Cycling injury compensation claims involving children

Child cycling accidents can be particularly distressing for both the child and their parents or guardians. Children are more vulnerable to injury than adults, and a cycling accident can cause physical and emotional trauma that can have a lasting impact on their lives. If your child has been involved in a cycling accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim on their behalf.

How common are child cycling accidents?

According to RoSPA, 1,620 children were injured when cycling in the UK in 2020. Of these, 369 were seriously injured and 9 were killed.

The real number of injuries may be significantly higher as RoSPA's figures are compiled from police reports and many accidents are not reported.

How do I claim compensation for a child cycling injury?

If a child is injured as the result of the negligence or recklessness of another party, then it is possible for the parent or guardian to pursue financial compensation on the child's behalf.

The parent or guardian would instruct a solicitor in much the same way as they might for themselves or an adult.

The parent or guardian would be formally known as the child's 'litigation friend'.

The litigation friend must be 'independent', which means that they can’t have been personally involved in the accident e.g. driving the car involved in the accident.

How long do I have to start a compensation claim for a child?

If the injured party is a child (under 18), you can start a claim on their behalf at any point before their 18th birthday. Once the child reaches the age of 18, they have a further 3 years to start a claim.

In effect, an injured child can begin a claim, irrespective of how old they were when injured, at any stage up to their 21st birthday.

How and when does the child receive their compensation award?

Typically the courts will hold any compensation on a 'Special Investment Account' until the child reaches their 18th birthday. However, the court may choose to release some or all of the compensation award if circumstances justify this course of action.

For example if some of the damages are awarded for medical treatment, then some of the compensation could be released to cover the cost of this.

How can Cycling Injury Legal help?

Cycling Injury Legal provides information, legal guidance and support for the recovery of injured cyclists. In the case of injured children or minors, particular skill and experience is required in seeking court approval for any settlement or award..

Our panel of expert solicitors are geared up to help recover maximum compensation awards for children. For more information on making a cycling injury claim on behalf of a child, contact us on 0800 612 2874.