Cycling Accident Claims Solicitors
If you have been injured in a cycling accident, you could be eligible to start a bicycle accident claim. Our expert road traffic accident solicitors can make claiming compensation simple.
Wolferstans’ cycling accident claims team offer friendly, expert advice, backed by decades of experience. We handle everything from straightforward claims to the most serious, high value and complex cases. With a strong track record of success, we have earned a reputation for always going the extra mile for our clients.
The number of cyclists on our roads has increased significantly in recent years, but sadly the number of cycling accidents is also on the rise.
Thousands of cyclists are injured every year, and as some of the most vulnerable road users, serious injuries and fatalities are unfortunately not uncommon.
We understand that many cycling accidents can cause psychological as well as physical injuries, but rest assured, our solicitors have many years of experience successfully supporting those directly involved as well as their families.
At Wolferstans, our cycling accident claim team offer friendly, straightforward, advice, backed by years of experience.
Our solicitors have seen the devastating effect these types of accidents can have on cyclists and their families, but rest assured we’ll use all of our expertise to secure the maximum amount of cycling accident compensation available to help with the cost of your recovery.
If you have been injured in a cycling accident, you could be eligible to start a bicycle accident claim.
We’ll be happy to provide expert advice without any obligation to move forward.
Can I make a cycling accident claim?
While out cycling, if you were involved in a crash or got knocked off your bike, you could potentially make a cycling accident claim. Claims are usually made by the injured party, as long as they’re over 18, but you could also claim on someone else’s behalf in the following circumstances:
- You’re the parent or guardian of a child (under the age of 18) injured in a cycling accident.
- You’re acting on behalf of a relative or loved one who lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves.
- You’re acting on behalf of a friend or loved one who passed away as a result of injuries related to a cycling incident.
If the accident occurred through no fault of your own, then the chances of making a successful cycling accident claim are greatly increased, but you may still be able to claim compensation if the accident was partly your fault. This is known as “contributory negligence”.
In these circumstances the compensation you receive is likely to be reduced based on the degree of fault attributed to you. For example, if you were deemed to be 50% responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 50%.
Following a bike accident, it can often be difficult to work out who was to blame, especially as you only have your own perspective of the incident to go on. Witness testimony may cast the events in another light.
For this reason, we would always advise you to get in touch with our team if you’ve been in an accident, and let them advise you as to whether they think you may have a claim.
Trusted Injury Experts
Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, we’ll help you understand your rights and options after a road traffic accident. With decades of experience in serious road traffic injury claims, we’ll push for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We keep things clear and straightforward every step of the way, with no legal jargon or hidden costs.
How much does it cost to make a cycling claim?
We represent the majority of our clients who are making a cycling accident claim on a no win no fee basis.
No win no fee cycling accident claims
Formally known as known as a ‘conditional fee agreement’, one of the main benefits of this approach, is that it means there are no upfront cost for you to pay, before you can start your claim.
Furthermore, you will only be required to contribute towards our legal fees after we have secured compensation for you, so if your claim does not succeed, you will not owe us anything.
With a no win, no fee cycling accident claim, you can therefore pursue compensation without taking any financial risk. Speak with one of our team about the best way to pay for your case.
If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident, book a free initial consultation with a member of our team, and we’ll explain all the details regarding the available funding options for your claim, before you decide if you want to enter into an agreement with us.
Common causes of cycling accidents
Cycling has become hugely popular over the past few years, encouraged by the development of cycle paths in many towns and cities across the country. However, even if you are an experienced cyclist, you are only safe if other road users follow the rules. With only minimal protection, collisions with obstacles and other road users can often lead to significant injures.
Below are some of the most common types of cycling accident claims we deal with:
Collisions with motor vehicles
Motor vehicles are by far the biggest cause of accidents when it comes to cyclists. Accidents can occur due to a wide range of circumstances, including the following:
- Vehicles pulling out of a junction on a road or roundabout,
- Drivers who are distracted or not paying sufficient attention.
- Speeding drivers who are unable to control their vehicles.
- Drivers who fail to signal when changing lanes.
- Drivers or passengers opening the door of a parked car.
- Drivers unable to control their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Physical contact between your bicycle and a motor vehicle is not always required to make a cycling accident claim in the scenarios mentioned above.
If you were forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision in any of these situations but still ended up in an accident, you may still be eligible to make a claim.
Bike failure / Defective equipment
Defective equipment can cause sudden brake failures or loss of balance. Poor quality or faulty parts and incorrect fitting of parts may lead to these or similar issues.
Poor road conditions
Potholes along with surface water or oil can be difficult to avoid, even for the most careful cyclist. Uneven road surfaces, missing road signs or faulty traffic light systems may also be grounds for a successful claim.
Animals
Domestic, farm and wild animals will all be found on or near roads across the country. Their unpredictable nature makes them a far bigger issue than an inanimate obstacle.
Common types of cycling injuries
A fall from your bicycle at low speed may result in a minor scrape on your knee, but a collision with a fast-moving vehicle can lead to serious injuries or even death.
While helmets are commonly used these days, they are not legally required, and unfortunately, head injuries remain common in cycling accidents.
The psychological impact of an accident can sometimes be just as significant as physical injuries, affecting your life in profound ways moving forward.
When preparing your claim, our team will consider all the injuries you have sustained and factor these into the amount of compensation requested.
Some common types of injuries that cyclists can suffer and may lead to compensation claims include:
- Soft tissue injuries including cuts, scrapes and bruises.
- Joint dislocation
- Muscular strains and ligament or tendon injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck, back and spinal injuries, and other potentially life-changing injuries
- Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety about cycling again, especially if the accident was severe
How much compensation could I claim for a cycling accident?
As each case is unique, there’s no set amount you could receive for successful bicycle accident compensation claim, but once our cycle accident team have had a chance to asses your claim, they’ll be able to give you an indication of how much you might be likely to receive.
To get a sense of how much you might receive, the figures below taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (A set of guidelines used in the UK to assess compensation for personal injury claims) should provide you with a rough guide.
Average Compensation Claim Amounts for a cycling accident
- Head injury: £1,880 – £379,100
- Severe neck injury: £38,800 – £139,210
- Brain injury: £36,740 – £205,580
- Broken wrist: £2,300 – £39,300
- Fractured femur: £7,780 – £13,210
- Fractured pelvis: £3,370 – £122,860
- Spinal cord damage: £77,700 – £151,070
Is there a time limit to claim compensation for a cycling accident?
Cycle claims, like all personal injury claims, must be made within three years of the date of the accident.
We always recommend that you contact us a soon as you feel able to after your accident as:
- Obtaining compensation to help pay for any rehabilitation you may require, can also lead to a better physical and mental recovery.
- The sooner you start your bike accident claim, the clearer the details of the accident will still be in your mind. These may prove significant to your case.
If you’re claiming for a cycle accident that happened whilst abroad, get in touch with our team as soon as possible, as time limits can vary by country.
Can I claim for a bicycle accident on behalf of someone else?
You can claim on behalf of someone else if the person you’re claiming for is deemed unable to be able to make the claim themselves.
These include:
- Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18).
- Claiming on behalf of someone who has been judged to lack the mental capacity to make the claim themselves. This could be because of the injures suffered in the accident. If the injured person has not had capacity since the accident there is no time limit to make the claim. If capacity is regained then time will start to run so we recommend initiating the claim at the earliest opportunity.
- Claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away. In these circumstances you have three years to make the claim from the date of their passing.
How long does a cycling injury claim take?
We understand the importance of bringing your claim to a swift conclusion, so you can put it behind you and get on with your life any rehabilitation you may require.
However, as the circumstances of each cycling accident claim are different, it’s difficult to predict how long each claim will take to settle.
Generally speaking, where the fault for the accident and the extent of your injuries is not disputed by the other party, claims can be settled quickly out of court, in 12-18 months.
In cases where the injuries are more serious, the time frame is likely to be much longer. Injuries need to be evaluated carefully if we’re to ensure that you receive the right level of compensation to reflect the suffering you endured and the medical care you may require in the future.
How long will I have to wait for compensation for my cycling accident claim?
In most claims, compensation is settled out of court, but the process will take longer in cases that are required to go to court, typically where the other party does not admit blame or disputes the amount of compensation requested.
Rest assured that whilst we’ll try to settle your cycle accident claim as quickly as possible, we will always seek to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
Are interim payments available as part of my cycle accident claim?
It may be possible to secure an ‘interim’ payment for you before your case is settled. This sum will be taken from your final compensation settlement.
Interim payments are typically used to help you cover lost earnings, expenses, medical and travel costs.
Do I have to go to court to make a cycling accident claim?
It’s unlikely that you will have to go to court as part of your cycling accident claim, as in the majority of cases we expect to be able to settle claims out of court by negotiating with the other party’s insurance company,
This approach usually benefits both parties, as going to court will incur additional costs an extend the process of settling the claim.
However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your claim may need to go to court. And you could be required to make a statement regarding the circumstances of your accident and the affect of any injuries incurred.
Rest assured, our expert team of cycling accident solicitors, who will be there to support you every step of the way.
Fast Access To Support
We’ll get to work straight away so you’re not left waiting. Our team focuses on early evidence gathering and medical assessments to build your case quickly and secure interim payments wherever possible.
You’ll always know what’s happening and what we’re working on — so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your claim.
Do I need a medical report to make a compensation claim?
As part of the process of making a cycling accident claim you will need to undergo an independent medical assessment.
Following your appointment, the medical professional that examined you will write up a detailed report of your injuries. This will provide an expert opinion on how you have been affected by your accident, both physically and mentally.
Medical reports play a crucial role in supporting your cycling accident claim. They provide evidence of the injuries you sustained, detailing both their immediate effects and their long-term impact on your health and lifestyle.
The information contained in the report will allow us to accurately calculate the amount of compensation we think you should be paid.
As part of the claim process, we’re legally required to share the report with the other party, but only after yourself and your solicitor have confirmed that you’re satisfied that it provides an accurate representation of your injuries.
What happens if I have a cycling accident with an uninsured driver?
You can still make a cycling accident claim even if the driver who caused the accident was uninsured.
Claims are normally paid by the drivers insurance company, but in cases where they have none, a claim can still be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) – an organisation set up by motor insurers to compensate the victims of uninsured and un-traced drivers.
Our cycling accident team will work with the authorities, and gather witness statements that we can present to the MIB on your behalf.
Can I make a cycling accident claim if I was involved in a hit and run?
Even if the driver responsible for your accident is untraceable, you can still make a cycling accident claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).
The MIB are an organisation set up by motor insurers specifically to compensate the victims of uninsured and un-traced drivers.
Our team will collaborate with the police and any available witnesses to gather all the necessary information about your accident, ensuring we have everything needed to advance your cyclist accident claim.
Why choose us
Free initial consultatation, no upfront fees
We have over 1,700 five-star reviews
We fight for the maximum compensation for you
Why choose Wolferstans to handle your cycling accident claim?
At Wolferstans, we understand the range of challenges faced by cyclists following an accident, which is why we offer a compassionate and professional approach to the way we handle all our cycling accident claims.
Here are just some of things we’re able to offer:
- All clients are offered a No Win, No Fee agreement, which means you can focus on your recovery, without having to worry about up-front payments or bills to pay, should your claim not be successful.
- A commitment to securing the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
- A supportive team with a strong track record in dealing with even the most complex cycling accident claims.
- Straightforward, jargon free advice and a commitment to making the claims process as simple and stress free as possible.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation and take the first step toward obtaining the compensation and support you deserve.
Our accreditations and awards
