Are you wondering how much your bicycle accident settlement may be worth? This page details some average bicycle accident settlement amounts in the UK.
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What Is a Bicycle Claim Settlement?
When a bicycle accident or other road traffic collision occurs, there is usually a dispute between two or more parties. A dispute can arise when the parties cannot agree on who was at fault for the accident. Even if one party acknowledges they were at fault, they may accept only partial blame and either accuse the other party of being partly responsible or dispute some of the reported damage. During the early stages following an accident, it’s important that, in conjunction with the police and solicitors, strong evidence is gathered to determine exactly what happened and who was responsible.
As part of a bicycle claim, solicitors will argue who was responsible and the impact of the accident. In particular, solicitors representing the cyclist will present evidence of the negative impact the accident has had on the cyclist’s life. When a cyclist’s life has been significantly impacted, whether from severe physical injuries or mental health problems, they will be provided with an adequate payout that reflects the impact. The solicitors will prepare a valuation that they believe best reflects the settlement the victim deserves.
There are two parts to reaching a successful claim: the suspect accepting responsibility, followed by their acceptance of the proposed damages. If responsibility is accepted, then both parties will work together to reach an agreement, also known as a bicycle claim settlement. Reaching a settlement involves extensive negotiation until both parties are satisfied. In most cases, a claim is settled. However, if a settlement is not reached, the case will go to court, where a judge will make the final decision.
Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts UK
Every bicycle accident claim is different, so it’s impossible to provide exact figures for all situations. The settlement amounts can vary depending on age, gender, physical injuries (including severity), medical costs, losses, and the responsible party’s actions that led to the accident. Below is a summary of average settlement amounts in the UK for bicycle accidents, based on common injuries.
- Total blindness in one eye – £252,180
- Loss of feeling in limbs – £235,115
- Loss of wrist function – £50,435
- Amputation of both legs – £245,350
- Fractures of the hand – £4,461
- Severe PTSD – £75,325
- Very severe scarring to the face – £59,645
- Severe neck injury – £90,945
- Amputation of both arms – £253,740
- Severe brain damage leading to vegetable state – £321,875
If you’ve suffered an injury not covered in the above list, don’t be afraid to contact an accident solicitor. They can provide a rough and free estimate of the average settlement amounts for your specific injuries. When further information is gathered, including your unique characteristics and how the accident occurred, they can provide a more accurate figure.
Examples of UK Bicycle Accident Settlements
While every bicycle accident is different, one of the best ways to gauge how much your settlement may be worth is by looking at cases in the real world. This section will provide real-life examples of bicycle accidents reported by the UK media, along with the settlement amounts cyclists received.
A Cyclist in Leeds Wins a Settlement of £7,200
In May 2021, it was reported that a cyclist in Leeds had won a £7,200 settlement payout following a bicycle accident. Edward Forth was cycling along a road on a wet and overcast day when a car crashed into him. Due to the impact, Mr Forth was flung through the driver’s side window. He sustained a broken collarbone, damage to his knee and ankle, and multiple bruises and scrapes. While Mr Forth took measures to increase his visibility by fitting extra lights to his bike and wearing fluorescent yellow trousers, the motorist entered a yellow box junction and claimed not to have seen the bike. Mr Forth took time off work following the accident and struggled to cope when he returned due to the physical demands of his role. The bicycle settlement amount helped him to pay for his recovery and begin the healing process so that his life could return to normal as soon as possible.
£130k Damages for Cyclist Injured by Taxi Driver
In this example, a tax driver failed to give way to a male cyclist, causing the victim to be thrown across the vehicle’s bonnet and fall into the middle of the road. The cyclist suffered significant injuries after being knocked off their bike. The male’s primary injuries included an open fracture of his left leg, which required three operations. During his time in the hospital, he developed an infection in his leg, resulting in a 21-day stay. The cyclist’s additional recorded injuries included long-lasting chronic pain, mobility problems and psychological symptoms. The taxi driver admitted responsibility and therefore faced charges of careless driving. His insurers settled the case without court intervention, accepting full liability for the driver, resulting in a successful £130,000 payout that reflects the severity of the life-changing injuries.
Find Out More About Bicycle Settlements
Our bike accident solicitors have decades of experience helping clients reach successful settlement agreements, allowing them to receive the financial support they need to recover. View our cycle accident compensation calculator to learn how much you may receive. Don’t waste any time – start your claim with us today by receiving free, no-obligation advice.
