News

Claiming Compensation for Cycling Accident Injuries.

Cycling accidents can result in significant injury or even death, and cyclists often face a higher risk of harm in collisions with vehicles. Recent statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) reveal that in the year ending June 2024, there were approximately 1,607 fatalities on UK roads. Cyclists were notably impacted, with a decrease of 5% in fatalities compared to the previous year and a 6% reduction in the overall number of casualties, including serious injuries. Importantly for those of us living in the Devon countryside however, it is noteworthy that 58% of pedal cycle fatalities occurred on rural roads compared to 31% of traffic.

The Highway Code has a long list of rules that cyclists must adhere to but there is no obligatory test for cyclists. Inevitably some cyclists will not have read the Highway Code sufficiently or even at all.

Roger Henderson, Director and Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, has helped many cyclists claim compensation for their injuries. "We see a range of cycling accidents, including collisions with vehicles such as cars and tractors, as well as accidents involving pedestrians and other cyclists on dedicated cycle paths," says Roger.

Common Causes of Cycling Accidents
Cycling accidents often result from various road hazards and negligent driving. Common causes of collisions include:
• Distracted driving.
• Cutting corners or failing to check bends.
• Dangerous overtaking.
• Not observing cyclists at junctions.
• Poor road conditions, such as potholes.
• Pedestrians stepping out without looking.
• Car doors opening unexpectedly.

Drivers must show care when sharing the road with cyclists, as cyclists are more vulnerable. Despite this, accidents remain frequent, particularly when motorists fail to consider cyclists' presence.

The Department of Transport's Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain 'Pedal Cycle Factsheet' published in 2023, found that the biggest contributory factor allocated to vehicles involved in fatal or serious collisions with pedal cycles was the driver failing to look properly. As a result of this, you may be able to claim compensation if you’ve been involved in a cycling accident caused by another road user. The most common cause of bicycle accidents involves a motor vehicle, such as a car or lorry failing to leave sufficient room between themselves and your bike, turning across a cyclist’s path, emerging from a junction, or changing lanes on a roundabout.

Furthermore, there does not have to be contact between a cyclist and a motor vehicle for you to be able to claim. We have successfully represented many cyclists who have had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. We have also recovered compensation for incidents where a person in a parked motor vehicle has opened their door into the path of a cyclist without looking.

What to Do After an Accident
If you are involved in a cycling accident:
• Stay calm and gather evidence, such as photographs of the scene, vehicle details, and any damage.
• Always call the police to ensure an official report is made.
• Collect witness details for potential statements.
• If available, obtain footage from dash cams or GoPro devices.
• Record insurance details and the registration number of any vehicles involved.

Making a Compensation Claim
If you are injured in a cycling accident, it’s crucial to consult a specialist solicitor promptly. This ensures vital evidence is collected early and strengthens your claim. Rundlewalker Solicitors will obtain police reports, witness statements, and counter any attempts by insurance companies to avoid compensation, such as claims that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet or high-visibility clothing.

What Can You Claim for?
Cyclists may claim for various expenses resulting from an accident, including:
• Compensation for injuries and pain.
• Repair or replacement of the damaged bike and personal items.
• Lost earnings if unable to work due to injuries.
• Costs for medical treatment, such as physiotherapy or private care.
• Compensation for any additional help received from friends or family during recovery.

No Win, No Fee
At Rundlewalker Solicitors, we operate on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees upfront. Compensation can’t undo the trauma of an accident, but it can help ease the financial burden. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a cycle, a horse or a vehicle, the implications can be very serious, physically, emotionally, and financially. You need to act swiftly and get the right legal advice. The highly experienced Accident and Injuries Team at Rundlewalker is available to you. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

Roger has worked closely with many road safety professionals and stakeholders, so he very much supports all road users taking extra care and being respectful to each other whilst on the roads of Devon and Cornwall.

Vision Zero’s ambition is to cut road deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2040 – and to reduce current numbers by 50% by 2030.

In 2023, 48 people were killed and 689 seriously injured* on Devon and Cornwall's roads. That number MUST come down. While the region is one of the safest when it comes to road safety, we believe that any death or serious injury is too many.
*Devon & Cornwall Police.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.