Bicycle Accident Claims

Cycling accidents can cause devastating injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle around them, cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and a collision can result in life-changing consequences: serious head trauma, spinal injuries, multiple fractures, and significant psychological harm.

At Ashtons Legal, our specialist cycling accident solicitors act for injured cyclists across England and Wales. We focus on serious, complex claims where our expertise makes a real difference.

Our team is accredited by APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers), holds membership of the Brain Injury Group and the Spinal Injuries Association, and is a signatory to both the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code. We’re recognised in Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for the quality of our personal injury work.

We don’t just handle the legal claim. Our in-house Court of Protection team, rehabilitation advisors, and welfare specialists mean you can access joined-up support throughout the process and beyond. You can find out more about our wider road traffic accident claims service on our dedicated page.

Contact our cycling accident solicitors

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a cycling accident, speak to our specialist team today. We have offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds, and we act for clients nationally. Home visits are available where needed.

Common types of cycling accidents we handle

We handle a wide range of cycling accident claims, including:

• Collisions with motor vehicles: The most common cause of serious cycling injuries, including claims involving negligent drivers, vehicles pulling out without warning, and drivers failing to give cyclists adequate road space.
• Dooring incidents: A dooring accident occurs when a car occupant opens their door into the path of a passing cyclist. These collisions are often straightforwardly linked to the driver or passenger’s negligence and can cause serious injuries.
• Hit and run accidents: If the driver who hit you left the scene, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), the body established to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.
• Road defect claims: Potholes and poorly maintained road or cycle path surfaces can cause serious accidents. Claims in these circumstances are typically made against the local authority or highways agency responsible for that stretch of road.
• Roundabout accidents: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on roundabouts, where drivers often fail to give way. These accidents frequently cause significant injuries and are a common source of cycling accident claims.

Serious injuries caused by bicycle accidents

Cyclists have no crumple zone, no airbag, and no seatbelt. Even a relatively low-speed collision can result in injuries that permanently change your life. We have extensive experience handling claims involving:

• Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussion and acquired brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries, including tetraplegia and paraplegia
• Multiple fractures, including to the skull, collarbone, pelvis, and limbs
• Soft tissue injuries, including nerve damage and scarring
• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression

The bicycle accident claims process

Free initial consultation

We’ll listen to your account, assess the strength of your claim, and explain your options clearly. There’s no obligation, and we’ll be upfront about the likely value and timescales from the outset.

Building your claim

We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert evidence. For serious injuries, we instruct specialist medical experts to assess your prognosis and future care needs. As signatories to the Rehabilitation Code, we also work to secure early rehabilitation to support your recovery while the claim progresses.

Negotiation and settlement

Most cycling accident claims are resolved through negotiation with the defendant’s insurers. We aim to recover the maximum possible compensation without unnecessary delay.

Court proceedings (if required)

If liability is disputed or a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll issue court proceedings and represent you at every stage, including High Court proceedings for the most serious and high-value claims.

Case studies

Our cycling accident solicitors have achieved significant results for injured cyclists, including:

• £342,000 for a Suffolk cyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a collision with a taxi
• £269,500 for a cyclist struck from behind by a car at high speed, causing a traumatic brain injury
• £160,000 plus additional rehabilitation funding for a Suffolk cyclist with head and brain injuries
• £40,000 for a cyclist struck by a lorry who suffered a broken collarbone, broken shoulder blade, and psychological trauma

Why choose Ashtons Legal for your cycling accident claim?

We specialise in serious cycling injury claims where specialist expertise makes a genuine difference. Our team is ranked in Chambers UK and The Legal 500, accredited by APIL, and holds memberships including the Brain Injury Group and the Spinal Injuries Association. We’re signatories to the Serious Injury Guide and the Rehabilitation Code.

Our support extends well beyond the legal claim. Our in-house Court of Protection team can assist with deputyship applications where needed, and our rehabilitation and welfare advisors help you access specialist treatment throughout the process. You also benefit from the wider expertise of our firm across wills and trusts, family law, and employment.

We have a strong presence across East Anglia, with offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds, making home and office visits straightforward for clients across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. We also act for clients nationally and offer virtual consultations.

Time limits for cycling accident claims

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident to start legal proceedings. If you weren’t immediately aware that negligence caused your injury, the three years runs from the date you gained that knowledge. Different rules apply for children (the period begins on their 18th birthday) and for people who lack mental capacity. The location of the accident can also influence the amount of time you have. Acting early preserves evidence and gives your case the strongest possible foundation.

No win no fee bicycle accident claims

Most of our cycling accident claims are funded under a conditional fee agreement (CFA), commonly known as no win no fee. Under a CFA, you pay no legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If it succeeds, a capped success fee applies, and the substantial majority of your compensation is yours to keep.

In many cases, the defendant’s insurers also contribute to your legal costs. You can find out more on our no win no fee claims page.

Frequently asked questions

How much compensation can you claim for a cycling accident?

Compensation depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and your future care and rehabilitation needs. As a general guide, the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) indicate that minor soft tissue injuries typically attract awards in the region of £5,000 to £10,000, while severe brain injuries can reach £500,000 or more.

Your claim may also include special damages covering quantifiable financial losses, such as lost earnings, care costs, and equipment damage.

What should I do after a cycling accident?

Take the following steps as soon as you’re able:

• Call 999 if anyone is injured and report the accident to the police
• Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor
• Exchange details with the other party, including name, contact information, and insurance details
• Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle or equipment
• Note the details of any witnesses
• Keep records of all expenses and losses arising from the accident
• Contact a specialist cycling accident solicitor as soon as possible

When can you make a bicycle accident claim?

You can make a claim if your accident was caused by another party’s negligence. This includes negligent motorists, local authorities responsible for poorly maintained roads, and uninsured or untraced drivers (through the MIB). Our solicitors will assess the circumstances and advise you on the strength of your claim.

Why do cycling accidents often result in serious injuries?

Cyclists have no structural protection in a collision. The physical forces involved, combined with the risk of being thrown from the bike or striking the road surface, mean even moderate-speed collisions can cause severe head trauma, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures.

Can I claim if I was knocked off my bike by a car?

Yes. If a motorist’s negligence caused the collision, you can make a claim against their insurer. Evidence such as witness statements, CCTV footage, and the police accident report will support your case.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or drove off?

You can still claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB handles claims involving uninsured and untraced drivers, but there are specific procedural requirements, so it’s important to seek specialist advice promptly.

Does not wearing a helmet affect my cycling accident claim?

It may. If the defendant argues contributory negligence (meaning you share some responsibility for your injuries), your compensation could be reduced to reflect that. However, not wearing a helmet won’t prevent you from making a claim altogether. The extent of any reduction depends on your specific injuries and the circumstances of the accident.

How long do I have to make a bicycle accident claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident. Different rules apply for children and for people who lack mental capacity. Similarly, the location of the accident may influence the amount of time you have. Seeking advice early is always recommended, both to protect your legal position and to preserve key evidence.

What injuries can I claim compensation for?

You can claim for a wide range of physical and psychological injuries, as well as associated financial losses, including:

• Head, brain, and spinal injuries
• Fractures and orthopaedic injuries
• Soft tissue injuries and scarring
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety
• Loss of earnings, including future loss of earning capacity
• Care and rehabilitation costs
• Damage to your bicycle, clothing, and equipment

Can I claim for a cycling accident caused by a pothole or road defect?

Yes. If a pothole or road defect caused your accident, you may be able to claim against the local authority or highways agency responsible for maintaining that road. These claims require evidence of the defect and proof that the authority knew, or should have known, about it. Our solicitors have experience bringing this type of claim.

Contact our cycling accident solicitors

If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, our specialist team is here to help. We support clients nationally from our offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds, with home visits available where needed.

Call us, email enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk, or complete our online enquiry form to get started.