With more people cycling on UK roads than ever before, accidents between cyclists are becoming more common. While serious incidents are relatively rare, they do happen, especially during group rides or organised cycling events.
If you’ve been injured in a collision with another cyclist, you may still be able to claim compensation. This article explains your options.
Duty of care: What it means for cyclists
All road users, including cyclists, owe a legal duty of care to others. This means everyone must act in a way that avoids causing harm to others.
For cyclists, this duty includes obeying traffic rules, staying alert, maintaining a safe speed, and being mindful of other road users. If another cyclist breaches this duty by acting negligently - whether by failing to give way, maneuvering carelessly, or riding recklessly - they may be held liable for any injuries or damage caused.
Can I make a compensation claim against another cyclist?
Yes. Cyclists have the same legal rights to make a compensation claim against another rider as they would against a motorist.
If you were injured in an accident caused by another cyclist’s negligence, you can seek financial compensation for your injuries and any resulting losses, such as medical bills or time off work.
How would the other cyclist pay compensation?
Most claims against other cyclists start as a person-to-person matter, as involving solicitors immediately may feel confrontational, especially if you know the other rider.
Ideally, the other cyclist will have specialist cycling insurance that covers accidents involving injury or property damage. Third-party cycling insurance has become more popular in recent years, with over 1 in 5 cyclists now covered.
If the other cyclist has suitable cover, resolving the claim through their insurer can make the process smoother and less emotionally challenging.
See also:
Should I take out dedicated cycling insurance?
What if the other cyclist doesn’t have specialist cycling insurance?
If the other cyclist doesn’t have specialist cycling insurance, you may be able to make a claim against their home insurance policy, which may include third-party liability cover. However, not all home insurance policies cover cycling accidents, particularly those involving commuting or public liability.
Other potential insurance coverage policies include work-related policies, travel insurance, or even credit card insurance.
What if the other cyclist is uninsured?
If the cyclist who caused the accident doesn’t have any insurance, you may still pursue a compensation claim by taking legal action directly against them. However, the risk is that they might not have the financial resources to cover your compensation, even if your claim is successful.
It’s still advisable to speak with a personal injury solicitor if you find yourself in this situation. A solicitor will thoroughly assess your case and may identify alternative ways to pursue compensation.
What if the accident happened during a cycling event?
Participating in an organised cycling event, such as a Gran Fondo, sportive, or club ride, adds complexity to a compensation claim. While riders in official races accept a certain level of risk, this doesn’t mean you can’t claim compensation if you’re injured by another cyclist’s negligence.
In competitive events, you would need to demonstrate that the other rider acted negligently and that their actions caused your injury.
However, in non-competitive events like sportives or Gran Fondos held on public roads, cyclists are still expected to follow the standard rules of the road. In these cases, the claims process would be similar to a regular road accident or commuting injury.
See also:
Can I claim for injuries in competitive cycling & sportive events?
Can I claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB)?
Unfortunately, no. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) only deals with claims related to motor vehicle accidents involving uninsured or untraceable drivers. They do not handle claims involving uninsured cyclists or pedestrians, so you will need to pursue other legal avenues.
How we can help
While dealing with a claim against another cyclist can be emotionally challenging, especially if they are uninsured, legal advice can help you navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in a collision with another cyclist, you may still be able to claim no win, no fee compensation.
Our expert panel of cycling accident solicitors has extensive experience in handling cases involving cyclist-on-cyclist accidents, ensuring that all relevant evidence is gathered to support your claim.
We understand the unique aspects of these cases and will fight to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, losses, and recovery needs.
Speak to us now for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim and options moving forward.
Written by Chris Salmon on 21st July 2023