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Bicycle Accident Claim Specialists
Our specialist cycling accident solicitors can help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
£85 million in compensation
Bicycle Accident Claim Specialists
Our specialist solicitors can help you receive the maximum compensation for your bicycle accident claim.
AS SEEN ON
How JF Law Can Help With Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Last Updated On 16th October 2025. Cycling on the road can be extremely dangerous as you do not have the relative protection of a vehicle. Therefore, cycling accidents can have drastic consequences. You may have experienced both physical and psychological trauma. Completing your daily tasks can become difficult, if not impossible, without assistance. When these incidents are caused by another driver, bicycle accident claims can help those affected to prioritise recovery and seek closure.
Our advisors are available 24/7 to further explain how the personal injury process works in the UK. They have handled many similar enquiries and understand that this could be your first time considering a compensation claim. You may wish to know more about the excellent No Win No Fee contracts that our solicitors offer. With decades of combined experience, our solicitors offer client-focused support throughout the entire process. Why not enquire today to find out if one of them could take your case forward?
Your Key Questions Answered
- How common are cycling accidents? There were 14,999 reports of pedal cycle casualties in 2023.
- What were the most common causes of accidents? A driver/rider failing to look properly, a failure to judge the other person’s speed/path, and careless/reckless driving
- What can cyclists do to limit the risk? Wear bright clothing, put lights on your bike and use signals to make your intentions clear to drivers.
- What evidence can I supply? Common examples of evidence include CCTV footage, photos of your injuries and contact details of witnesses.
- I injured my head, but I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I claim? Yes, you can still claim compensation if your decisions may have affected the severity of the injury, you may still be eligible for a percentage of the compensation.
Could I Make A Bicycle Accident Claim?
All road users have a duty of care to use the roads in a way that prevents injury or damage to themselves or others. To fulfil this duty of care, they must comply with the rules set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. If a road user were to breach this duty for example speeding, running a red light or not driving with due care and attention they could be liable should a party suffer injuries in a road traffic accident as a consequence of their actions.
The eligibility criteria to make a personal injury claim following a cycle accident are:
- At the time of the incident, you were owed a duty of care by the defendant.
- Your accident occurred because the defendant breached their duty of care in some way; and
- As a direct consequence of the accident, you sustained injuries.
If you have any questions or you’d like us to check if you have a valid bicycle accident claim, why not call our team on the number above today?
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Meet Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Tracy Chick
Head Of Road Traffic Accidents
Antony Jennings
Head Of Personal Injury Claims
How To Claim For A Bicycle Accident
Making a cyclist accident claim can be a tricky process, especially if it’s not clear how the accident happened. Therefore, you may wish to collect evidence following a cycling accident if you intend to make a claim. To make a personal injury claim after a road traffic accident, you must meet the criteria stated above. This means that a driver will need to be at least partially responsible for the accident. Having evidence is key to proving liability as well as how you were injured.
In any type of road traffic accident (RTA), the types of evidence you could collect include:
- Information about the other party involved (name, address, contact details etc.).
- Details of the other party’s insurance policy if they have one.
- Contact details for any witnesses to your accident.
- Photographs and video footage (CCTV, dashcam etc) to demonstrate how the accident happened.
- Details of any hospital or GP appointments you attended following the accident.
- Information about how your injuries have affected you.
If your bicycle accident claim is valid, one of our solicitors may agree to represent you. As part of their service, they will collect witness statements or obtain your medical records to strengthen your claim.
To see if you might be entitled to claim compensation, call our team today.
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What To Do At The Scene Of A Bicycle Accident
How Can A Cycling Accident Be Caused By Driver Negligence?
As mentioned earlier, a bicycle accident claim may be possible if you’ve been injured because a driver or another road user breached the duty of care they owed towards you.
Some examples of how a driver may breach their duty of care in a way that may lead to a cycling injury claim include:
- A cyclist is knocked off their bike due to a driver pulling out of their drive without looking.
- There is a collision between a bus and a bike because the driver failed to check if a junction was clear before pulling out.
- When opening their car door, a driver or passenger failed to check it was clear and knocked a passing cyclist off their bike.
- A cyclist was hit from behind because a vehicle driver did not leave enough stopping distance for braking.
To find out if you could make a cyclist accident claim, you can contact our advisors for free today either online or by calling us.
Can I Still Make A Bicycle Accident Claim If The Driver Didn't Stop?
Under Section 170 of the RTA 1988, drivers are legally obliged to stop at the accident scene if personal injury occurs, this includes for cycling accidents. They should also swap information with the road user they collided with. Typically, this will make it easier for cyclists to start bicycle accident claims through the driver’s insurance provider.
This may not be possible if the driver leaves the scene and can’t be identified, but you can still seek compensation.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is a body set up to offer road users a compensation route if they are injured in a collision with an unidentified or uninsured driver.
Just as with all bike accident claims made the traditional way, your claim with the MIB must satisfy the eligibility criteria for a personal injury claim that we discussed earlier in the guide.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a driver who didn’t stop at the scene, contact us today and learn more about how our solicitors can help you claim through the MIB.
Can I Make A Claim For An Accident Caused By A Pothole?
Yes, it’s possible to make a compensation claim for an accident caused by a pothole.
Britain is a country plagued by potholes, with many roads and highways experiencing some level of deterioration.
Potholes pose a significant risk to cyclists. Deep holes in particular could send cyclists off their bike, potentially forcing them into the path of vehicles.
The injuries in such accidents can be severe. Cyclists should wear helmets, but they’re not compulsory by law , which means some people could suffer a nasty head or brain injury.
There’s also the potential to suffer injuries like broken arms or legs, shoulder injuries and damage to the back.
In many cases, the local council is responsible for the upkeep of roads and highways.
To check if you’re eligible to make a cycling accident claim for an accident caused by a pothole, please get in touch with us for free or click the button below.
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We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
How Much Compensation Could I Get For My Bike Accident Claim?
Successfully claiming for a cycling accident will lead to compensation being awarded to you. While every payout differs, every case will include at least some damages being given under the general damages head of claim.
What this means is that you would receive a payment that aims to account for the physical pain and psychological suffering caused by a bike accident injury.
Those figuring out how much compensation you would receive might look at the medical evidence. They can also check out a set of guideline compensation brackets for various injuries found in a document called the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).
Compensation Table
We have created this table based on JCG figures. Only the top line is not based on the guideline brackets. However, it is still worth remembering that every cycle accident claim payout is based on the case’s individual merits, so this is merely a guide.
| Type Of Injury | Severity | Compensation Guidelines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries And Significant Financial Loss | Severe | Up to £1,000,000+ | Compensation that accounts not only for physical and/or psychological harm, but lost earnings, care costs, prescription fees and other monetary losses. |
| Brain | Very Severe | £344,150 to £493,000 | Life expectancy, sensory impairment, behavioural problems, degree of insight and other factors will be considered when determining settlement amounts. |
| Back | Severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | Most severe injuries involving spinal cord and nerve root damage. |
| Severe (iii) | £47,320 to £85,100 | Despite surgery, there remain disabilities such as continuing severe pain and discomfort, impaired agility and impaired sexual function. | |
| Arm | Injuries Resulting in Permanent and Substantial Disablement | £47,810 to £73,050 | Serious fractures of one or both forearms. |
| Neck | Severe (iii) | £55,500 to £68,330 | Chronic conditions caused because of neck fractures, dislocations or serious soft tissue injuries. |
| Moderate (i) | £30,500 to £46,970 | Dislocations or fractures that cause immediate and severe symptoms. | |
| Elbow | Severely Disabling | £47,810 to £66,920 | A severely disabling injury. |
| Knee | Severe (iii) | £31,960 to £53,030 | Where the claimant may suffer pain, discomfort, limited movement and instability because of a knee injury. |
| Skeletal | (b) Multiple Fractures of Facial Bones | £18,180 to £29,220 | Permanent facial deformity because of multiple facial bone fractures. |
What Financial Damage Can I Claim For?
You might be wondering if your bicycle injury claim could also account for the way you’ve suffered financially. It is possible for your payout to feature a payment for special damages, the second head of claim that focuses on the monetary effects of personal injury.
Many people find that the costs brought about by cycle accident injuries actually affect them more than the injuries themselves, so it is far from unheard of for the special damages payment to make up most of the overall payout.
For example, special damages could be awarded as part of personal injury claims to help with:
- The cost of replacing or fixing a damaged bike.
- Lost earnings from being unable to work.
- Medical bills.
- Travel expenses, such as paying for bus travel because you aren’t able to cycle somewhere.
You can learn more about road traffic accident compensation, and get a more detailed overview of what you might be able to claim for, by calling us today.
Can I Claim For The Cost Of A New Bike?
Yes, as part of a cycling claim, you can seek the cost of a new bike or recover the cost of the repairs. This part of the claim also falls under the financial losses outlined above.
Our Bicycle Accident Claim Case Studies
We helped Michael get back on his feet after he was knocked off his bike
“I was in a lot of pain and I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t work and was struggling to pay my bills. I got legal advice from JF Law and they took care of everything. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Read more of our client stories here.
Get Help From Our No Win No Fee Solicitors
If you have an eligible bicycle accident claim, you may need a personal injury solicitor for assistance. While it isn’t mandatory to instruct a solicitor for your bike accident claim, having the right expert guidance would strengthen your case. Our solicitors have extensive experience in handling bike accident claims. They will help navigate the complexities of making a claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our legal team can help in the following ways:
- Collecting evidence.
- Communicating with the other party and official bodies.
- Handling all the legal paperwork.
- Explaining complex legal terms.
- Valuing your compensation.
If you choose to work with us, we could direct you to our No Win No Fee solicitors. They will offer their No Win No Fee services through a Conditional Fee Agreement(CFA), under which:
- There is no upfront payment for your solicitor’s work in the beginning.
- Your solicitor won’t charge you for their services while your claim is pending or if you lose.
- In case of a successful outcome, you will have to pay them only a fixed percentage of your compensation. This is the success fee, and there is a legal limit on the percentage that can be taken. Therefore, you need not worry about losing out on your compensation amount.
Contact Us
Our legal team is one of the best in the country when it comes to foreign jurisdiction and travel litigation.
They have experience handling claims involving dozens of countries and possess contacts and knowledge to make the process swift and smooth.
What’s more, if your case has good prospects of success, we can represent you under a No Win No Fee agreement. This means you wouldn’t have to pay any fees upfront, while the claim progresses, and nothing at all if the claim fails.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some common questions on bicycle accident claims:
What should I do immediately after a cycling accident?
Get to a safe place, call 999 if anyone is hurt and report serious incidents to the police. Swap details with the other party when you can. Photograph the scene, your bike, road layout, any debris and your injuries. Look for CCTV or dashcam sources, and take witness contacts. See a GP or A&E so your medical records reflect what happened. Keep receipts and a diary of symptoms.
Do the whiplash reforms and the Official Injury Claim portal apply to cyclists?
No. Cyclists are treated as vulnerable road users. Cyclist injury claims are excluded from the OIC small-claims process and the statutory whiplash tariff. You can still recover legal costs in the usual way if your injury value meets the standard track rules.
How long do I have to start a cycling accident claim?
The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident or date of knowledge. For children, time runs from their 18th birthday. There is no limit while a person lacks capacity. Do not delay because evidence is easier to gather early.
Can I claim if it was a hit and run or the driver was uninsured?
Yes. Claims can be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau for untraced or uninsured drivers. You should report the crash promptly and your solicitor will guide the MIB process and evidence.
Can I claim if a pothole or road defect caused my crash?
Possibly. Highway authorities must maintain roads, but they can raise a Section 58 defence if they took reasonable care through inspection and maintenance. Evidence such as defect measurements, photos, witness statements and prior reports can be decisive. Your solicitor will request inspection records to test any Section 58 defence.
Do I need to wear a helmet or hi-vis to claim?
You can still claim. Not wearing a helmet or hi-vis does not stop a claim, though in some cases a court may consider whether it affected injury severity. Proper lights are required at night. Your solicitor will advise on any alleged contributory negligence.
How do the Highway Code changes help cyclists in claims?
The 2022 updates created a hierarchy of road users. Drivers now have greater responsibility to protect people who walk, cycle and ride. This can support liability where a driver failed to give way or pass safely.
Can I get help with rehabilitation and treatment while the claim runs?
Yes. Where liability is accepted, your solicitor can seek an early rehabilitation assessment and interim payments to fund treatment, equipment or support. This can start before final settlement.
What losses can I recover after a bicycle accident?
Typical losses include injury compensation, bike repair or replacement, helmet and kit, travel costs, treatment and rehabilitation, and lost earnings. Keep receipts and records to support special damages.
What if an e-bike, hire bike or faulty part was involved?
You may claim against a negligent driver, the highway authority for defects, another cyclist, a hire operator or a manufacturer if a defect caused the incident or worsened injury. The evidence steps are similar, and product or maintenance records may be needed.
Will I have to go to court?
Most claims settle without a trial. Court is usually a last resort if liability or value is disputed. Your solicitor will prepare you if proceedings are needed.
Can I claim the cost of a replacement bike while I recover?
Yes, you can claim repair or replacement and reasonable alternative transport costs where supported by evidence. Keep estimates, invoices and proof of use.
