Due to their vulnerability, cyclists frequently suffer serious, life-changing injuries. In 2021, the government reported that in the UK, between 2015 and 2020, an average of two cyclists died, and 83 were seriously injured per week as a result of a road accident. In 2020 alone, over 4,000 individuals were reported to be seriously injured, 11,500 slightly injured and 141 people were killed.

The types of injuries that can be sustained as a result of a cycling accident vary, these include:

• Orthopaedic injuries, sometimes leading to amputations
• Brain injuries
• Psychological trauma

We also act for the families of clients who have sadly died as a result of a cycling accident.

One of the most common forms of road traffic accidents involves motor vehicles and cyclists, access our useful guidance for drivers and cyclists here.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident whilst cycling, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. If possible, you should report the accident to the police. In circumstances where the defendant driver is unknown, for example in the instance of a ‘hit and run’, it may still be possible to make a claim. In those circumstances, a claim is made against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

You will not have to pay for costs upfront as we offer a Conditional Fee Agreement, otherwise known as a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement, if we consider the claim to have a reasonable chance of success.

In order to bring a successful claim for a cycling accident, expert and witness evidence will be important. You should keep records of any losses, for example, taxi fares, and make a note of anything you recall from the accident.

Any compensation received will usually be based on the following categories:

• The severity of your injuries including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life
• Loss of earnings (and if you are unable to return to work future loss of earnings)
• Treatment costs
• The cost of replacing any personal property
• The cost of adaptations needed to your home

This list is not exhaustive. Each claim will be considered in detail to ensure that all aspects of a client’s losses and changes in lifestyle are looked into.

Personal injury claims usually take a number of years to resolve. The time it takes for each claim will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and complexities in respect of establishing liability, the conduct of the defendant and their representatives, the nature of the injuries sustained and the value of the claim. A claim may take longer to resolve if the injuries are more severe and multiple operations and extensive rehabilitation is required. It is important that we have a good idea of the prognosis before concluding a claim as to avoid any under settlement.

It is unusual for a claim to go to a trial, claims are usually settled before the proceedings reach that stage. If you are unable to return to work or require further treatment and need funds to cover these costs, if liability has been admitted, we are often able to obtain interim payments for our clients before the final settlement of the claim. We are frequently able to set up rehabilitation programmes to help our clients to recover as much as they are able to and improve the quality of their lives.

You must bring proceedings within three years of the date of the accident. Different time limits apply to claims for children or people who lack capacity. You may be time-barred from bringing a claim after this period has elapsed.

Find out more by visiting our Medical Mondays hub, designed to provide up-to-date information on the different injuries, accidents, and claims that are commonly encountered by our team.