FAQ: Cycling Accident Claims

Our cycling accident claim experts have provided some key information and answers here to some frequently asked questions regularly raised by those injured whilst cycling about making a cycling accident compensation claim.

What is a cycling accident?

Cycling accidents occur in various circumstances, but the majority are when a cyclist is knocked off their bicycle by a vehicle, hits a pothole in a road, or where a piece of equipment such as a helmet or bicycle frame fail.

Cycling accidents range from the relatively straightforward to the most complex. Whatever the case, Fosters Solicitors have the experience to provide you with the best support and advice.

I’ve had a cycling accident, what can I claim for?

You can claim for any out-of-pocket expenses suffered as a result of the accident, including loss of earnings, past and future treatment costs, travel expenses incurred to attend appointments, the cost of replacing your damaged bicycle and other equipment, as well as compensation for your injury.

What does it cost to make a claim for a cycling accident?

The vast majority of our cycling accident claims are conducted under a no win no fee agreement. There are no upfront payments needed or any financial risk to you. The costs are only payable at the end of the claim, by the defendant.

How long does a cycling accident compensation claim take to settle?

There is no fixed timescale for a cycling accident claim to reach conclusion. Many factors affect the length of a claim including the timescale of your recovery from injury, and the other party’s view on liability. On average claims take from six to 12 months for a ‘straightforward’ claim, up to two to three years for a claim with more serious injuries. It is possible to obtain interim payments before a final settlement is achieved.

What happens if the cycling accident was my fault?

This would mean you are the defendant in the claim however, Fosters Solicitors are still able to advise you. Defendant work is not suitable for a No Win No Fee Agreement so it is conducted on a private paying basis.

I think I was partly responsible for the cycling accident, can I still make a claim?

Yes. Once investigations have concluded about who owed a duty of care to whom, we will negotiate on your behalf with the solicitors acting for the other parties. Even if you believe or accept you are more than 50% responsible (known as contributory negligence) you will still have a claim for partial loss.

Is rehabilitation something I can claim for as I am suffering from the effects of my injuries?

Yes. If physiotherapy or occupational therapy is needed then the cost of this can be obtained even whilst the claim is continuing in the form of interim payments.

What happens if I hit a pedestrian?

Whilst the larger duty of care would be on you, a pedestrian can still be partly responsible. The particular accident circumstances would determine liability and we may still be able to help.

What do I do immediately after a cycling accident?

You should obtain important information such as: the details of all parties involved; names and addresses of witnesses; the location of the accident and conditions of the weather/road; you should also take photos of the scene and record details of any damage; and, if injured, seek assistance for your injuries and take photographs. If you are injured, report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

What happens if I have a cycling accident whilst on an E-Bike?

Ensure all details of the accident have been obtained so that Fosters Solicitors can advise you, but in most cases the same procedure for pursuing a claim will apply.

I fell off my bike and sustained injury because I hit a pothole. Is this something Fosters Solicitors can help me with?

Yes. The Local Authority has a duty to ensure that the road is fit for use by all road users, including cyclists. As a result, if you fall off due to hitting a pothole Fosters Solicitors may well be able to help you bring a claim.

Fosters Solicitors are cycling injury specialists and are here to provide support and advice for all cycling accident claims irrespective of the number of people involved and whether they are drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Our cycling claim experts have vast experience of supporting those involved in such claims whether you have been hit by a vehicle, another cyclist, or fallen off your bike through hitting a pothole.

We have acted in a wide variety of claims, with many different scenarios and types of injuries. If you contact us with your cycling accident query we will always give you an honest opinion as to whether we can help you bring a claim.

From the initial telephone call we will usually be able to determine whether there are any grounds for a claim.

If there are, then we can arrange a meeting to discuss matters in detail. If you instruct us we will advise you as to the grounds for a claim depending on the further information we gather, whether from a police report, CCTV footage or medical records.