not begin until (or unless) they regain capacity.

Date of knowledge

• If the injured person was unaware that their injury was caused by negligence at the time of the accident, the three-year limitation period may start from the date they became aware (the “date of knowledge”) that negligence contributed to their injury.

 

If your accident was caused by an untraceable or uninsured driver, you can still make a claim. However, the claims process may be slightly different than normal. The process for claiming against an uninsured or untraceable driver will involve your claim being submitted through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB). Beacon Law can assist you in making this type of claim.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are specialist personal injury lawyers with a wealth of experience in dealing with bike accident claims. We can provide you with specialist legal advice on making a claim and guide you through the process, whilst negotiating the best settlement for your accident and injuries.

We offer our services on a no win, no fee basis, which means you only have to pay our fees if your case is successful. To find out more about making a cycling claim on a no-win, no fee basis, have a look at the funding section on our website.

For a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim with a member of our legal team, please call us today on 0330 1332 857 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will call you back.

Beacon Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.