09/06/2026
Jane Penman
Cycling and Motorbike Accidents: Making a Compensation Claim
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, Britain’s roads become noticeably busier. Cyclists return to their daily commutes in much greater numbers, motorbike riders take advantage of clearer conditions, and more pedestrians are out walking through the spring and summer months. Sadly, this can also bring a rise in road traffic accidents involving cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
Brake, the road safety charity, shows that vulnerable road users account for a large share of fatal and serious injuries on UK roads. Cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians have little or no protection in a collision with a vehicle, and even a low-speed impact can result in life-changing injuries. Source: Brake.org.uk – UK Collision and Casualty Statistics.
In this blog, our personal injury solicitors explain what to do if you or a loved one has been injured on the road, how compensation claims work, and how long you have to take action.
Cycling, Motorbike and Pedestrian Accident Claims
If you have been hurt in a road traffic accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. The same legal framework applies whether you were on a bicycle, a horse, riding a motorbike, or walking when the collision happened.
Some of the most common accidents we see involve cyclists and motorcyclists being hit by vehicles changing lanes without warning on a busy road, pulling out from side roads, or turning without indicating. Others include pedestrians being struck by drivers who simply did not see them.
Both can leave riders and pedestrians with serious injuries that take months or years to recover from, and tragically, some of these accidents result in fatal injuries.
What To Do at the Scene
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and you are able to do so safely, try to gather as much information as possible before you leave the scene. This includes:
- The driver’s name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details.
- The names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Photographs of the vehicles involved, the road layout, and any visible injuries.
- Details of any police officers in attendance, including their reference number.
- A note of the weather and road conditions at the time.
Always report the accident to the police, particularly if anyone has been injured or the driver has left the scene. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel relatively unharmed. Some injuries take hours or days to show themselves properly, and medical records form a central part of any future compensation claim.
Common Causes of Cycling, Pedestrian, And Motorbike Accidents
There are various reasons these road users are involved in road traffic accidents, but some of the most common we see include:
- Vehicles pulling out from junctions without checking for cyclists.
- Drivers turning across the path of a motorbike that they have not seen.
- Car doors opened into the path of a cyclist.
- Vehicles overtaking too closely and clipping the rider.
- Potholes, defective road surfaces, or poorly maintained cycle lanes.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If the driver was uninsured, untraced, or fled the scene after the collision, you can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Our team has helped many people recover compensation through MIB schemes when no insurer was available.
Who is Liable in a Road Traffic Accident?
Liability in road traffic accidents (RTA) is rarely as clear-cut as it first appears. In some cases, responsibility sits entirely with the other driver. In others, it may be shared between both parties, which is sometimes known as contributory negligence. A common example is a cyclist not wearing a helmet at the time of a collision, which can reduce the value of a head injury claim even where the driver was clearly at fault.
A specialist personal injury solicitor will assess the circumstances, gather the evidence, and advise you honestly about the strength of your case. At Russell & Russell, we offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation so you can find out where you stand before committing to anything.
Are There Time limits for Making a Claim?
For most road traffic accident claims, you have three years from the date of the accident to issue court proceedings. There are some important exceptions to be aware of:
- If the injured person is under 18, the three-year period does not begin until their 18th birthday.
- If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there are considerations which may lengthen the time a person has to make a claim.
- If the accident was caused by an untraced or uninsured driver, the MIB scheme deadlines apply, which are shorter.
Time can pass quickly when you are recovering from a serious injury, dealing with insurers, or trying to get back to work. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to gather evidence. Speaking to a solicitor early is almost always the right move.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for a road traffic accident is made up of two parts. General damages cover the injury itself, including the pain, suffering, and impact on your quality of life. Special damages cover the financial losses you have suffered as a result of the accident, including:
- Loss of earnings, both past and future.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
- Damaged clothing, equipment, bike, or vehicle.
- Care provided by family members.
- Adaptations to your home if you have been left with long-term injuries.
Every case is different, and a good personal injury lawyer will work hard to make sure no aspect of your loss is overlooked. It is also worth knowing that if an insurer contacts you directly with a settlement offer in the days after the accident, you should not accept anything without taking legal advice first.
Funding a Claim - How Does No-Win, No-Fee Work?
We will tell you if we can offer you a No Win, No Fee Agreement after a personal injury or expert has assessed your case. We will review your injury claim at no cost to you and provide you with free, no-obligation legal advice based on your particular circumstances.
A No-Win, No-Fee Agreement is also called a Conditional Fee Agreement. This agreement details what happens if you win or lose your compensation claim. If your claim is unsuccessful, there is no financial risk to you as all your legal fees will be covered. This is subject to entering into and complying with the terms of a No-Win, No-Fee Agreement and taking out and complying with any after-the-event (ATE) insurance policy.
One benefit of a No-Win, No-Fee Agreement is that you generally don’t have to pay anything up front for your solicitor’s services. If the case succeeds, you will be required to pay a success fee to your solicitor from the compensation that is recovered on your behalf. Your Solicitor will advise you on the level of the success fee and ensure you are fully aware of any potential costs involved.
You can find out more about the process involved in making a personal injury claim by watching our video: What is a No Win, No Fee Agreement?
Personal Injury Solicitors North West
A road traffic accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. Whether you are a cyclist, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian, or a passenger, you have the right to be compensated for any injury caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our personal injury team helps people across Bolton, Bury, Chester, Atherton, Horwich, Farnworth, and the wider North West recover the compensation they are entitled to after a road traffic accident. We will guide you through every stage of the process, from the initial evidence-gathering through to settlement.
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, please call our personal injury team on today 0800 731 7555 or make an online enquiry, and someone will be in touch.
If you have an emergency situation outside of office hours, you can reach us on our 24-hour helpline.
Our dedicated personal injury website, thepersonalinjurypeople.co.uk, provides further information on cyclist accident, pedestrian accident, and motorbike accident claims.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.