What Will I Learn Here About Cycle Accident Compensation?
We are expert solicitors in bicycle accident claims and commit to ensuring victims have all the information they need to get their lives back on track. On this page, you will learn how cycle accident compensation is calculated and how you can make a claim. We have also provided a guide on how much your injuries could be worth and real-life examples of cycle accidents.
Below is a list of critical sections in this cycling accident compensation guide. Simply click the links to view the information that matters most to you.
- How Compensation is Calculated
- Cycle Accident Compensation Calculator
- The Process of a Cycle Accident Claim
- 2022 Highway Code Changes
- How to Make a Bicycle Claim
- Bicycle Accident Compensation Case Studies
How Is Bicycle Compensation Calculated?
When compensation for a bicycle accident claim is being assessed, various factors are taken into account to calculate the amount that a claimant will receive. One of these important factors to be assessed is the extent of the injuries sustained and the impact it has had on the victim. Cyclist compensation will also be calculated based on the age of the claimant with higher payouts typically awarded the younger the person is. Gender is also considered with, for example, females typically receiving more money than males when they have suffered scarring.
When it comes to the severity of the cycle injuries sustained, each bicycle accident claim will be decided based on its own individual facts. How much you are entitled to can depend on how you have been affected by the bicycle accident. A minor injury to one person may be quite severe to another person and therefore, the latter may be able to obtain more cycling accident compensation, especially if there is a psychological development on top of the physical injuries.
As well as damages for injuries, the bicycle accident compensation claim will also consider other losses that the cyclist has endured. This can include loss of earnings as well as damage to personal items such as clothing, helmets and the bicycle. Essential healthcare costs, such as medical and rehabilitation fees, may also be taken into account. If you have required the services of a support carer, then the cyclist compensation could involve a payout that covers this.
Cycle Accident Compensation Calculator
To help provide you with some information about typical cycle accident claim payouts, we have produced a bicycle accident compensation calculator that displays some of the potential compensation figures. The cycle accident compensation figures have been broken down based on the type of bodily injury that the cyclist has suffered.
The cycling accident compensation calculator below shows average compensation amounts and should be used for general guidance only. Ultimately, a cycle accident payout will be based on your individual situation and we recommend seeking official advice from qualified solicitors before proceeding with a bicycle compensation claim.
Shoulder Injuries
| Serious, dislocations, permanent weakness | £15,510 | undefined |
| Moderate, with some limitation/discomfort | £6,380 | £10,340 |
| Minor, recovery with a year | £3,200 | undefined |
| Fracture of the clavicle | £4,180 | £9,900 |
Wrist Injuries
| Severe with complete loss of function | £38,500 | £48,400 |
| With significant permanent disability | £19,800 | £31,625 |
| With some permanent disability, pain, stiffness | £10,175 | £19,800 |
| With recovery complete | £3,000 | £6,500 |
| Colles’ fracture | £5,450 | £5,995 |
Knee Injuries
| Severe, with disruption of the joint | £92,950 | £136,950 |
| Moderate, permanent injury | £92,950 | £136,950 |
| With some instability of deformity | £92,950 | £136,950 |
| With dislocation, torn cartilage, wasting | £7,500 | £13,500 |
| Minor injuries | £1,000 | £7,500 |
Leg Injuries
| Total loss of both legs | £194,700 | £227,975 |
| Below-knee amputation of both legs | £162,800 | £218,350 |
| Above-knee amputation of one leg | £84,700 | £111,100 |
| The most serious injuries short of amputation | £77,825 | £110,000 |
| Serious leg injuries | £44,330 | £68,365 |
| With multiple fractures, limited movements | £22,440 | £31,680 |
| Fractures with incomplete recovery | £13,200 | £14,520 |
| Simple fractures | £7,360 | £11,385 |
Neck Injuries
| Severe (incomplete paraplegia) | £109,900 | £119,900 |
| Moderate to severe with permanent damage | £53,075 | £105,875 |
| Moderate to severe damage to soft tissues/tendons | £20,185 | £31,130 |
| Fractures and dislocations, limitation of movement | £11,110 | £20,185 |
| Whiplash, disc lesion, need for surgery | £1,110 | £20,195 |
| Whiplash, complete recovery within a few years | £6,380 | £11,110 |
| Whiplash, recover within one to two years | £3,520 | £6,380 |
| Whiplash, recover within one year | £7,370 | £3,520 |
Back Injuries
| Severe, not involving paralysis | £73,700 | £130,130 |
| With bladder/bowel impairment etc. | £59,950 | £71,500 |
| With disc lesions, depression & severe pain | £31,350 | £56,375 |
| With crush vertebrae, osteoarthritis, pain | £22,440 | £31,350 |
| With prolapsed discs, laminectomy, some pain | £10,120 | £22,440 |
| With sprains and strains, full recovery expected | £1,705 | £6,380 |
Foot Injuries
| Amputation of both feet | £85,000 | £100,000 |
| Amputation of one foot | £42,000 | £55,000 |
| Severe with permanent disability | £42,000 | £55,000 |
| Severe with substantial restriction on mobility | £23,000 | £34,000 |
| Serious with multiple operations | £12,500 | £20,000 |
| With displaced fractures, some deformity | £6,750 | £12,500 |
| Simple fractures, puncture wounds | £3,000 | £6,750 |
Toe Injuries
| Amputation of all toes | £18,500 | £28,250 |
| Amputation of the great toe | £14,000 | £15,000 |
| Crash injury just short of amputation | £6,750 | £14,000 |
| Moderate toe fractures | £1,000 | £6,750 |
Achilles Tendon
| Severe with restriction of movement | £18,500 | £20,000 |
| Serious with some limitation of movement | £12,500 | £15,500 |
| Moderate with no significant disability | £7,500 | £9,000 |
| Minor soft tissue | £1,000 | £5,000 |
What Is the Process of a Bicycle Accident Claim?
The process of a bicycle accident compensation claim may sound daunting and long-winding, but that’s why you should take all the time needed to research and select a specialist solicitor. Any professional legal claims business, such as ourselves, should hold the necessary skills and experience to guide you during the claim. It’s not just about guiding you towards a successful compensation payout. It’s about making you feel at ease, answering any questions you may have, offering adequate advice, and simplifying the claims process in a way that you understand. We know that it’s important to be friendly, personable and welcoming, especially when our clients are dealing with a lot of emotional and physical pain.
If you’re reading this today, then you are already off to a great start. Our cycle accident compensation calculator is an excellent way to commence your claim. While the information here may not be tailored to your circumstances, we hope it has provided you with a starting point, helping you to understand whether you are eligible for a claim and how much you may receive. The next significant step for you is to contact a solicitor that specialises in your accident sector. We are experts in bicycle accident claims and will be able to offer free, no-obligation advice as soon as you get in touch with your initial query. From the first point of contact, you should gain a better understanding of your options and whether the solicitor is a good fit for you.
After you’ve hired a firm, the first step in the process is to build a strong case on your behalf. This will usually start by gaining as much information as possible from yourself by asking questions to gauge how the accident happened, who was involved, and how it has impacted your life. They will then begin by collecting evidence that establishes who was responsible and the injuries that were caused as a result of the accident. Evidence can come in the form of witness statements, medical records, photographs of injuries, police incident reports, and so on. A claim is not just about proving that someone else caused an accident, but to show how it has affected the victim. As our bicycle accident compensation calculator shows, there are several factors that influence a payout, such as where injuries occur and their severity. Solicitors will aim to clearly show how the injuries have negatively impacted your life and why you should be entitled to damages. If claiming for additional losses, such as medical fees, loss of earnings, or damage to personal belongings, then evidence should be sought to build a solid case for these particular aspects.
When the solicitors have gained enough information and evidence, they can make a valuation of your claim and will be able to proceed with pre-action protocols. These protocols are the first formal step to taking your claim to the civil claims court. Your firm will complete a Claim Notification Form that details the accident and why you are alleging that the other party is responsible. This form is submitted to the other party’s insurance company and they will then either admit liability or deny liability. If responsibility is accepted, your solicitor will, on your behalf, negotiate a bicycle accident compensation settlement while keeping you updated every step of the way. The settlement process can take time and in most cases, an agreement is usually reached. However, if no agreement is reached, your solicitor can apply to have a judge make the decision. If liability is denied, then your firm will use all gathered evidence to negotiate a settlement. Once again, if both parties reach an impasse in terms of liability and compensation, then the claim will go to court where a judge will make the decision.
If the solicitor firm wins your case, then the settlement process will conclude with a payout based on the bicycle accident compensation amounts that have been decided or agreed upon. The damages will be paid out by the other party’s insurance company which may take around one month. For more information, please visit our dedicated bicycle accident settlement calculator page.
How Do the 2022 Changes to the Highway Code Affect Cyclists?
The Highway Code is an essential publication for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and anyone else that uses the road, including horse riders and mobility scooter users. It provides vital information and guidance on how to safely use the road. The Highway Code is updated regularly to reflect significant changes designed to improve road safety for all road users. In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated with some of the biggest changes that we’ve seen for several years. For the scope of this page, we will talk about the changes that affect cyclists specifically.
One of the biggest changes made to the Highway Code is the introduction of a hierarchy of road users. This hierarchy outlines the people most at risk in the event of an accident, starting with pedestrians and closely followed by cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. HGV drivers are considered to be the least at risk following an accident. While this hierarchy doesn’t give priority to road users most at risk, it encourages others to be extra careful when coming across someone higher on the list. If you drive a car or an HGV, for example, you should bear greater responsibility for the danger you can pose to a cyclist.
Another significant change is a new priority for pedestrians at a junction. If you are turning into or from a road where a pedestrian is crossing or waiting to cross, you should give away. This update applies to cyclists as much as it does motorists. Likewise, you should give way if a pedestrian is waiting to cross a zebra crossing. Previously, you only needed to give away if they were already on the crossing.
As a cyclist, you can now drive in the middle of the lane under certain circumstances, such as on quiet roads, in slow-moving traffic, or when approaching a junction. Cyclists have always been able to ride two abreast, but this wording has been improved to further address rider safety. Motorists overtaking a cyclist should leave at least 1.5m of space when driving up to 30mph, and a greater distance for higher speeds. Motorists should also not cut across cyclists and avoid turning at a junction if doing so would cause a cyclist to stop or swerve. Car drivers and passengers are advised to use their far hands when opening a door as it encourages greater awareness when exiting safely, ensuring that the area is clear of vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
How to Claim For a Bike Accident
We hope that our cycle accident compensation calculator provides some valuable information to you. However, if you require more information on how to claim for a bike accident, we are more than happy to help you out in any way that we can.
If you are a cyclist and have recently been involved in a bicycle accident, such as getting hit by a car, we look forward to hearing from you and helping you towards a successful compensation claim. With specialist knowledge in this area of the law, our principal solicitor has over 27 years of experience in dealing with cycle accident claims. We are dedicated to providing you with the professional legal advice and service you need to process your claim as quickly and simply as possible.
To begin your cyclist accident compensation claim, call us on 0151 724 7121 or leave your details with us via our contact form. We will contact you at a time most convenient for you to discuss your situation and requirements.
Real-Life Bicycle Compensation Examples
The threat of serious injury and even death is a very real concern that cyclists face on a daily basis on UK roads. As our accident statistics show, there is a shocking danger to vulnerable roads users such as cyclists, especially when compared to motorists. Our bicycle accident compensation calculator shows a rough guide of the damages that may be awarded, but are you interested in some real-life figures that paint a better picture? Below are some case studies and news stories of accidents that have happened on British roads, all of which highlight the impact injuries have had on a victim’s life, and how much cyclist compensation they’ve received as a result of the accident.
Cyclist Receives Payout After Dog Incident
In March 2016, cyclist David Crane crashed his bicycle while on the way to work in West London. A cocker spaniel dog owned by a woman named Carina Read had run across Mr Crane’s path, forcing him to brake harshly. As he did so, he was flung off his bike and hit his head.
Following the accident, Mr Crane, who had considered himself a seasoned cyclist, suffered brain damage despite wearing a safety helmet. He sued the dog’s owner Ms Read for £50,000 in cycling accident compensation damages, citing her negligence in failing to properly control the dog, Felix.
The defence, in this case, argued that the dog was stunned when a ball hit him on the head, hence why he ran across the cyclist’s path, and that the cyclist was riding too fast. Mr Crane, however, disputed this, stating that he did not exceed 5mph. As a result of his brain injuries, his hearing, memory, concentration, and ability to drive all suffered. He also received constant headaches and endured an impaired sense of taste and smell. It left him unable to do two things he loved doing in particular; cycling and skiing.
As reported by Metro News in October 2020, the judge ruled that Ms Read acted with negligence. The judge declared that the accused failed to call back the dog when she had time to, resulting in Mr Crane being exposed to the risk of injury. The final amount of bicycle accident compensation is still to be determined by a future hearing.
Uber Driver and Passenger Ordered to Pay £8,000
This case study example involves an Uber driver, a passenger and a cyclist, with the incident having occurred in May 2016, as reported by the Daily Mail. While cycling in North London, close to the Euston London train station, cyclist Sandy Lieberson was struck by the passenger door of a Uber taxi. Mr Lieberson, who is aged 84, is a film producer having worked on a range of 1970s films such as Stardust and Jabberwocky. He claimed that he was driving in slow traffic when a Vauxhall Insignia, driven by Uber driver Gabriel Dominte, overtook him and pulled into the left. That’s when the passenger, Louisa Pointon, who works for an insurance broker, suddenly opened her door. As the incident happened so fast, the cyclist had no chance of breaking and collided with the door, knocking him off his bike.
Mr Lieberson required hospital treatment and suffered bruising to his back and leg, as well as multiple rib fractures as a result of the accident. He decided to sue the passenger and driver for damages, citing their carelessness. Miss Pointon accepted that she acted negligently but felt that the cyclist has appeared out of nowhere and that he was trying to undertake the taxi. The driver, meanwhile, disputed the claim that he had pulled over or told the passenger that it was safe to get out.
In March 2021, a judge at Central London County Court ruled in Mr Lierbson’s favour and declared that he should receive £8,192.93 in cycle accident compensation damages, with both Mr Dominte and Miss Pointon ordered to contribute to the cost. Judge Nicholas Parfitt QC stated that both the passenger and driver were equally at fault while absolving the cyclist of any blame.
