Bicycle Accident Claims: Knocked Off Your Bike and What You Can Claim
A bicycle accident claim is a personal injury claim against the insurer of the driver who caused a collision with a cyclist, or against the council for a road defect, or through the Motor Insurers' Bureau where the driver drove off or was uninsured; it covers the injury, lost earnings, the bike and the kit, it must normally start within three years, and National Accident Support Line assesses whether you have a claim and refers it to a specialist solicitor with a callback within 2 minutes.
Cyclists get hit at junctions, get doored, get squeezed at pinch points and get thrown by potholes, and in every one of those the first response from the other side is that the cyclist should have been more careful. Since 2022 the Highway Code has said the opposite: drivers carry the greater responsibility because they can do the greater harm. This page covers who is liable in each situation, what a claim includes, and what to do in the first hour.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
Who is responsible for a bicycle accident
It depends on what caused it. A driver who turned across you, pulled out of a junction, overtook too close or opened a door into your path is responsible, through their insurer. The Highway Code's hierarchy of road users, in force since January 2022, requires drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking, to give way to cyclists going straight ahead at junctions, and to check for cyclists before opening a door. A local council is responsible for a pothole or road defect it failed to repair. A hit-and-run or uninsured driver's victim claims through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. Where a defective bike part caused the crash, the manufacturer or the shop may be responsible.
What a bicycle accident claim covers
The injury and its effect on your life. Lost earnings while you could not work. Treatment, physiotherapy and travel. Care from family. Your bike, repaired or replaced at its value, and your helmet, clothing, lights, computer and any other kit damaged in the crash. A helmet that has taken an impact is finished whether or not it looks damaged, and it is replaced, not repaired. Where the injury is lasting, the future losses that follow.
Common bicycle accidents and who answers for them
| What happened | Who is usually responsible | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Driver turned across you at a junction | The driver | Drivers must give way to cyclists going straight ahead |
| Car door opened into your path | The driver or passenger who opened it | "Dooring" is the door-opener's fault; the vehicle's insurer pays |
| Close pass or side-swipe | The driver | 1.5 metres is the minimum passing distance in the Highway Code |
| Pothole or road defect | The council | Photograph the defect with something for scale and report it |
| Hit from behind | The driver | Rarely disputed |
| Driver drove off or was uninsured | The Motor Insurers' Bureau | Report to the police promptly |
| Hit by another cyclist or an e-scooter | The other rider, if identified | Harder to recover; a specialist advises |
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
The situations cyclists describe to us
"The driver says he didn't see me"
The most common thing said after a cycling collision, and it is not a defence. A driver is required to look, and not seeing a cyclist who was there to be seen is the failure the claim rests on. Helmet-cam and dashcam footage settle it fastest.
"I wasn't wearing a helmet"
You can still claim. Where a helmet would have reduced a head injury, the claim may be reduced by a percentage; it is not refused, and it makes no difference to injuries a helmet would not have prevented.
"It was a pothole, not a driver"
Then the claim is against the council, and it turns on whether the defect was dangerous and whether the council should have found and fixed it. Photograph it with a coin or ruler for scale before it is repaired, and report it.
"My bike's written off and it cost more than they're offering"
Keep receipts, photos and the specification. The bike is valued at its worth before the crash, not a generic figure, and a specialist solicitor argues it with evidence.
What to do after a bicycle accident
Get medical help and get the injury on record, even if you rode home. Get the driver's name, registration and insurer, and photograph the vehicle. Photograph the scene, the road surface, your bike and your injuries. Take the names of witnesses. Save helmet-cam or dashcam footage and ask nearby businesses to keep CCTV. Report it to the police, especially if the driver did not stop. Don't repair or dispose of the bike or kit until it has been photographed and valued. Then get in touch.
How a bicycle accident claim works with National Accident Support Line
Tell us what happened, by the form, WhatsApp or a call to 0333 212 2730, and web enquiries are called back within 2 minutes during opening hours. We ask what happened, who was involved and what evidence exists. If there is a claim, we refer it to a specialist cycling injury solicitor who runs it on a no win no fee basis. If there isn't, we tell you straight. NASL is an FCA-regulated claims management company, not a law firm. Riders knocked off a motorbike should start with motorbike accident claims; injuries after any road collision are covered on the road traffic accident claims page; and a hit-and-run is explained on our hit-and-run claims page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if a car hit me while cycling?
Yes, against the driver's insurer. Since 2022 the Highway Code places the greater responsibility on drivers.
Can I claim for my bike and my kit?
Yes. The bike is repaired or replaced at its pre-accident value, and damaged helmet, clothing, lights and computer are replaced.
Can I claim if I wasn't wearing a helmet or hi-vis?
Yes. Neither is a legal requirement. Where a helmet would have reduced a head injury the claim may be reduced by a percentage, not refused.
Can I claim for a pothole accident?
Yes, against the council responsible for the road, where the defect was dangerous and should have been repaired.
What if the driver drove off?
Report it to the police promptly and get the crime reference. The claim goes through the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the accident. For a child, three years from their 18th birthday.
Do I need cycling insurance to claim?
No. The claim is against the driver's insurer, the council or the MIB, not your own cover.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
National Accident Support Line Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activities, registration number 829991.
Bicycle accident are often caused because cyclists when riding out are often extremely vulnerable and the risk of getting injured are high.If unfortunately you are involved or had faced a road accident and you believe it wasn’t your fault, you have all the rights to claim for bicycle accident compensation.
If you face an accident what immediately you should do?
There are number of things that can increase your chances for filling a successful claim for compensation for bicycle accident injury, you also need to confirm that the injuries are not in worse conditions.
- If you face an accident, first and foremost move out from the danger immediately. Take hold of yourself and call the ambulance or ask someone to call an ambulance if are injured badly. Meanwhile, ask people around you to help you witness the scenario if they are willing and ready to help you.
- If you face an accident, first and foremost move out from the danger immediately. Take hold of yourself and call the ambulance or ask someone to call an ambulance if are injured badly. Meanwhile, ask people around you to help you witness the scenario if they are willing and ready to help you.
- If you have a camera or phone click pictures of the scenario, your injuries your injured bicycle and the area surrounding you.
- Keep a copy of all the records either police records or medical and ambulance reports. These reports will help you to file a strong case for your compensation for bicycle accident claims.
What you should not do if you face an accident?
There are few thing that you should not do, along with all the dos:
- Do not panic handle the situation calmly.
- Do not curse and get angry.
- Do not admit any false liability.
- Do not take your bike and ride away.
The following can be entitled to bicycle accident:
Bicycle Injuries:
The injuries that you have encountered during bicycle accident either all physical injuries or broken bones as well as the injuries that are psychological such as depression or any other injury caused by the bicycle accident
Bicycle Injury Damage:
- If the repairing cost of the bicycle is less than what the bike was worth prior you can claim for the repair costs. In order to claim for compensation gather all the necessary paperwork and written estimate for bicycle accidents claim.
Damage to the property:
If there has been any damage to your personal property you are entitled to claim for the damages. Whether it includes damage to your cycle helmet or any other item of clothing other some other attachments of your bike.
Earnings lost:
- If your bicycle injury forcing you to stay away from the workplace, claim for the loss you faced.
- If you are self-employed, your potential loss and profit can also be taken into consideration.
- If your injuries kept you from getting back to work and you are unemployed and looking for work you can still claim for compensation for potential loss of earning.
Costs of travel:
As your bicycle was your only mean of transportation but due to bicycle accident injury you had to take public transportation you can make claim for compensation based on mileage traveled.
To get bicycle accident compensation, you need to have all the documentation and receipts for bicycle compensation. It isn’t easy to get compensation & bicycle accident claims, ask your solicitor to help you in filling and getting bicycle compensation
How National Accident Support Line (NASL) Can Help?
First and foremost, we can help you by giving you free advice about starting a claim for your accident —- by listening to your experience. Your call with us is completely free and confidential and you’re never under any obligation to start your claim when you contact us.
Government statistics show that cyclists accounted for 6% of all road accident fatalities and 15% of all serious injuries in the year 2016.
We know that even the smallest collision can cause injuries that can affect you drastically. We also know that, often, the cyclist is not to blame. Unlike Vehicle Accidents Where insurance takes care of the repairs and Hire Cyclist often get into a Scenario where they don’t know much about how to recover Physical damages and financial implications resulting due to the accident.
So, if you’ve had a cycle accident that wasn’t your fault or someone you know who has, you need the help and expertise you deserve.
If you do have a potential claim, and you’re happy to continue, National Accident Support Line then take the stress out finding and providing a specialist solicitor who has experience working with cases similar to yours.