Cycling Injury Claims: How the Process Works

The cycling injury claims process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an accident. Understanding each step can make it less daunting and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

From your initial consultation to receiving your settlement, this guide outlines the key stages, providing clarity on what to expect and how a specialist cycling injuru solicitor can support you every step of the way.

1. Initial consultation

Starting a cycling injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. An initial consultation with a specialist solicitor is a straightforward, no-cost first step.

During this no-obligation call, you’ll have the opportunity to explain the circumstances of your accident and any resulting injuries. The solicitor will assess whether you may have a valid claim and advise you on your next steps.

If you decide to make a claim, you will enter into a no win, no fee agreement with your solicitor.

Read more:

Am I eligible to make a cycling injury claim?

2. Establish liability

Determining liability is a crucial step in the claims process, as it identifies who is responsible for your injuries and against whom the claim should be made.

Your solicitor will investigate the circumstances of your accident to establish fault, whether fully or partially, and determine the appropriate party to pursue for compensation. This can vary depending on the specifics of your case:

See also:

Can I claim if I was partly responsible for my accident?

3. Evidence collection

Gathering evidence is essential to building a strong compensation claim. Your solicitor will help source and collate all relevant evidence to support your case, including:

• Witness statements - Contact details and accounts from anyone who saw the accident.
• Photographic evidence - Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike.
• Police reports - Official records if the incident was reported to the police.
• CCTV, helmet cam or dashcam footage - Footage that may have captured the collision.
• Medical records - Documentation of your injuries and treatments.

Comprehensive evidence strengthens your claim and ensures a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.

See also:

The role of evidence in a successful cycling injury claim

4. Injury assessment

Understanding the extent and impact of your injuries is a crucial step in the claims process. Your solicitor will arrange a medical examination with an independent expert to assess your injuries comprehensively.

This assessment covers the severity of your physical injuries, any long-term effects on your health, and potential psychological impacts, such as anxiety or trauma following the accident.

The medical report forms a key piece of evidence, helping to calculate your compensation and demonstrate how the injury has affected your quality of life. This ensures your claim accurately reflects the full impact of your accident.

See also:

Will I need a medical when making an injury claim?

Can the medical for my injury claim be carried out locally?

5. Medical support

Your recovery is a top priority, and your solicitor will arrange the medical care and rehabilitation you need to achieve it. If NHS services are unavailable or subject to long waiting times, private care can be arranged to ensure you receive timely and effective treatment.

Your solicitor will discuss your recovery goals, whether it’s returning to work, regaining mobility, or resuming daily activities like playing with your children. Specialists will assess your injuries and set realistic milestones to support your progress. If needed, interim payments can be arranged to cover treatment costs while your claim is ongoing, ensuring uninterrupted care.

See also:

Can I get an interim payment before my injury claim settles?

6. Compensation calculation

Compensation for cycling injuries includes two key elements: general damages and special damages. General damages address the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment caused by your injury.

General damages are calculated using Judicial College guidelines, which recommend award amounts based on the type and severity of injuries. 

Special damages cover financial losses incurred due to the accident, such as lost earnings, medical expenses, and travel costs for appointments. They may also include costs for home modifications, like ramps, if your injuries require accessibility adjustments.

If your bike was damaged beyond repair and not covered by insurance, you can claim for a replacement.

Your solicitor will assess all factors to calculate a fair compensation amount that reflects your injuries and financial losses.

7. Settlement negotiation

Once liability is established and compensation calculated, your solicitor will enter negotiations with the other party’s insurer to secure a fair settlement. They’ll present the evidence, medical reports, and financial losses to support your claim.

Insurers may initially offer a lower amount, but your solicitor’s expertise ensures they push for the best outcome that fully reflects the impact of your injuries and expenses.

If the insurer disputes the claim or offers an unsatisfactory settlement, your solicitor can escalate the case and prepare for court proceedings if necessary, always prioritising your best interests and fair compensation.

See also:

How to handle insurance companies after a cycling accident

8. Receive compensation

Once a settlement is agreed upon, your compensation will be processed and paid. If interim payments were provided during your claim, these will be deducted from the final settlement.

Your solicitor ensures the payment is handled efficiently, so you receive the funds as quickly as possible. This compensation can cover your financial losses, medical expenses, and any ongoing recovery costs.

With the legal process complete, you’ll have the resources to focus fully on moving forward, whether that means returning to work, continuing rehabilitation, or regaining a sense of normalcy in your daily life.

See also:

How long do cycling injury claims take to settle?

How we help you get the compensation you need

Our panel of solicitors regularly represents cyclists involved in accident claims, from minor injuries to severe cases like limb loss and brain trauma.

With a deep understanding of the cycling injury claims process, we guide clients through each step, from gathering evidence to negotiating compensation settlements.

We actively campaign for safer roads and provide full support throughout the process of making a no win, no fee injury claim. This includes securing the best possible rehabilitation and financial compensation package, with interim payments arranged wherever possible to ensure you’re fully supported every step of the way.

Call us now for a free, no-obligation discussion about your position and your best options moving forward.