Cycling Accident Claims
Cycling is a great way for many people to get around, whether you are commuting, keeping fit or simply getting out and about. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be life-changing.
Cycling accidents can involve a combination of factors, such as other road users or traffic conditions. A collision at a junction, a vehicle coming into your path, a close passing manoeuvre or a car door being opened without warning are all common hazards that can negatively affect cyclists. Road conditions can also play a part, particularly where surfaces are uneven, damaged or poorly maintained.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, our experienced Personal Injury team help clients across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, as well as across the country, understand where they stand and what options may be available to them after a cycling accident. We know that being injured while cycling can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with pain, disruption to your lifestyle and uncertainty about what comes next. Our role is to listen, provide clear and practical advice and help you feel more confident about the next steps without any pressure or confusion.
If you have been injured in a cycling accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a cycling accident compensation claim. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and what options may be available to you after an accident.
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You do not need to have everything in place before speaking to a solicitor. In fact, most people do not. However, if you are able to, things like photographs, witness details, medical records or any information about the accident can all help support your case. Even small details can be useful when putting together what happened. A solicitor will then help gather anything else that is needed.
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In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a cycling accident claim. There are some exceptions, particularly if the injured person is under 18 or if injuries were not immediately known. Even though the time limit can seem generous, it is usually better to get advice sooner rather than later so that important details and evidence are not lost over time.
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Being involved in a hit and run cycling accident can feel particularly stressful and confusing. Even if the driver cannot be traced, it may still be possible to pursue compensation through alternative routes such as the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. These claims can still be complex, but they are often possible where evidence of the accident exists. A solicitor can guide you through the process and help you understand what options may be available.
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You may be able to make a cycling accident claim if you were hit by a vehicle and the accident was not your fault. These situations can happen in many different ways, often at junctions, roundabouts or when vehicles are turning or passing cyclists too closely. What matters is how the collision occurred and whether someone else failed to take reasonable care on the road. A solicitor can look at the details with you and explain whether there is a basis to pursue compensation.
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You may still be able to make a claim even if you think you were partly responsible for what happened. Cycling accident claims can sometimes involve shared responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the incident. This does not automatically stop you from seeking compensation, although it may affect the amount you can recover. A solicitor can review the details and explain how responsibility may be assessed in your case.
What is a Cycling Accident claim?
A cycling accident claim is a means of seeking compensation after an injury caused by someone else’s actions or a situation that could reasonably have been prevented. A claim can help you recover losses linked to your injury, including the impact on your health, your work and your day to day life.
These claims are most commonly brought following road traffic accidents, but they can also arise in other situations where a cyclist has been put at risk. Every case is different, and what matters is understanding how the accident happened and whether there is evidence to show that someone else may be responsible.
Examples of situations where a cycling accident claim may be possible include:
Collisions involving vehicles at junctions or roundabouts
Accidents caused by drivers failing to see or safely pass a cyclist
Incidents involving unsafe road conditions or poorly maintained surfaces
Situations where a cyclist is forced to take avoiding action due to another road user
Cases involving hit and run drivers where the vehicle cannot be traced
If you believe your cycling accident was caused by someone else or that more could have been done to prevent it, a member of our team can help you understand your options. We can talk through what happened and advise whether you may be able to make a claim.
How much compensation could I receive for a Cycling Accident?
The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will depend on the nature of your injuries and the overall impact the accident has had on your life. This includes not only the physical injury itself, but also how it has affected your ability to work and carry out daily activities.
Compensation is usually made up of general damages, which relate to the pain, suffering and impact of your injuries. It also includes special damages, which cover financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel costs related to your recovery. In more serious cases, it can also take into account future losses if your injuries have a long term impact.
We understand the biggest cost to cyclists tends to be their damaged bike. With many cyclists having spent thousands of pounds on purchasing their bikes and bike equipment, including Go Pros and smart watches, your solicitor should look to include the cost of the damage to your bike and equipment, including specialist costs such as engineering reports and x-rays to the bikes to detect fractures.
The value of a claim is influenced by a range of factors, including how serious the injury is, how long recovery is expected to take, whether there are any ongoing symptoms and the scale of damage to your bike and equipment. Independent medical evidence is usually needed to help assess the full extent of your injuries and how they may affect you in the future.
Because every case is different, it is not usually possible to give an accurate figure at the outset. However, once your solicitor has a clearer understanding of the damage and your circumstances, they can provide a more informed view of what your claim may be worth and how compensation is likely to be calculated.
Time limits for making a cycling claim
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your cycling accident to start a personal injury claim. If a claim is not started within this period, you may lose the opportunity to pursue compensation, which is why it is sensible to seek advice as early as possible if you think you may have a claim.
There are some situations where exceptions apply. For example, if the injured person is under 18, the three year period does not begin until their 18th birthday. In addition, there are exceptions in place if the person lacks mental capacity.
There can also be circumstances where injuries are not immediately obvious following a cycling accident. In these situations, the time limit may begin from the point at which the injury, or its connection to the accident, became reasonably known. This can apply where symptoms develop gradually or where the full impact of an injury only becomes clear over time.
Evidence, such as photographs, witness details and records, can become harder to obtain as time passes. Speaking to a solicitor sooner can also help give you clarity on your options and allow any investigations to begin while information is still available.
How do I make a Cycling Accident claim?
If you have been injured in a cycling accident, the first step is usually to speak to a specialist solicitor who can talk through what happened and help you understand whether you may have a claim. You do not need to have all the answers before you speak to someone. Many people come for advice simply because they want to understand where they stand.
If you decide to move forward, your solicitor will begin gathering information about the accident and the impact it has had on you. This may include medical records, photographs, witness details and any reports or information available about the circumstances of the collision. The aim at this stage is to build a clear understanding of what happened and how your injuries have affected you.
Depending on the circumstances, your solicitor will arrange for independent medical evidence to assess your injuries and help understand your recovery and future needs. This information can be an important part of valuing your claim and making sure any compensation reflects the wider impact of the accident.
Once the evidence has been gathered, your solicitor will guide you through the next steps and handle communication on your behalf. Throughout the process, you should expect clear advice, regular updates and straightforward explanations so that you always understand what is happening and can focus on your recovery while your claim progresses.
Why choose Nash & Co Solicitors?
Choosing who to trust with your cycling accident claim is an important decision, particularly when you may already be dealing with recovery, time away from work or uncertainty about what comes next.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, our Personal Injury team has experience supporting people who have been injured in a wide range of road traffic accidents, including cycling accidents. Based in Plymouth, we support clients across Devon and Cornwall, helping them understand their options and pursue compensation where appropriate.
We know that every accident affects people differently. Our role is to provide clear advice, carry out a thorough investigation and help make the whole process feel manageable.
Our client-first approach
We understand that making a claim after a cycling accident can feel unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming. You may be recovering from injuries, arranging appointments or trying to return to normal life while also deciding whether to seek legal advice.
Our client-first approach focuses on clear and honest communication that keeps you informed, while working around your recovery and supporting access to rehabilitation where appropriate. From your first conversation with us through to the conclusion of your claim, we aim to provide practical guidance and consistent support so you always feel informed and confident about the next steps.
Additional Support
We understand that after a cycling accident, seeking legal advice may feel like just one more thing to think about at an already difficult time. You may be dealing with injuries, time away from work or simply trying to get back to your normal routine, which is why we aim to make the process as straightforward and accessible as possible.
We offer a free, no obligation consultation with a member of our Personal Injury team, giving you the opportunity to talk through what happened, ask questions and understand whether you may be able to make a claim. There is no pressure to move forward and we will explain your options clearly so you can decide what feels right for you.
Our cycling accident claims are handled on a no win no fee basis. This means you can explore a claim without paying legal fees upfront, and we will explain funding arrangements clearly from the outset so you know exactly what to expect.
In some cases, we may also be able to secure interim payments while your claim is ongoing. These can help ease financial pressure and support access to treatment, rehabilitation or other practical needs during your recovery.
Meet the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team
Cycling Accident Claims FAQs
We understand that you may have questions about making a cycling accident claim. Below, we've covered some of the topics we're asked about most often. If you'd like to discuss your situation in more detail, don't hesitate to contact us.
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Yes, you may still be able to make a cycling accident claim if a pothole or poor road surface contributed to what happened. These types of cases are relatively common, particularly where the condition of the road was not what you would reasonably expect it to be. Local authorities and other bodies responsible for road maintenance have a duty to keep roads in a reasonably safe condition. If that duty has not been met and it has resulted in injury, there may be grounds to bring a claim. We understand these situations can feel frustrating, especially when the accident seems to have been entirely avoidable. A solicitor can look at the circumstances and help you understand whether the condition of the road is likely to support a claim. Even if you are unsure about the details, it is still worth having the situation reviewed.
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Yes, you may still be able to make a cycling accident claim even if poor weather or low visibility was a factor. Conditions such as rain, fog or reduced daylight are things that all road users are expected to take into account when travelling. What matters most is whether other parties involved acted with reasonable care given the conditions at the time. For example, this may include driving appropriately for visibility, speed and stopping distances. Many cycling accidents happen in less than ideal conditions, so you are certainly not alone in that experience. A solicitor can help look at how the weather or visibility affected what happened and whether anyone failed to respond appropriately to those conditions.
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Yes, you can absolutely make a cycling accident claim while you are still receiving medical treatment. In fact, many people begin the process during their recovery, as it often takes time for the full impact of an injury to become clear. Starting a claim does not interfere with your treatment in any way, and your recovery will always come first. Your solicitor will work around your appointments and support needs so the process does not add pressure to your situation. Ongoing medical records can also help ensure your claim reflects your recovery accurately over time. If anything, having treatment documented as you go can help build a clearer picture of how the accident has affected you. There is no need to wait until you have fully recovered before seeking advice.
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Yes, not reporting the accident to the police immediately does not necessarily stop you from making a claim. While a police report can sometimes help support what happened, there are often other ways to gather evidence afterwards. This may include witness accounts, medical records, photographs or other information about the scene. Many people are unsure about what to do in the moments after an accident, so this situation is very common. What is most important is understanding the circumstances and whether evidence can still be obtained. A solicitor can help assess what is available and guide you through the next steps in a calm and straightforward way.
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Yes, it may still be possible to make a claim if your accident happened on a pavement or shared path. These spaces are often used by a mix of pedestrians, cyclists and sometimes other road users, which can create more complex situations. The key question is how the accident occurred and whether someone else’s actions or a hazardous condition contributed to your injury. Every case is different and will depend on the specific facts and evidence available. We understand that accidents in these areas can feel particularly sudden, especially when you are not expecting conflict with other users. A solicitor can help review what happened and advise you on whether a claim may be possible.
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Yes, you may still be able to make a cycling accident claim if a pre-existing injury was made worse by the accident. This is something that often worries people, but it does not usually prevent a claim from being brought. What matters is whether the accident caused additional harm or aggravated an existing condition. Medical evidence is often used to understand the difference between your previous symptoms and the changes following the accident. We recognise that this can feel quite personal and sometimes difficult to talk about, but it is a very common situation in injury claims. A solicitor can help ensure your claim reflects the true impact the accident has had on you.
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Yes. Although Nash & Co Solicitors is based in Plymouth, we work with clients outside of Devon and Cornwall.
We understand that when you are looking for legal support, finding a team you feel comfortable with is often more important than choosing a firm nearby. Our focus is on providing clear advice, keeping communication straightforward and making sure clients feel supported throughout the process, wherever they are based.
Our Personal Injury team regularly helps clients outside of the South West and is experienced in managing claims in a way that feels accessible and uncomplicated. Whether you are contacting us locally or from elsewhere in the country, we are here to listen, answer your questions and help you understand what options may be available.
Get in touch
Fill out the form below and let us know whether you would like us to call you, or email you. One of our Personal Injury team will be in touch as soon as we can. If your enquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827085.