Cycling Accident Solicitors

Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Learn more about how our cycling accident solicitors can help you with cycling accident claims.

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  • “This is an excellent PI team, who are highly respected in the PI sector. Their team includes bright, hard-working solicitors dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for their clients”

  • “Osbornes is a well-regarded personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims.”

     

Cycling Accident Compensation Claims

As expert cycling accident solicitors and cyclists ourselves, we know that every case is different and we understand the issues that arise in cycling accident claims. From dooring, flooring and hooking to lorry vision standards and infrastructure, we know the various road accident scenarios and the types of injury that cyclists suffer as well as the short and long-term effects and losses that follow. You will hear from some of our clients and how we have been able to help.

We are proud to be the exclusive legal partner of the London Cycling Campaign, a 12,000-member strong charity that gives cyclists a voice in Greater London. Our cycling accident solicitors take an active role in campaigning for safer cycling (Stuart Kightley is a London Cycling Campaign trustee) showing our dedication to cycling & cycling accident claims.

Table of Contents

How do I Claim for a Cycling Accident?

Speak to one of our expert bicycle accident lawyers for a free initial assessment.  The first consideration will be whether a claim for compensation is likely to succeed. That will depend on the facts of the particular case, but if it can be proved – on the balance of probabilities – that another party was at fault and their fault caused the accident then the claim will succeed. If the lawyer believes the claim has little or no chance of success they will decline to take the case on a No Win No Fee basis. You are then at liberty to consult one or more other lawyers, because other firms may take a different view on liability or have a different appetite for risk.

It may well be that it is too early at the outset for the lawyer to have a clear idea of liability.  It may be that you are unable for various reasons to recount the accident circumstances and it can take time to gather the liability evidence together. The solicitor should then obtain the police, witness, CCTV, accident investigation and other evidence necessary to review the case on liability, pursuing the claim with the opponent’s insurers and seeking an early admission of liability.

There is a protocol that your lawyer and the third-party insurers will follow, which has short time limits to deal with the exchange of initial information and which is designed to resolve issues on liability in the initial weeks after the claim is brought.

Rehabilitation is also an early consideration, and in many cases, an early independent rehabilitation assessment is carried out so that funding can be sought from the opponent to cover the cost of medical investigations, therapies and treatment.

Issues around medical assessment, prognosis and compensation assessment should wait until the injuries have stabilised, and so they tend to follow liability investigations.

What types of cycling accident can I claim for?

Our bicycle accident lawyers have dealt with every conceivable cycling accident scenario. Some of the more common causes of bike accidents that we have helped our clients claim include:

  • Cycling Accidents at Roundabouts – Our lawyers recently settled a claim for £11,000. Our client was hit by a car that failed to stop at a roundabout resulting in soft tissue injuries, a broken nose, concussion, and a relapse of post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Cycling Accidents involving Car Dooring – Our client had been riding their bike along a quiet road in East London when the driver of a car suddenly opened their car door. Our client suffered serious facial fractures requiring surgery. We settled this car dooring claim for £70,000 
  • Accidents in Cycle Lanes – We secured a £25,000 payout for an accident on a cycle lane after a motorist  failed to give way as our client rode along the cycle lane. Our client suffered a significant laceration to their face, leaving permanent disfigurement and a loss of sensation.
  • Cyclists Hit by a Car – Our client was struck by a sports car travelling at speed our client was catapulted off his bike onto the hard tarmac, suffering multiple fractures and potential brain damage as a result. The claim settled for £50,000
  • Cyclists Hit by a TaxiOur client claimed £130,000 compensation after suffering serious fractures to his hand and wrist, fractures to his spine and psychological injury as a result of being hit by a taxi whilst riding his bike.
  • Cyclists Hit by a Lorry – a 60-year-old cyclist was killed by a lorry as he was pushing his bike along a busy road in Southall, West London.
  • Accidents Involving E-bikes & E-Scooters – there are an increasing number of serious accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters due to the speed they travel at and the fact that riders are often inexperienced.

What types of injuries can I claim for?

We have helped clients claim compensation for a wide range of injuries including:

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Bicycle Accident?

No two bicycle accidents are the same so we can’t say, straight away, exactly how much compensation you will get for your claim. While we might not be able to say precisely how much compensation you can expect to get, we are highly experienced in cycling injury claims and should be able to give you an estimate, when we speak. In order to give you an estimate we take into account:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • How long it will take to recover from your accident
  • The cost of medical care and rehabilitation
  • The value of the damage to your bike and personal possessions such as a helmet, clothes and mobile phone
  • The financial impact that your injuries may have on your life.

Take a look at our client stories to see examples of how much compensation has been awarded for different cycling accident claims.

What Can I Claim For Following A Cycling Accident?

The heads of loss in a cycling accident claim are broad and cover past losses and expenses as well as rehabilitation and the cost of meeting future needs, including:

  • Loss of earnings and prejudice on the labour market
  • Bike repairs and equipment damage
  • Travel expenses and loss of use of bike
  • Treatment, rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Specialist equipment and care
  • Adaptations to vehicle and home

For example, Osbornes Law recently acted for a client who was thrown off her bike in a collision at a roundabout and suffered a lumbar spine fracture. During her period of recovery, she had to work reduced hours as a hospital consultant and required therapy for the psychological effects of the accident and her injuries. Interim payments were claimed from the opponent to meet these costs. Longer term, she was restricted in terms of the physical aspects of her job, and the eventual financial settlement included the value of continued reduced hours, up to retirement, as well as compensation for the lost opportunity to gain further promotion.

We acted for another client who sustained a lower back injury when he was knocked off his bike. He made a good recovery but would always have a vulnerability to episodes of back pain if he over-exerted physically. We were able to recover damages to allow him to pay contractors to complete the home DIY and garden renovation work he had started and secured an allowance every year to cover the cost of heavier DIY and gardening in the future, beyond retirement age.

How Long Do I Have To Claim For A Bicycle Accident?

You usually have three years from the date of your accident or injury to bring a claim – we’d always advise getting in touch with our bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your claim.

How Long Does A Cycling Accident Claim Take?

Each claim has different circumstances so it’s impossible to say exactly how long your claim will take. It will depend on several factors including the severity of your injuries and whether or not your opponent accepts blame.

A relatively simple claim – like minor scratches and bruises or when the other party admits responsibility – could be settled in a few months. A claim relating to more serious injuries – or a claim where the other party doesn’t admit responsibility – will take longer as we’ll have to seek medical evidence. This is partly so that we can make sure any compensation supports you for your long-term medical needs. We may also have to wait to understand the full impact of your injuries because compensation may depend on how long it takes you to heal.

Other factors that could prolong your cycling injury claim include whether it has to go to court or if you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident that involves the police and insurance companies having to locate the driver.

Can I Make A No Win No Fee Cycling Accident Claim?

Most claims are commonly instructed on a no-win no fee basis. Osbornes will offer you a No Win No Fee funding agreement so that you will not have to meet the legal costs and expenses as the case proceeds. In the unlikely event that the case is not successful, you will not be left out of pocket. If you win, you pay us a small success fee from your recovered damages.

Why Choose Osbornes Law as Your Cycling Accident Solicitors?

The cycling team at Osbornes is made up of approachable bicycle accident lawyers, with over 40 years of experience in litigating the most complex and serious accident cases and representing cyclists across the full range of claims, including amputation, traumatic brain injuries and fatal injuries.

Our personal injury lawyers have successfully recovered millions of pounds for people whose lives have been devastated by serious and life-changing cycling injuries and for the families of those tragically killed whilst cycling.

Our main focus is on giving you all the support you need throughout your recovery: getting you the best rehabilitation and financial package for your needs, including interim payments throughout the course of your case, and where possible getting you back on your bike.

Contact our Cycling Accident Solicitors today.

For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811

Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you






    What you should do following a cycling accident

    Cycling Accident Claims FAQs

    I’ve been involved in a cycling accident - what should I do at the scene of the crash?

    Shock and pain can make it difficult to react immediately and properly to a crash involving injury, but here is our advice on what to do:

    1. Be safe – get out of danger and get others to help secure the scene.
    2. Ring 999 – ambulance paramedics will assess your injuries and the police will investigate the cycling accident.
    3. Exchange details with the other party – this is a legal requirement unless the accident has been reported to the police.
    4. Evidence – use your phone: photograph the other vehicle, driver and the scene; check for CCTV cameras, speak to witnesses and obtain their contact details.
    5. Get legal advice – Following a crash which has resulted in injury to you, it is always worth speaking to a specialist lawyer who will be able to advice you on your rights, obligations and what your next steps may be.

    For more information about what to do click here.

    I was involved in a crash, but the other party did not remain at the scene. Can I still make a claim?

    Yes! If you are the victim of a ‘hit and run’ or the other party is an uninsured driver you will still be able to seek a compensation award. This is done through a third-party organisation called The Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB). The MIB’s job is to step into the shoes of the insurer and to compensate for all genuine claims made against a negligent – but uninsured or unknown – driver. Your solicitor will fully represent your interests throughout this process.

    The insurers for the other party have made me an offer to settle the case – do I need to accept?

    Our advice is to contact a specialist firm of solicitors before accepting any offer made, as in our experience such offers can be very low and do not take in account the longer lasting impact of any injuries sustained. Osbornes Law represented a cyclist who suffered severe facial injuries following a collision. In this case the driver’s insurance made an early offer of £15,000, which we rejected on behalf of our client.  By instructing medical experts we were able to build up a much better picture of clients’ long-term prognosis and the final award we achieved was £70,000.

    I’ve been injured in an accident and no other road user was involved. Is it possible to bring a claim?

    Depending on the facts of your case, if the accident was caused by another party (such as a local authority) not properly discharging their duty of care and causing a highway defect or hazard, it is possible to seek damages from them for injury. Osbornes is representing a client who was thrown of his bike when a large stone became lodged in his front wheel whilst riding on a cycle path, sustaining very serious injuries. The claim was pursued against the public authority, who had failed to properly maintain the track, and a seven figure award secured.

    We represented another client who suffered severe shoulder and wrist injuries after his bike slipped from underneath him. On gathering witness statements, it was revealed that a local authority road sweeper vehicle leaking an oily substance had passed the area shortly before the cyclist. We approached the insurers for the Local Authority and alleged fault. Liability was admitted and substantial damages awarded.

    Cycle Accident Client StoriesVIEW ALL

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      £70,000 for Cyclist Injured by Van Collision on Roundabout

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      Settlement After Fatal Accident At a Roundabout

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    VIEW ALL

    • The team offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims and regularly acts for foreign nationals.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Stuart Kightley regularly handles cases involving brain injuries, fatal accidents, cycling collisions and workplace accidents.

      Chambers UK 2023

    • The group is noted for its expertise in matters relating to cycling injuries, and is the official legal partner of the London Cycling Campaign charity.

      Legal 500 2022

    • "Offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims."

      Chambers UK

    • "Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."

      The Legal 500

    Cycling Accident Claims & the Law

    What is the law with regard to making a cycling accident claim?

    Motorists owe a duty of care to other road users. To make a successful cycling accident claim, you need to prove on balance that the vehicle driver was driving below the standard expected of an ordinary, considerate and competent driver. You also need to prove that this breach of duty of care directly caused the accident and your injuries. Proving the driver was at fault can prove challenging given the power and resources of motor insurance companies versus an individual cyclist. However, the personal injury solicitors at Osbornes are highly experienced in securing compensation for victims of cycling accidents. If you were also at fault, e.g. you had ignored cycling guidance at the time of the accident, the potential amount of compensation you could receive is likely to be reduced. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’ meaning liability for the accident is split between the parties. A failure to comply with the law could even impact your ability to make a claim, so it’s important to talk the issues through with expert solicitors as soon as possible. Here, we mention common mistakes cyclists make that can impact their injury claims.

    Can I claim if I was cycling at night without lights?

    Cyclists are expected to have clean lights in proper working order under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations. These regulations, updated several times in recent years, require cyclists to switch on their lights when driving between sunset and sunrise – whether or not it’s dark. The front lights must be white and the rear lights red (and they can be flashing lights). You should also have a red reflector at the rear; and amber pedal reflectors (unless your bike pre-dates October 1985). Cyclists are increasingly using head torches to increase their visibility but you are not allowed to rely on these instead of front lights. There are no legal requirements to have your lights on in bad weather, such as heavy fog, during the daytime. However, if visibility is particularly poor and you have an accident – the fact that you didn’t have your lights switched on could be used against you. If you’re worried about the impact of not having your lights on your claim, it’s important you still speak to us. It may simply mean your compensation will be reduced.

    Can I claim if I wasn’t wearing a cycling helmet?

    Cyclists are not legally required to wear a helmet, though it’s generally considered to be far safer to wear one. The Highway Code recommends cyclists wear a helmet and reflective clothing, but this is good safety practice, not a legal obligation. If you weren’t wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries, it’s possible this could be taken into account when your compensation is being negotiated. However, given helmets are not compulsory, we would resist attempts by the motorist’s insurer to rely on the lack of helmet protection to significantly reduce your compensation.

    Can I make a claim if I cycled through a red light?

    Running a red light is dangerous and it is illegal for all road users, including cyclists, under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Traffic Signs Regulations and Directions 2002. Unless the vehicle driver who hit you was also negligent, you’re unlikely to be able to claim compensation. You could also be fined up to £2,500. However, don’t assume you can’t make a claim – always discuss the circumstances with specialist lawyers. For example, if you ran a red light and were then hit by a speeding driver – it’s possible you could claim a reduced level of compensation to reflect the reality that both parties were to blame.

    Can I make a claim if I was cycling while using a mobile phone?

    Though illegal for motorists to use their mobile phones while driving, it is not yet a specific criminal offence for cyclists to use their mobile while cycling. However, using your phone while cycling can be dangerous and you could face prosecution for cycling carelessly or dangerously. Using a mobile phone while cycling also puts you at risk. You can be distracted and might not have full control of the handlebars – and swerve into the path of oncoming vehicles. If you’re prosecuted and fined, you may not be able to claim compensation. But if it can be proved that the driver was also negligent – speeding, for example – the insurer will rely on your conviction to reduce your compensation.

    Can I claim if my bicycle brakes weren’t working properly?

    The law requires UK cyclists to have efficient front and rear braking systems that operate independently (subject to exceptions, for example, e-bikes). Sadly, it’s not uncommon for cyclists to be seriously injured or killed because their brakes failed or some other defective component contributed to the accident. In many cases, someone else can be held responsible for your injuries. If your brakes were recently repaired at a cycle repair shop and you believe the accident happened because the repair was faulty, you could make a claim against the repairer. And if your brakes failed on a bicycle borrowed or rented from a company, such as an outdoor leisure business or bike rental company, you could have a strong compensation claim against the company. These organisations owe a duty of care to make sure bikes for rent are kept in good working order and fit for purpose to minimise the risk of injury.

    Can I make a claim if I was drunk while cycling?

    It is illegal under Road Traffic Act 1988 (section 30) to ride your bike if under the influence of alcohol or drugs (you could face a fine of up to £2,500 on conviction). If inebriated, you’re highly unlikely to be in proper control of your bike and at significant risk of a collision. If there is evidence you were drunk (or on illegal drugs), you’re unlikely to be able to claim against the motorist, unless you can prove they were also driving negligently. If you managed to avoid a breath test or giving a blood or urine sample, it will be challenging for the driver’s insurer to claim you were drunk. That said, the Highway Code states that cyclists must not drive carelessly or dangerously – which could be used against you if it can’t be proved you were drunk.

    Can I make a cycling accident claim if I was riding carelessly?

    The Highway Code states that cyclists must not ride carelessly; they must ride with proper care and consideration for other road users. This includes checking junctions are clear before turning; cycling at a reasonable speed for the weather conditions, and keeping to cycle lanes where available. Various factors can lead to careless cycling, such as listening to music, interacting with other road users or having a drink while cycling. If you were riding carelessly and caused a collision, you’re unlikely to have a claim. But if you believe the motorist was driving carelessly, you may be able to make a claim but your share of responsibility for the accident would impact your compensation settlement.

    Can I claim if a car was parked in the cycle lane?

    It’s encouraging that there’s an increasing number of dedicated cycle lanes in London and across the UK, and only pedal cycles and e-scooters are permitted to use them. Drivers are prohibited by the Highway Code from stopping or parking in cycle lanes that are defined by a solid white line, precisely because doing so poses a dangerous obstruction for cyclists. Drivers could be issued with a penalty charge notice for a rule breach. If you’ve hit a vehicle on a cycle lane or collided with a moving vehicle when swerving around a vehicle parked illegally on the cycle lane, you have a very good chance of winning personal injury compensation.

    Does cycling in the middle of the road affect my claim?

    The law recently changed to reflect the reality that a motorist’s failure to see a cyclist is one of the most common causes of cyclist accidents. In 2021, the Highway Code (Rule 72) was introduced to recommend cyclists ride in the middle of the road, if safe to do so, to ensure they are clearly visible – for instance, when crossing a junction and in slow-moving traffic or approaching a roundabout when you plan to turn right. If it’s not safe – for example, a car is coming up from the rear – you should move to the left. Motorists must give priority to cyclists in the centre of the road, so if you have been hit by a vehicle while you were either cycling (or stationery at a junction) in the middle of the road, you could make a claim for compensation for your injuries. The other side could try to argue it wasn’t safe for you to be in the middle of the road, however, the fact that you had priority over the motorist is in your favour.

    Can I make a claim if I was cycling up a one-way street?

    Cyclists are not permitted to ride against the flow of traffic on a one-way street unless signs have been posted to indicate that it is okay to do so. If an accident does occur in this circumstance, it may be possible that a compensation claim can be made. However, it will be difficult to prove the liability of the other party involved, and a lower settlement might be expected due to the contributory negligence of the cyclist.

    What if I hit a pedestrian crossing the road?

    Cyclists are expected to prioritise pedestrians on the road as they are considered more vulnerable. They are often hard to see, especially in the dark or poor weather. Pedestrians have long since had the right of way at zebra crossings, and cyclists must give way to anyone who steps onto a crossing. A recent law change imposes an even greater responsibility on cyclists: pedestrians now have a right of way over cyclists and motorists at junctions and at the roadside – even if they have not yet stepped into the road. So, if you were cycling along and hit and injured a pedestrian, you could be asked to pay injury compensation. However, where the pedestrian was careless as to their own safety our specialist solicitors will work hard to reduce the level of compensation you may have to pay.

    Can I claim if I injured myself by hitting a pothole on my bike?

    Potholes can be extremely dangerous and often hard to see until it’s too late. A pothole is a not insignificant hole in the road, often caused by the road surface expanding and contracting due to extreme temperature changes. If a cyclist hits a pothole, they can be thrown off their bike and seriously injured. The local authority or local highways authority has a legal duty of care to maintain roads and repair potholes and other defects within a reasonable time period. If they fail to do so and a cyclist is injured, the local authority should be held liable. Your chance of success might depend on whether the authorities knew or ought to have known about it and repaired it, but we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

    What if I was cycling on a dual carriageway or A road?

    Cyclists are not allowed to drive on motorways but are free to cycle on both dual carriageways and A roads. However, there are important exceptions:

    • Cyclists must not cycle on dual carriageways or A roads where there are signs prohibiting them (under a specific traffic regulation order)
    • They must not cycle onto the part of an A road which has been designated a motorway

    While the general rule is that you can cycle on dual carriageways and A roads, you will appreciate that the risks are greater – particularly where the speed limit is 70mph. Even so, you still have priority as a cyclist, so if you’ve been involved in a collision it’s highly likely it was caused by a negligent or dangerous driver.

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