Knocked off Your Bike by a Taxi or Mini Cab

Claims for cyclists knocked off their bike by a taxi or minicab

Cyclists are placed at real risk when taxis and minicabs pull out suddenly, change lanes without checking, or stop without warning. If you’ve been hit or knocked off your bike by a taxi or private hire vehicle, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries.

Taxi and minicab drivers owe a duty of care to protect vulnerable road users, including cyclists. When that duty is breached – for example, by cutting across a cyclist’s path or a passenger opening a door into the road – the consequences can be serious.

Being knocked off your bike can leave you injured, unable to work and facing unexpected costs. We help cyclists recover the compensation they need to support their recovery and get back on the road.

For a free initial assessment with an expert contact us on 020 7485 8811. We’ll discuss your options with you and help you recover the bike accident compensation you deserve.

How cyclists are knocked off their bicycles by taxis

Taxi drivers can cause serious harm to cyclists when they fail to follow the rules of the road or do not check their surroundings properly.

The most common causes of collisions between cyclists and taxis include:

• Taxi drivers failing to look properly or check mirrors
• Drivers misjudging a cyclist’s speed or distance
• Opening car doors into a cyclist’s path (car dooring)
• Taxi pulling out or turning across a cyclist
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

Cyclists hit by taxis or minicabs can suffer a wide range of injuries, even at low speeds. The reality is, a cyclist hit by any vehicle can sustain injuries such as:

• Head injuries and brain damage
• Neck, spinal cord and back injuries
• Internal injuries
• Fractures and soft tissue damage
• Permanent scarring

We understand how disruptive these injuries can be and will work to secure the full compensation you need for your recovery

What the Highway Code says about protecting cyclists?

Taxi and minicab drivers must follow the Highway Code, which includes specific rules designed to protect cyclists. These include:

• Overtaking: Taxis must leave at least 1.5m when passing a cyclist at up to 30mph.
• Junctions: Drivers must give way to cyclists whether in a cycle lane or on the main road.
• Opening doors: Taxi drivers and passengers must check for cyclists before opening a door (to avoid car dooring).
• Roundabouts: Drivers must give priority to cyclists and must not overtake them in the same lane.

A taxi driver who breaches these rules and causes a cyclist to fall or be knocked off their bike may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries.

Crucial steps to take after an accident

If you’ve been knocked off your bike by a taxi or minicab, try to take the following steps if you’re able:

• Get medical attention
• Take photos of the scene, your bike and your injuries
• Get the taxi driver’s name, registration and insurance details
• Note their licence number and licensing authority
• Ask witnesses for contact details
• Check for dashcam, CCTV or cycle-cam footage
• Report the collision to the taxi operator (e.g. Uber, Bolt)
• Contact our specialised cycling injury lawyers as soon as possible

How much can I claim?

If you’ve been hit by a taxi or a minicab, you may be able to bring a cycling injury claim against the driver’s insurer. The amount of compensation you will receive depends on several factors such as the severity of your injuries and the extent of the impact on your life.

We will claim maximum compensation for your injuries, as well as loss of earnings, medical costs and other financial costs stemming from the accident. In serious cases, compensation payouts can be substantial: if you’ve been left unable to work; requiring carers; adaptations at home; and so on, we will take into account the full financial impact of the accident on your life.

Our experienced team will be pleased to discuss your compensation with you.

Client Stories

Our personal injury solicitors have recovered substantial compensation settlements for several cyclists injured in devastating collisions involving taxis, London cabs and minicabs. For example:

£130,000 for a cyclist knocked off their bike by a taxi

Our client was cycling in a cycle lane in a Central London park when a black taxi pulled out of a junction into his path. The taxi driver collided with our client causing serious hand and wrist injuries and spinal injuries. He was also left with long-term physical and psychological problems: we settled his claim for £130,000 to reflect this.

You can read more cases of cyclist injuries Osbornes have settled by reading here.

Contact Osbornes Law to make a claim

We provide a free initial assessment to help you understand whether you can make a claim after being knocked off your bike by a taxi.

Get in touch with the team at Osbornes Law on 020 7485 8811. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and we will be pleased to call you when convenient.

Additional Resources

Links to safety guidelines and preventive measures for cyclists

• • The Highway Code
  • Helpful tips and advice for cyclists and drivers
  • How to check your bike is safe to ride
  • TfL: Cycling safety in London
  • Knocked off my bike by a car
  • Cycle lane accidents
  • Cycling accidents involving car dooring
  • Cycling accidents at roundabouts
  • Cycling accidents caused by potholes
  • Lime Bike Accidents