Cyclist Accidents

Cyclist accident claims arise when a cyclist is injured due to the negligence of a driver, a local authority (poor road maintenance), or another road user. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable road users and often sustain serious injuries even in low-speed collisions.

Common accident types include left-hook collisions (vehicles turning left across a cyclist's path), car dooring (occupants opening doors into the path of cyclists), close-pass incidents, vehicles pulling out from junctions, and collisions with HGVs (especially at junctions). Road surface defects such as potholes, drain covers, and uneven surfaces can also cause cycling accidents, with liability falling on the highway authority.

The Highway Code (updated 2022) introduced a hierarchy of road users, placing greater responsibility on drivers to watch for cyclists. Dashcam and helmet camera footage is often critical evidence. Strava and GPS data can establish the cyclist's speed and position.

Compensation depends on injury severity. Minor injuries (bruising, soft tissue) typically settle for £2,000 to £10,000. Moderate injuries (fractures, ligament damage) range from £10,000 to £80,000. Severe injuries (traumatic brain injury, spinal injury) can reach £100,000 to £5 million. Loss of earnings claims can be substantial for professional cyclists or those unable to return to work. The limitation period is 3 years.