Cyclists who are struck from behind by a vehicle are one of the most common types of road injury in the UK. Cyclists are more vulnerable than drivers, and the injuries can be severe. But what happens if you are a cyclist hit by a car? How much compensation could you claim?
Here’s what you need to know.
- Common Causes of Cycling Accidents
- Vehicles are not giving way.
- Drivers opening doors without checking (called a “dooring” accident)
- Cars overtaking too close.
- Poor road conditions
If you are cycling and hit by a car, you may be able to claim compensation if the driver is at fault.
Types of Injuries and Claims
Injuries can vary from minor bruises to life-changing injuries. Claims vary according to:
- Type and severity of injury
- Medical treatment required
- Time off work
- Ongoing care or support needs
If you are a cyclist whose car door has hit, you can claim. This is a reasonably established category of road accidents.
Average Compensation Amounts
Compensation varies, but here are general estimates:
Injury Type | Estimated Compensation |
Minor soft tissue injury | £1,000 – £4,000 |
Broken bones | £5,000 – £20,000 |
Head/brain injuries | £15,000 – £250,000+ |
Psychological trauma | £3,000 – £15,000 |
These are just estimates only. If you have been a cyclist hit by a car in the UK today, you should contact a specialist to get an accurate claim assessment.
Can You Claim If the Cyclist Was at Fault?
Yes, but it depends. If a cyclist hits your car and rides away, it’s very hard to claim unless you have dash-cam footage or witnesses. Either way, you should report the accident. If you are the driver in the accident and you had a belief that the cyclist was at fault, the insurance companies will carry out their investigations.
Making a Cyclist Hit by Car Insurance Claim
To make a claim, collect:
- Medical records
- Photos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Police report
- Details of any expenses
This is not always easy, especially as the driver may be uninsured or may have left the scene. This is where Claim Central supports you.
How Claim Central Helps
ClaimCentral.co.uk makes the process easier for injured cyclists. Here’s how they support your case:
- Free claim assessment
- No win, no fee arrangement
- Help to deal with insurance companies.
- Support with medical evidence
- Fast-track options for serious cases
If you’re a cyclist who’s been involved in a road traffic accident, Claim Central’s team takes care of your case holistically. Their experts know how to get you the best compensation with the least hassle to you.
What Happens If You’re Partly At Fault?
Even if you were partly to blame, for example, riding without lights or going through a signal, you can, nonetheless, make a claim. If you are partly to blame, the amount may be reduced, but your entitlement to compensation does not go away.
Time Limits to Claim
Typically, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim. For children, this 3-year time limit starts running when they reach the age of 18.
Conclusion
If you have been a cyclist who has had an accident with a car, you may be entitled to claim compensation for injuries, any financial losses, and distress caused by the accident. It may make no difference if you were hit from behind by a vehicle or knocked off by a car at a junction. If you have been involved in a cyclist hit by a car insurance claim, you should contact a specialist adviser as soon as possible.
Visit ClaimCentral.co.uk for a free assessment. Their legal team will guide you through the process and fight for you to receive the support you deserve.
