Knocked Off Bike Compensation Claims

Cycling is a popular pastime and a vital source of transportation for many in the UK, but what happens when you’re knocked off your bike?

In 2020 16,294 cycling casualties were reported in the UK with over a quarter of these accidents reported to be serious. Sharing the road with motor vehicles can be risky, and accidents can happen. You might you be entitled to compensation if you are knocked off your bike by a motor vehicle.

Our expert team at Macks Solicitors are on hand to help victims of cycling accidents pursue compensation claims for the physical, psychological and financial costs of being involved in an accident.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist cycling accident solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

What To Do If You’re Hit By A Car On Your Bike

If you are hit by a vehicle, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. First and foremost, you should prioritise your own wellbeing.

Assess Your Health: Following an accident, your health is always the priority. Evaluate your physical condition and seek necessary medical attention immediately.

Contact the Police: Depending on the severity of the accident and the location of the collision, you may need to involve the police. If they attend the scene be sure to get the police case reference number which will assist you when you make a claim.

Gather Information: Collect essential details at the scene of the accident. This includes information about the driver, their vehicle, and the details of any witnesses. These can be very important for your compensation claim. If you are badly injured and there is someone trusted on the scene, they may be able to collect witness information on your behalf.

Document the Scene: Photographs and videos can be invaluable evidence for your claim. If it is safe to do so try to capture any imagery you think will be helpful before you seek compensation.

Speak To a Professional Team: When you feel able to do so, you should contact a professional and experienced team to help you pursue your bicycle compensation claim. There are often time restrictions for personal injury claims so you should try to open these discussions fairly quickly to ensure you have time to proceed and your witnesses still have a clear memory of the event.

Can I Make A Claim When Knocked Off My Bike By A Car?

Being knocked off your bike by a vehicle can result in a wide variety of physical injuries and emotional distress. If the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence or carelessness,  you may have the right to seek compensation.

Who Is At Fault If I Am Knocked Off My Bike?

Determining fault is a crucial part of the claims process following any accident, especially those that take place on public roads or pathways.

Fault plays a significant role in whether you can pursue a compensation claim, indeed if there is no fault there is no claim.

Driver’s Responsibility: Although not all road accidents involve a vehicle, the most common type of bicycle accident is with a single car.

The driver of any motorised vehicle has a responsibility to show caution and adhere to traffic laws when on public roads in the UK. A failure to do so may lead to an accident where the driver can be deemed to be at fault.

Driver negligence can include running a red light, road rage, speeding, texting whilst driving, or not giving the right of way to cyclists or other vehicles.

Cyclist’s Responsibility: As a cyclist, you also have a responsibility to obey traffic laws and ride safely, not only to protect yourself but other road users. This includes cycling in the correct lanes and ensuring you are visible to others.

Failing to follow these rules can contribute to accidents and influence who the fault falls upon. It is important to remember, however, that even if you make a mistake, the driver’s negligence may still be the primary cause of the accident. In some cases, both parties may share a degree of fault, and this will often be reflected in the compensation you are entitled to.

Traffic Laws: In most cases, the Highway Code will help to identify who is at fault. The Code defines rules of the road including speed limits. These rules apply to both drivers and cyclists.

Knocked Off Bike By A Public Service Vehicle

Being knocked off your bike by a public service vehicle, like a bus or tram, can be especially difficult. These vehicles are often larger and heavier than cars, making the consequences of these accidents more severe.

The recovery time for serious accidents with larger vehicles is often longer and causes more stress for the families of those involved. This is where compensation to help with the financial and emotional toll of a severe accident can be key.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious accident from a collision with a large vehicle when cycling our experienced team can help you better understand where you might be owed compensation.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim If Knocked Off My Bike?

Initiating the claims process soon after an accident has several advantages. It allows for the collection of crucial evidence while it is still fresh, maximises the chances that any witnesses’ memories are accurate, and provides plenty of time for the legal process to unfold.

In the UK the standard period for issuing personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Some exceptions exist, for example cases involving minors or individuals lacking mental capacity.

Can I Make A Knocked Off Bike Claim Against An Uninsured Driver?

If you’re knocked off your bike by an uninsured driver, a compensation claim can be more complicated. However, you still have options for pursuing compensation with the right legal partner.

Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)

In the UK, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) exists to help victims of accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers. Consult with a legal expert to identify if your case might be covered.

Contact Us Today

For more information about making a cycle accident claim, you can call us on 01642 843 671; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our cycle accident solicitors will be in touch.