Knocked Off Your Bicycle? When You Can Claim
Reviewed by McAMS, regulated motorcycle accident specialists
If a driver or another party caused your cycling accident and you were injured, you can usually claim compensation. The key question is fault: if someone else was responsible for knocking you off, you may be able to recover money for your injuries, your bicycle, your kit and your financial losses. We are not solicitors, but we can connect you with a regulated specialist firm, free and with no obligation.
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Contents
How do I know if the accident was someone else's fault?
Fault, or liability, is about who caused the crash. If a driver pulled out on you, turned across your path, passed too close, or hit you from behind, the fault is likely to sit with them rather than you. If a defect such as a badly maintained road or an obstruction caused you to come off, another party may be responsible.
You do not need to work all this out yourself. A regulated specialist can assess who was at fault based on what happened and the evidence available. If there is a question of shared blame, they can advise on how that might affect a claim.
Can I claim if I was knocked off at a junction?
Junctions are one of the most common places for cyclists to be knocked off. A driver emerging without looking, turning left across you, or cutting across as you go straight on can all leave you injured through no fault of your own.
If a driver failed to give way or did not see you when they should have, you may have grounds to claim. Evidence such as the road layout, any camera footage and witness accounts can help show what happened, and a regulated specialist can help gather it.
What about a close pass or being clipped by a vehicle?
Close passes are dangerous and can knock you off even without a full collision. If a vehicle passed too close and caused you to fall, brake sharply or swerve into harm, the driver may be liable for the injuries that followed.
These cases can turn on detail, so any helmet-cam or dashcam footage, the position of the vehicle, and witness accounts all help. A specialist firm can advise on whether the driver's actions amount to fault and what your claim could include.
Can I claim if I was hit from behind?
Being hit from behind while cycling is frightening and often causes serious injury. In many cases the following driver is expected to leave enough room and to be able to stop, so responsibility frequently rests with them.
Each case depends on its own facts, so nothing is automatic. A regulated specialist can look at how the collision happened, including your position on the road and any lighting or visibility issues, and advise whether you are likely to be able to claim.
What can a cycling claim actually include?
A claim is usually about more than the injury alone. It can cover the pain and suffering of your injuries, the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, and damaged kit such as your helmet, clothing, lights and accessories.
It may also cover financial losses that flow from the crash, such as lost earnings if you could not work, travel costs to medical appointments, and the cost of treatment or rehabilitation. A regulated specialist will explain what may apply to your situation. We cannot promise any particular outcome, but they can pursue what you may be owed.
How does the free no-obligation route work?
You do not have to navigate this on your own. Tell us briefly what happened and, with your consent, we connect you with a regulated specialist claims firm suited to your case. We are not a law firm and we do not handle claims ourselves.
There is no cost to you for the introduction and no obligation to go ahead. Many specialist firms handle cycling claims on a no win no fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement, which the firm will explain in full before you commit to anything.
Need specific advice for your situation?
Every accident is unique. Speak to our specialist team for a no-obligation assessment of your case.
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Answers to common queries regarding the claims process.
Related Guides
Who To Contact
After a UK bike crash that was not your fault, contact four people in this order: emergency services or your GP for any injuries, the police where the law requires it, your own insurer to report the incident, and a regulated specialist claims firm to handle any compensation claim. We are not solicitors, but we can connect you with a regulated firm, free and with no obligation.
Car Hit My Bicycle
If a car hit your bicycle and the driver was at fault, you can usually claim compensation for your injuries, your bike and your losses. Most car-versus-cyclist collisions come down to a driver who failed to look, turned across you, pulled out, or opened a door in your path. We are not solicitors, but we can connect you with a regulated specialist firm, free and with no obligation.
Bicycle Damage
Yes. If someone else caused your accident, you can usually recover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and damaged kit, such as your helmet, clothing, lights, computer or phone, as part of your claim alongside any injury. Damage-only claims are also possible even when you were not badly hurt.
This guide is general information about motorcycle accident claims in the UK. It is not legal or financial advice. Bike Crash Claims is an introducer: we connect riders with regulated specialist solicitors and motorcycle accident specialists, and we are not solicitors ourselves. Whether you can claim, and what any claim may be worth, always depends on your individual circumstances, and nothing here is a guarantee of any outcome or amount. For advice on your own situation, please speak to a regulated specialist.
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