Can I claim compensation for a cycling injury at work?

Cycling as part of your job - whether as a delivery rider, courier, or working in another capacity - comes with certain risks.

Despite these risks, if you’ve been injured while cycling at work, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. We explain the steps to take, who may be liable, and how compensation claims work.

Duty of care

Central to making a personal injury claim is establishing that another party both owed you a duty of care and breached that duty.

Duty of care is a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent injury to others.

In personal injury cases, it means that individuals or organisations must act responsibly to avoid causing injury or damage.

Road users, including drivers, cyclists and even pedestrians, owe a duty of care to others on the road by following traffic laws and driving safely. If someone breaches their duty of care - where a driver ignores a red light and causing an accident for instance - they may be held liable for any injuries resulting from their negligence.

Employers also have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment, ensuring that employees have the necessary safety equipment and training.

Am I eligible to make a personal injury claim?

If you’ve been injured while cycling as part of your job, you can claim compensation if another party’s negligence caused your accident.

This could include your employer, a driver, or a local council. If you meet the following these conditions, you may have a valid claim:

1. The other party owed you a duty of care.
2. This duty of care was breached due to negligence (for example, lack of safety measures, improper training, or failure to maintain road safety).
3. The breach of duty directly caused your injury.
4. You suffered physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the accident.

Common cycling-related workplace injuries

Work-related cycling accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include fractures, broken bones, head and neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, and spinal injuries.

Serious accidents can also result in psychological conditions such as PTSD and anxiety, which can be claimed for in addition to physical injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injury is minor. Symptoms, such as delayed concussion, may appear sometime after the accident. Additionally, your medical records will play a significant role in supporting your claim.

Who would make a claim against?

Determining who is responsible (liable) for your accident is essential for a successful personal injury claim. Your solicitor will collect as much evidence as possible to establish liability.

Your employer

Your employer has a legal duty to ensure your safety while at work. If your employer failed to take reasonable measures to keep you safe, they may be liable for your injuries. Examples of employer negligence could include:

• Lack of safety equipment (e.g., failing to PPE, helmets or high-visibility clothing.
  Inadequate training on safe cycling practices.
• Requiring you to work in unsafe conditions, such as extreme weather.
• Failing to conduct proper risk assessments or maintain equipment.

Other road users

If another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian was responsible for your accident, they may be held liable. For example, if a motorist failed to follow traffic laws, drove recklessly, or did not give you enough space, you can claim against their insurance.

Local authorities

If poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, contributed to your accident, the local council may be liable for failing to maintain safe cycling routes or roads.

What should I do before starting a personal injury claim?

If you’ve been injured while cycling for your job and you think you might want to make a claim, you should do the following:

1. Report the accident to your employer immediately.
2. If the accident involves another vehicle or a road hazard, report the accident to the police. Documentation of the incident will be important when making your claim.
3. Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This could include:
   1. Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged equipment.
   2. Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident.
   3. Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment.
   4. Receipts for any costs incurred, such as medical expenses or bike repairs.
4. Speak to a personal injury solicitor who has experience with cycling accident at work claims.

See also:

The role of evidence in a successful cycling injury claim

How much compensation can I claim?

If your injury claim is successful, the total amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and the circumstances of the accident.

You can claim 'general damages' compensation for your pain, suffering: and loss of amenity. General damages are calculated with reference to a set of guidelines published by the Judicial College.

Additionally, 'special damages' compensation can be claimed for and cists or losses resulting from your accident, including:

• Medical expenses, treatment, rehabilitation, and any future care needs.
• Loss of earnings, including future lost earnings if your injury affects your long-term ability to work.
• Damage to property and belongings, including damage to your bike.

To find out how much you can claim, try our injury compensation calculator.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In the UK, a personal injury claim must be started within three years of the date of the accident.

If the injured party is a child (under 18), a parent or guardian 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.

Other exceptions may also apply in certain cases, such as if you were unaware of the severity of your injury until later.

Seeking legal advice as soon as possible after the accident is recommended however, as the more time that elapses the harder it is to win a claim..

How does No Win, No Fee work?

Most personal injury claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).

This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront, and you’ll only pay your solicitor if your claim is successful. This arrangement allows you to pursue compensation without financial risk.

Read more about No Win, No Fee.

Helping you get the compensation you need after a work injury

We’re dedicated to making sure your compensation covers all aspects of your work-related cycling injury - from lost wages to medical costs and any long-term effects on your ability to work. Our team will work closely with you, leveraging our experience in workplace injury claims to secure the support and compensation you need for your recovery.