How Much Compensation Can You Receive from a Non-Fault Cycling Accident Claim in England and Wales?

Cycling accidents can cause a huge impact on your life in moments. When a motor vehicle makes an impact with a cyclist, there is little protection for the cyclist. That is why this leaves a cyclist open to a wide range of potential physical injuries, along with emotional distress and maybe even financial burdens. If you have been involved in a non-fault cycling accident in England or Wales, you have the right to claim compensation, but exactly how much can you receive?

Here, we will aim to display common accident circumstances. We will also provide a guide to ascertain the potential compensation values for minor to serious injuries and how the Judicial College Guidelines help reach settlement amounts. 

Common Circumstances in Non-Fault Cycling Accidents?

Cycling accidents are caused by the carelessness and or negligence of other road users, usually driving motor vehicles. Common circumstances of non-fault cycling accidents in England and Wales can include:

• Motor vehicle collisions: Drivers failing to give right of way, stationary drivers opening their car doors without looking, and with careless drivers moving or overtaking too close.

• Hit and Run: When a driver of a motor vehicle drives away or fails to stop.

• Road Conditions: Cycling can become risky due to poor road conditions, such as potholes or defective road surfaces or defective manhole covers causing a cyclist to lose control.

• Faulty Bike Parts: If your bike malfunctions and causes an accident, the manufacturer could be liable for your injuries.

Irrespective to how your accident happened, if it was not your fault, you may be able to make a claim for your injuries and financial loss.

Types of Injuries and Compensation Amounts

The information listed below represents the compensation amounts influenced by the Judicial College Guidelines for common types of cycling injuries, ranging from minor to serious injury:

Minor Injuries:

• Soft Tissue: £1,000 and £4,750.

• Whiplash: £2,500 to £7,890.

• Scrape: £1,500 and £4,750.

Cyclists with the above type of injuries usually recover with minimal medical intervention and over a few months.

Moderate Injuries:

• Broken Collarbone: £5,000 and £12,590.
  
• Broken Wrist: £6,000 to £18,620.
  
• Head Injury: £14,380 and £40,410.
  
• PTSD: £7,680 and £21,730

Cyclists who have sustained the above type of injuries usually require months or years, along with engaging in physical or psychological rehabilitation.

Serious Injuries:

• Broken Bones: £26,000 and £85,000.
  
• Serious Head Injuries: £43,060 up to £403,990.
  
• Spinal Cord Injury: £38,780 and £160,980.

• Lost Parts: £91,950 to £282,010.

Cyclists who suffer the above type of injuries experience problems for the remainder of their lives. Additionally, cycling injuries of this nature may require extensive medical treatment, with long-term care and support. There are also instances where the injured cyclist’s home may need readaptations.

Additional Factors That Affect Compensation

Apart from your physical and psychological injuries, there are other factors things that influence the amount of compensation you may receive. They are as follows:

• Lost Income: If you had to take time off work, or whether you were unable to return back to work or return to the same type of work, you will be able to claim for past and future loss of income.

• Medical Costs: Medical cost include any physical or psychological rehabilitation, medication, surgery, medical expert report and other medical expenses related to your recovery.

• Ongoing Care: If your injury requires long-term care, possible readaptations to your home, aids for you to be more independent, such as mobility aids, or even any ongoing mental health support.

• Pain and Emotional Stress: The emotional impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, will also be considered in your compensation claim.

• Property Damage: If any of your items were damaged in the accident, you can claim compensation for their repair or equivalent replacement.

How the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) Impacts Your Claim

The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) provide a structure for determining the appropriate compensation amounts. These guidelines offer an industry-standard measure for various injuries, assisting personal injury solicitors and courts to use as a reference to maintain consistency during settlements.

Every case is unique, and the final compensation amount depends on your specific injury, medical reports, witness statements, and the overall handling of the case. The more well-supported your claim is, the higher the chances of receiving a fair amount. 

The Compensation Process: Step-by-Step

1. Seek Medical Attention: Attend to a medical professional as soon as possible. Your GP and hospital records are essential for your personal injury claim.

2. Collect Evidence: First, obtain pictures of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage. Additionally, if possible, take the contact information of witnesses who can support your version of events. This will help strengthen your claim and provide crucial evidence for your case.

3. Report the Accident: Report the incident to the police and get a reference number for the accident. Their report will be useful for your claim.

4. Consult a Solicitor: Contact RU1NJURED, our panel of time-served personal injury solicitors. We will explain your rights and clear up your options over a free, information-rich consultation.
5. Start Your Claim: The panel solicitor you are allocated will submit your claim and gather the necessary evidence.

6. Settle or Go to Court: Most claims are settled outside of court, between your solicitor and the insurance companies. However, our panel of solicitors will represent you in court if the need arises and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose a Cycling Accident Solicitor at RU1NJURED?

A cycling accident claim is tiresome and difficult to handle alone. The panel of injury solicitors at RU1NJURED will ensure the process goes smoothly, along with you being notified every step of the way, whilst you focus on recovering.

We can provide:

• Dedicated Legal Support: The panel of personal injury solicitors at RUINJURED will provide the expertise that your case needs.

• Access to Medical Experts: They will connect you with medical professionals to assess the long-term impact of your injuries.

• No Win, No Fee: The panel cycling accident Solicitors at RU1NJURED work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay unless you win the case.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

At RU1NJURED, our panel of personal injury solicitors has been handling cycling accident claims for years. Our teams are dedicated to securing you the best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a non-fault cycling accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. Additionally, the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin working on your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve.