Cycling accident claims

After a cycling accident, it’s normal to feel shaken and unsure what to do next. You may be entitled to compensation, and our specialist, awardwinning solicitors will guide you carefully, with no pressure and no risk.

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Author

Nadia Kerr

Partner, Solicitor, Cycling Lead

Reviewer

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make a cycling accident claim?

Cyclists are often injured through no fault of their own. You may be able to make a cycling accident claim if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence. This might mean that you were hit by a car – perhaps if a driver pulled out without checking, they didn’t overtake safely, or maybe the road conditions were poor. Injuries can also happen if you had faulty equipment, like your brakes, helmet or other cycling gear.

It’s important to know that, if another road user failed to follow traffic laws, negligence may be involved. Similarly, if the driver didn’t pay proper attention, or if the roads weren’t properly maintained, you may have grounds for a claim. Even a momentary lapse can lead to serious injuries for cyclists, and these incidents are not always just “bad luck.”

You may still be able to make a claim even if you feel unsure about what happened, some time has passed since the accident – or even if you think you were partly at fault. Speaking to a specialist can help you understand your situation clearly and think through your options.

Example of a cycling claim

For example, if a cyclist is knocked off their bike by a driver who failed to check their blind spot before turning, this may indicate negligent driving. If the accident could have been avoided with proper care, there may be grounds for a claim.

Common cycling accident claims we support

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
APIL Accredited Experts
Trusted legal partner Cycling UK

What compensation can help with

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Recovering lost income and covering future care.

After a cycling accident, the financial impact can build quickly, especially if you’re unable to work or need ongoing treatment. Compensation can ease that pressure, giving you the support you need to focus on getting better and adjusting to life after your injury.

The amount you receive depends on how serious your injuries are and how they affect your ability to live your life. People who come to us for support after a cycling accident often have to take time away from work, at least in the short term. But more serious cases can mean there’s a need for long-term care – which is considered in your settlement.

In cycling accident claims, compensation can help pay for:

Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and medical care
Cover repair or replacement of your bike
Loss of earnings
Psychological support, if the accident has affected your wellbeing
Access to mobility aids or specialist equipment

Understanding the potential value

One client we supported was knocked off her bike by a driver who failed to give way, and later pressured her to accept a small payment at the scene. Despite this, her claim was successfully settled for over £10,000, which helped her to recover lost costs and compensate for time away from work.

Understanding interim payments

Where appropriate, we look to secure interim payments to help provide early access to treatment, specialist equipment or cover essential costs. Interim payments are considered on a case-by-case basis, and depend on the circumstances of your claim – but can offer real financial stability while your case is still ongoing.

Specialist cycling accident solicitors

We understand cyclists, and can offer support for your individual needs.

Why choose Fletchers for your cycling accident claim

Choosing the right solicitor after a cycling accident can make all the difference - both the outcome of your case and your recovery. Our specialist team has decades of experience supporting cyclists who’ve been injured through no fault of their own. Many of our solicitors are cyclists themselves – so we understand the difficulties you might be facing, and the challenges you experience on the road. We fight to secure the compensation that reflects the full extent of your injury, and how it impacts your independence, and quality of life.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist cycling accident solicitors with decades of experience representing injured cyclists
Part of Cycle SOS, a dedicated, nationally recognised cycling claims service run by Fletchers Solicitors
Official legal partner of Cycling UK, supporting and representing over 70,000 members
Members of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel, demonstrating recognised expertise in personal injury law
Lawyers trained in accident investigation and reconstruction by the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators
Accredited affiliations with organisations such as Headway and the Spinal Injuries Association for serious injury support
Almost 40 years’ experience with millions recovered in compensation for injured cyclists
Trusted by cycling organisations, clubs, and partners across the UK for specialist legal support

You’re not alone

We’ve helped many cyclists navigate the same challenges.

For many of our clients, the impact of a cycling accident goes much deeper than the physical injury. You might be feeling a loss of independence. Maybe your hobbies and routines are affected. Cyclists often miss the experience of being on their bike after suffering an accident – which can mean that the freedom you once enjoyed feels out of reach.

You’re not alone in feeling this way. We’ve supported thousands of people through cycling accident claims, and we understand both the visible and invisible effects of a cycling injury. Our role is not just to handle your claim, but to help you rebuild your life with the right support in place.

If you work with us, your case will be handled by a dedicated specialist – who understands the unique risks cyclists face on the road. We know how to build a robust, evidenc-lled case that bests supports you. And we can also provide access to a range of support services, including rehabilitation and treatment coordination, helping support your recovery, as well as your claim.

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Rehabilitation support

We go beyond legal advice to support you, not just your case, making sure the right care and practical help are in place throughout the compensation claim process.

A message from our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team

We work alongside Fletchers Solicitors’ legal experts – listening carefully to your needs, helping you understand what support is available and creating a personalised recovery plan.

Led by rehabilitation manager Julie Chorlton, we bring together expertise across healthcare, therapy and welfare support, and can help arrange access to treatment and financial support. We also work with accredited mental health professionals, giving you and your family access to counselling quickly.

OUR REHABILITATION & WELLBEING TEAM

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FAQs about cycling accidents

How long after a cycling accident can I make a claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first became aware of your injuries, to make a cycling accident claim. If you’re making a claim on behalf of a child, or someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves, the standard three-year limit may not apply in the same way.

Even so, it’s always best to get in touch as soon as you can. Evidence is easier to gather closer to the time of the accident, and the sooner we can start, the stronger your case is likely to be.

How long does a cycling accident claim take?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Straightforward claims can sometimes be resolved within a few months. More complex cases can take longer, especially where we need to wait for your condition to stabilise before we can fully assess the impact.

Your solicitor will give you a clearer picture of likely timescales once they understand the details of your situation.

How do I start a cycling accident claim?

The first step is to get in touch with our team. Before you do, it helps to gather as much evidence as you can: photographs from the scene, the registration of any vehicle involved, witness contact details, and any medical records relating to your injuries. But don’t worry if you don’t have everything, we can help you work out what’s needed.

We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options clearly, and tell you honestly whether we think you have a claim. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Do cycling accident claims go to court?

Most cycling accident claims are settled before they reach court. However, if liability is strongly disputed or a fair settlement can’t be reached, court proceedings may become necessary. If that happens, your solicitor will prepare you fully and guide you through the process. The prospect of court can feel daunting, but it’s relatively uncommon, and we’ll always keep you informed about where things stand.

Can I claim if I was hit by a car on my bike?

Yes. If you were hit by a car while cycling and the driver was at fault, you may be able to make a cycling accident claim. You could still be eligible to claim even if the driver disputes liability or failed to stop after the collision. Our specialists can advise you on the strength of your case based on the specific circumstances.

What types of injuries can result from cycling accidents?

Cycling accidents can cause a wide range of injuries from road rash to more serious injuries or fatal injuries. We handle cases across the full spectrum of severity, and we understand the physical and emotional impact these injuries can have, not just on you, but on your whole family.

What scenarios might results in a cycling accident claim?

Cycling accidents can happen in many ways, but certain types of incidents are more common than you think. If any of the scenarios below apply to your situation, you could be eligible to pursue a bike accident claim.

Hit by a Car While Cycling

Being hit by a car while cycling is one of the most serious and frightening types of cycling accidents. These incidents often occur when drivers fail to look properly, misjudge a cyclist’s speed or distance, or pull out at junctions without giving way. If a driver’s actions caused your injuries, you may be entitled to make a hit by car on bike claim.

Dooring Accidents

Door accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist without checking for them first. These collisions can cause cyclists to be thrown from their bike or in the way of other traffic, leading to serious injuries. In these cases, liability usually lies with the person who opened the door, making it possible to bring a cycling accident claim.

Potholes and Road Defects

Potholes or uneven roads and defective cycle lanes can all cause cyclists to become unbalanced, losing control of the bike and ultimately crash. In some cases, a claim can be made against the local authority responsible for maintaining the road, if it can be shown they failed to address a known hazard within a reasonable time.

Roundabout Accidents

Bike accidents at roundabouts often occur when drivers fail to give cyclists enough space, drive across their path, or fail to see them at all. These accidents can be complex, but if driver negligence played a role in your cycling injury, you may be able to pursue compensation through a bike accident claim.