Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on our roads, and a cycling accident can leave you facing physical injuries, financial losses and uncertainty about what to do next. Time, rest and medical support will help you heal from the mental and physical damage, and compensation can cover the costs of making your recovery as comfortable as possible. To make sure you get proper compensation for your injuries, damaged equipment and lost earnings, you need a solicitor who understands the impact of a cycling accident. Here, the personal injury claims team at Switalskis explain the steps involved in making a claim, and what you need to know about proving liability, compensation amounts and dealing with uninsured drivers.

Can cyclists claim compensation for road accidents?

Cyclists have the same rights as other road users, which means that if an accident occurs due to someone else’s actions - such as negligent driving, poor road conditions or even a pedestrian stepping into the road without warning - it may be possible to make a cycling accident compensation claim.

To be eligible, you need to prove that:

• The accident was due to another party’s negligence.
• You suffered injuries as a direct result of the accident.

Even if the accident was caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run, compensation may still be available through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau , which handles claims where the responsible party cannot be identified or does not have valid insurance.

Common injuries in cycling accident claims

Cyclists are exposed to the full force of a collision, with little to shield them from impact. Even a low-speed accident can result in painful injuries. Some of the most common types of accidents we see are:

• Soft tissue injuries: cuts, bruising, and muscle damage can leave you in pain for weeks. Whiplash-type injuries are also common, particularly in collisions with vehicles.
• Broken bones: the force of a crash can easily lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone, often requiring weeks in a cast or even surgery.
• Head injuries and brain trauma: even with a helmet, cyclists risk concussions or serious head injuries that can impact memory, coordination and cognitive function.
• Psychological trauma: many cyclists experience anxiety, flashbacks or a fear of returning to the road after an accident. Some develop post-traumatic stress disorder, which can affect confidence in daily life.
• Life-changing injuries: spinal damage, amputations or permanent mobility issues caused by high-impact collisions.

Getting medical treatment as soon as possible after a cycling accident should always be a priority. It will also provide medical records that will play an important role in any compensation claim you make.

Steps to take after a cycling accident

Aside from seeking medical help, there are a number of other steps you should take to strengthen your compensation claim:

Gather evidence at the accident scene

If you are able to, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This can help to establish what happened and who was responsible. Useful evidence includes:

• Photographs of the accident scene, any injuries and damage to your bike.
• Contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident.
• The registration numbers of any vehicle involved.

Report the accident

Knowing who to inform after a cycling accident can make a difference to your claim. If a driver was involved, their insurer needs to be made aware. If the accident was serious, or the driver failed to stop, report it to the police as soon as possible. If unsafe road conditions - such as potholes or debris - played a role, it’s worth notifying the local authority, as this could support your claim and help prevent further accidents.

Speak to a specialist bicycle accident claim solicitor

A solicitor with expertise in cycling accident claims can guide you through the process, gather additional evidence and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. At Switalskis, we take the time to understand how the accident affected you, so we can be sure that you are compensated fully for the medical costs, lost income and other long-term impacts on your life.

How much compensation can you claim for a bicycle accident?

The amount of compensation you could receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the financial impact of the accident. Compensation is typically divided into two categories:

• General damages: this covers the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment caused by the accident and injuries. The amount awarded depends on the type of injury and how it affects your daily life.
• Special damages: this includes any financial losses you have experienced as a result of the accident. It can cover lost income, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, damage to your bike and equipment, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.

Every case is different, but during an initial phone consultation, Switalskis can discuss your circumstances in detail and make sure you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you’re entitled to.

No win, no fee cycling accident claims

Making a cycling accident claim doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. With Switalskis, most claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so there are no upfront legal costs - and if your claim is not successful, you won't have to pay a penny.

If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident and want to explore your options, our specialist personal injury solicitors are here to help. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or reach out to us through our website to get started.