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.
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.
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 much does it cost to make a cycling accident compensation 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.
However, Slater and Gordon offer No Win No Fee funding for cycling accident claims, so if you lose your case, you don't need to pay anything, meaning there's no financial risk to you.
How long does a cycling accident compensation claim take?
It's impossible to say how long your cycling accident compensation claim will take as it depends on a number of 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 or not 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. For more information about making a claim, read our cycling claims guide or watch our video on how long a cycling incident claim can take.
How much compensation can I claim for a cycling accident?
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 of time 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.
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.
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What treatment or care is provided as part of a cycling accident claim?
Rehabilitation and treatment
As we specialise in this area of law, we know that for those with serious injuries, the earlier rehabilitation and treatment begins, the better their chance of recovery is. This is why we seek early interim payments as a key part of our strategy, to ensure we have funding as soon as possible for any rehabilitation and treatment you need to maximise your chance of recovery and future independence.
Given our many years of experience, we work with some of the best case managers and medical experts in the field and will ensure you get the best possible care and assistance.
Practical and emotional support
We also work closely with a number of charities who are able to offer a whole range of practical advice and support which can be invaluable to our clients who's suffered serious injuries, such as Headway, Spinal Injuries Association, Finding Your Feet, Brake and RoadPeace.
As we work closely with these charities and organisations, where you need additional support, we’ll be able to signpost you to those which are most suited to your needs.
Aftercare
We pride ourselves on ensuring that our clients get the aftercare they need way beyond the settlement of their case. At Slater and Gordon, we’ll be there for you throughout your life. Not only will our cycling accident lawyers continue to be there for you when you need us, but we have teams of specialists in other areas of law who can continue to provide you with invaluable advice and support.
In many cases, our clients find that they would also benefit from legal advice in other areas of law. As one of the largest consumer law firms in the country, we have teams who specialise in areas of law such as Court of Protection, wills and probate, family law and employment law. We also have independent financial advisers who can provide welfare benefits advice and help protect your compensation.
Having such a range of specialism within Slater and Gordon means you’ll not have the burden of trying to find specialist firms to help you in your time of need and instead, Slater and Gordon can provide you with a seamless, end to end service.
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)
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
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.
Can I still make a cycling accident claim if I was partly at fault?
Not every cycling accident is caused entirely because of the inattention of other road users. As with many road traffic accident, it is entirely possible that both parties could be held partially at fault. That does not mean, however, that you are not entitled to make a claim for compensation. Instead, it may mean that the total compensation you would have been awarded for your injuries is reduced to reflect your own level of liability.
Ultimately, this means that even if you believe you may have been partly responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation and should seek specialist advice.
Will I need to attend a medical examination as part of my cycling accident claim?
For most personal injury claims, you’ll be required to undergo a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will discuss your injuries and their impact on your life in detail. They will then produce a medico legal report, which is used as evidence by the courts and solicitors to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
What should I do if the driver to blame fled the scene (hit and run) or was uninsured?
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) was set up to help people who have suffered as a result of an uninsured or untraceable driver, and any claims made to them will consider damage to your property, as well as any injuries sustained.
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)