Our Guide on How You Can Claim Compensation for a Cycling Injury
Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and increasingly popular way to get around. But when accidents happen, cyclists often face serious injuries, high recovery costs, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to cycling injury compensation.
Cycling Accident Claims Lawyers
In our guide on how you can claim cycle injury compensation, our expert cycling injury lawyers at Edwards Duthie Shamash, led by experienced Personal Injury Solicitor Bradley Wright, explain how to make a successful cycling injury claim, what you can claim for, and how cycle accident solicitors can help you every step of the way. We’ll also cover helpful resources like the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and The Highway Code.
What is a Cycling Injury Claim?
A cycling injury claim is a type of personal injury claim made by a cyclist who has suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence. Whether you were injured by a motorist, poor road conditions, or defective equipment, cycle accident claims and bicycle injury claims allow you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
When Can You Make a Cycling Accident Injury Claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- A vehicle driver failed to see you or drove dangerously
- Someone opened a car door into your path (“dooring”)
- The road surface was poorly maintained (e.g. potholes)
- Your bike or safety gear was faulty due to manufacturer negligence
- A pedestrian or another cyclist caused the accident through careless behaviour
To bring a successful cycling accident claim, you must show that:
- Another party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their breach caused your injury and associated losses
Our experienced cycling injury compensation lawyers at Edwards Duthie Shamash can assess your circumstances and advise if you have a strong case.
What Should I Do After a Cycling Accident?
Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Help – Always see a medical professional, even for minor injuries.
- Report the Incident – Report the accident to the police, especially if another party was involved.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, your bike, your injuries, and road conditions.
- Get Witness Details – Independent witnesses can support your claim.
- Keep Records – Save receipts for repairs, prescriptions, and travel.
- Contact a Solicitor – Speak with cycle accident solicitors or bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to begin your claim.
Common Types of Cycling Injuries and How to Claim Compensation for a Cycling Injury
Find our more about the typical injuries that cyclists face when they have been in an accident, when you may be entitled to compensation, and how our cycle accident solicitors can support you with your claim.
Cycle Injury Compensation: What Can You Claim Compensation For?
Every case is different, but cycling injury compensation claims typically cover:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost earnings from time off work
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Damage to your bike and cycling gear
- Travel expenses
- Pain, suffering and emotional trauma
Our cycle accident solicitors will calculate the full extent of your losses, including both financial and personal impact.
How Long Do You Have to Claim for Cycle Injury Compensation?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions:
- Children: Claims can be brought at any time before their 18th birthday or up to age 21.
- Mental Capacity: If the injured party lacks capacity, time limits may not apply.
It’s always best to get legal advice quickly. The sooner you act, the easier it is to collect crucial evidence and protect your rights.
Learn more about time limits for personal injury claims from the Citizens Advice.
Do You Need a Specialist Cycling Injury Lawyer?
Yes. Although general personal injury solicitors can handle road accident claims, working with cycling injury lawyers gives you the advantage of:
- Expertise in cycling-specific road traffic accidents
- Understanding of unique cyclist injuries and loss types
- Ability to handle disputes over liability or contributory negligence
- Access to specialist medical experts and accident reconstruction professionals
Bradley Wright, our dedicated solicitor at Edwards Duthie Shamash, has extensive experience helping cyclists recover compensation with care, clarity and professionalism.
Can You Still Make a Cycling Injury Compenation Claim if You Were Partly at Fault?
Yes, you are eligible to make a cycling injury compensation claim even if you were partly at fault. This is called contributory negligence. For example, you might still be eligible for compensation if:
- You weren’t wearing a helmet
- You didn’t use lights at night
- You were cycling outside a cycle lane
However, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of the blame. Our cycling injury lawyers can advise on how this may affect your case.
How Long Does a Cycling Injury Claim Take?
Claim duration depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether liability is admitted
- Availability of medical evidence
Straightforward claims can settle in a few months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries or liability disputes, may take longer. Throughout the process, our cycle accident solicitors or bicycle accident solicitors will keep you informed and fight for fair compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Cycling Accident Injury?
Liability in a cycling accident depends on how the incident occurred and who was responsible for causing it. In many cases, a claim is made against a motorist whose careless or dangerous driving led to the accident. This may include failing to give a cyclist sufficient space, pulling out without looking, or driving too fast for the road conditions.
In some situations, liability may rest with another cyclist or pedestrian, particularly where traffic rules were not followed. If a cycling accident was caused by a defective road surface, such as a pothole or broken paving, a claim may be brought against the local authority responsible for maintaining the road. Accidents on private land, including car parks or shared access ways, may result in a claim against the landowner or occupier if they failed to take reasonable steps to keep the area safe.
Establishing liability often requires careful investigation, including reviewing accident reports, witness evidence, photographs, and CCTV footage. A specialist cycling injury solicitor can assess who was at fault and advise on whether you have a valid compensation claim.
Do I have to wear a bike helmet when cycling? Cycling Helmets and the Law
Presently in the UK, wearing a helmet whilst cycling is not a legal requirement. However, it is recommended to do so by the Highway Code and Transport for London.
No Win, No Fee Cycle Accident Claims
We believe that justice should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for most cycle accident claims. This means:
- You don’t pay legal fees upfront
- If your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing
- If your claim succeeds, legal fees are recovered from the other side or capped from your compensation
We’ll explain all costs clearly and up front before starting your claim.
Why Choose Us as Your Cycle Accident Solicitors?
We are proud to support injured cyclists across England and Wales. Clients of Edwards Duthie Shamash choose us because:
- We have a proven track record in cycling accident claims
- Our team includes dedicated cycling injury lawyers like Bradley Wright who understand your situation
- We are approachable, professional and transparent
- We handle everything from evidence gathering to negotiation or litigation
Whether you’ve suffered a minor fracture or a life-changing injury, our team is here to help you get the compensation and support you deserve.
Highway Code Changes That Affect Cyclists
The Highway Code was the subject of a series of major changes in early 2022 but worryingly, research by various cycling charities suggests that millions of road users are unaware of their impact. Find out more about the new Highway Code changes and how these changes affect cyclists.
Cycling Injury Claims Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have been in a cycling accident and the driver fled the scene or had no insurance, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which provides compensation for victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. Our solicitors will guide you through this process.
Yes. Emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, or a loss of confidence while cycling, can be included in your claim as general damages. Medical or psychological assessments can support your case.
While helmet use is recommended, it is not a legal requirement. If you were not wearing one, you can still make a claim, though your compensation may be reduced slightly if your injuries could have been prevented or lessened by wearing a helmet.
To make a successful cycling injury claim, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to show how the accident happened and how you were injured. Useful evidence can include photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to your bicycle, and any road defects.
Medical records and GP or hospital reports help prove the extent of your injuries. Witness contact details, CCTV or dashcam footage, and a police accident reference number (if applicable) can also strengthen your claim.
Keeping receipts for expenses such as bike repairs, travel costs and medical treatment can help you recover these losses as part of your compensation.
The amount of compensation you may receive for a cycling accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Compensation typically includes general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, and special damages for financial losses such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and bicycle repair or replacement. Solicitors often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines when valuing injuries, but every claim is assessed on its individual circumstances.
Our specialist cycling injury solicitor can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your case.
Yes, it may be possible to claim compensation if your cycling accident was caused by a pothole, uneven road surface, or occurred on private land.
In pothole claims, responsibility may lie with the local authority if they failed to properly maintain the road. For accidents on private land, a claim may be made against the landowner or occupier if they breached their duty of care.
These claims can be complex and often require evidence showing that the hazard existed for a sufficient period and should have been repaired or made safe. Legal advice can help determine whether a valid claim can be brought.
Speak to Our Cycling Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident and need legal advice, don’t delay. Our specialist cycle accident solicitors at Edwards Duthie Shamash are ready to help you start your claim.
You may still be able to claim even if the other driver was uninsured or untraced. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) can compensate victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
Contact Bradley Wright and the team at Edwards Duthie Shamash today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
