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Can I claim after a bicycle accident?

As a cyclist, you're particularly vulnerable on the road. Even in incidents at low speed, the resulting injuries are often serious. We understand that a bike accident can be traumatic and may leave you psychologically shaken up as well as physically hurt.

If you've been injured in a cycling accident caused by someone else's negligence, we believe bicycle accident compensation is the least you deserve. This can help cover the costs of your recovery and account for the physical and mental toll you've suffered.

When you're feeling up to it, the first step towards making a bike accident claim is to get expert advice. Talk to us first. You'll be able to discuss your experience with one of our helpline advisors in a confidential environment, with no obligation to move forward if you don't want to.

 We know how difficult it can be to tell whether or not an accident was your fault, particularly when events unfold so suddenly. If you're at all unsure, the best thing to do is speak to our experts. There's a good chance we'll be able to help you if your bicycle accident happened in the last three years and wasn't your fault.  

To discuss a potential cycling injury claim, call us on for free, helpful advice. Alternatively, arrange for us to call you back at a time that works for you. We'll always be happy to help.

The shocking truth about cyclist accidents

91 cyclists were killed, 4,056 seriously injured and 11,546 slightly injured across Great Britain in 2022.

What are the common causes of cycling accidents?

Like with incidents involving motorcyclists, the carelessness of other road users is often to blame in a cycling accident. It's less common for cyclists to be at fault. The most common causes include:

  • Reckless drivers and speeding, some impaired by alcohol
  • Drivers failing to properly check mirrors and blind spots
  • Lack of visibility in the dark
  • Drivers not giving cyclists enough room
  • Collisions with pedestrians
  • Collisions at junctions and traffic lights
  • Poor road conditions
  • Faulty or defective bicycles and safety equipment

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident and suffered injuries that weren't your fault, we may be able to help you make a no win no fee compensation claim. Call us on to get started or arrange a call back. Our helpline advisors are available seven days a week.


What are the common types of cycling injuries?

Cyclist accidents can result in everything from minor bumps and scrapes to severe injuries and even fatalities. Helmets offer much-needed protection, but head and brain injuries are still common.

Common cycling injuries that people make claims for include:

The psychological damage from a cycling accident can be just as significant, and sometimes equally debilitating. The cycle accident solicitor we connect you with will take these into account when putting together your claim.

For example, if you feel traumatised by the thought of cycling since your accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the psychological discomfort and stress you've experienced.


How much cycling accident compensation could I receive?

There's no set amount you could receive with a successful bicycle accident compensation claim - each case is unique. Your legal team should let you know once they've investigated the details and started negotiations with the other side's insurer.

The compensation amount usually depends on the accident circumstances, the severity of your cycling injuries, the time it takes you to recover and whether you've lost income or incurred other financial expenses. Your bicycle accident lawyer will value your claim carefully based on these criteria and inform you of the potential payout.

For an estimate of how much compensation you could get for a bike accident claim, feel free to use our handy compensation calculator. Alternatively, below are some examples of common cycling injuries and the range of general damages for each. The figures are from the latest edition of the Judicial College Guidelines:

InjuryCompensation range
Minor brain or head injury£2,070 - £11,980
Fractured Cheekbone£2,180 - £9,570
Serious shoulder injury£11,980 - £18,020 (with recovery over 2 years)
Back injury causing permanent symptoms£11,730 - £26,050 (with recovery over 2 years)
Hip or pelvis injury£3,710 - £24,950
Fractured forearm£6,190 - £18,020
Wrist injury£3,310 - £44,690
Ankle injury£12,900 - £46,980


The Judicial College, part of the Ministry of Justice, publishes these guidelines to give the ranges of general damages payments for all types of injury. General damages are what you receive to compensate you for the pain, suffering and ‘loss of amenity' - the overall impact on your life. Special damages can also be awarded with a successful cycle accident claim, covering the indirect financial losses you've encountered and may continue to.

In the dreadful circumstances of a fatal injury to a loved one following a bike accident, we know nothing can ever replace your loss. However, compensation can help you cope with day-to-day life moving forward.

The cycle accident solicitor we pair you with will carefully work out the compensation figure based on the shock of bereavement, funeral expenses and the level of dependency of those left behind. They'll explain everything you need to know, at a pace that's right for you.

If you need to speak to us about making a fatal bicycle accident claim, rest assured that we understand how difficult it can be. We're here to support you on that call and beyond. The conversation you have with us will be completely confidential. 


More customer stories

You typically have three years from the date of the incident to register a bike accident compensation claim.  

If you're nearing the three-year deadline following your cycling accident, call us on today to see if you can start a claim.

There are some exceptions to the usual limitation period. These can include:

  • Mental capacity: No time limits are in effect for claims made on behalf of someone who can't manage their own case because of a lack of mental capacity. This could be directly because of their injuries from the accident or another pre-existing factor. This has to be assessed for each claim and means more than someone just needing additional support. If mental capacity is regained at any point following the accident, the three-year limitation period starts from that point.
  • Fatalities: If you're claiming on behalf of someone who has died, you have three years from the date of their passing or when the accident or illness was found to be the cause.
  • Claims on behalf of children: You can claim on behalf of a child at any point until their 18th birthday. When they turn 18, they have until the age of 21 to make their own claim.
  • Accidents abroad: Time limits can vary by country, so contact us as soon as possible to find out more.

Can I claim bicycle accident compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

You still have every right to claim for a cycling accident caused by someone else, even if you weren't wearing a helmet. It's not a legal requirement for cyclists to wear helmets in the UK and it certainly doesn't acquit someone who caused your accident by reckless driving or other forms of negligence 


What happens if have a cycling accident with an uninsured driver?

Claims against insured drivers are usually paid by their insurer, but this won't be the case if the motorist you collided with was uninsured. However, bike accident compensation claims may still be possible through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). This organisation was set up to help people in these specific situations.


What happens if the vehicle didn't stop after my bicycle accident?

The Motor Insurers' Bureau also helps people who have been involved in a cycling accident where the other vehicle involved hasn't stopped and is untraceable. You may be able to get compensation even though you don't know who was at fault.


Can I make a no win no fee cycling injury claim?

We may be able to take your cycle accident claim on a no win no fee basis. This limits the financial risk for you as you won't have to cover the legal fees if your compensation claim isn't successful.

Your bicycle accident lawyer will take out  n your behalf to cover any fees. This isn't payable at the start of your claim and will pay for itself if the claim fails. If you're successful, the cost is deducted from the compensation.

The bottom line is that you only pay if the claim succeeds and you get the compensation you deserve.


How we connect you to a cycle accident solicitor?

On first contact, our personal injury advisors will do everything they can to put you at ease. They'll also make sure you know exactly what to expect when making a cycling accident compensation claim.

We're here to give you impartial advice and you're under no obligation to start a claim if you don't want to. If we think you have a case, we'll ask you if you'd like to talk to one of the specialist cycle accident solicitors from our nationwide panel. We can usually connect you on the same call, but there's no rush and never any pressure on you to agree.

Your cycling injury lawyer will give you a further consultation and be happy to answer any questions you have. They'll let you know what starting a bike accident claim involves and will support you through the process.


We help support those who help support you

There's huge, countrywide support among bike riders for the UK's network of air ambulance services. Cyclists involved in accidents regularly receive fast and vital treatment from the flying medics.

We understand their importance to you if you're hurt in an accident and that's why we're proud supporters of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.  

Why choose National Accident Helpline for a cycle accident claim?

The priority should always be recovering from your injuries, but bicycle accident compensation can help. Here are just some of the reasons to trust us with your claim:

  • We're registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, meaning our work is held to the highest standards.
  • The expert solicitors in our nationwide panel are regulated by The Law Society in England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland.
  • We have thousands of reviews on Trustpilot and an 'Excellent' rating overall, highlighting our work helping people make things right for years_since years.

Contact us for free, no-obligation advice on cycling accident claims

If you've been injured in a cycling accident that wasn't your fault, we're here to help. Getting in touch is free and there's absolutely no obligation to proceed with a claim if you don't want to.

When you're ready, call us on or fill in our callback form to talk at a time that suits you.