5 Reasons to Start Your Cycle Accident Claim Today
You’ve been injured in a cycling accident. Your bike is damaged, your body’s in pain, and your mind is spinning with questions. Should you call a solicitor? Do you even have a case? And how long do you really have to decide?
These questions are more common than you think. Many cyclists delay starting their cycle accident claim out of fear. However, often they don’t realise that time limits apply and crucial evidence can fade fast. In fact, thousands of pounds in compensation go unclaimed every year simply because people wait too long to act.
At Cycle Legal, we’re cyclists too. We understand what you’re going through, and this guide will show you why starting your cycle accident claim early is absolutely pivotal to receiving the justice you deserve.
1. Protect Your Legal Rights Before Time Runs Out
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of your cycling accident to start a personal injury claim. It might sound like plenty of time—but delay can cost you more than just compensation.
Key evidence can disappear. Witnesses become harder to contact. CCTV footage is wiped. And as time passes, your memory of the event fades too.
If your accident involved a local authority, such as a claim for a pothole or defective cycle lane, you may need to notify them within just six months. Failure to do so may increase the risk of losing your chance to claim.
Starting your cycle accident claim early ensures your legal team can gather evidence quickly and secure everything needed to build a strong case.
Our Real World Examples
We’ve seen cyclists lose out on rightful compensation simply because they waited too long to get advice. In contrast, those who contact us early often benefit from stronger cases, clearer timelines, and better outcomes.
2. Maximise the Value of Your Compensation
Starting your cycle accident claim early can significantly increase the amount of compensation you receive. Why? Because timing affects the quality of evidence, the clarity of medical reports, and your solicitor’s ability to recover everything you're owed.
When we get involved early, we can:
Arrange independent medical assessments while your injuries are fresh and fully documented.
Collect evidence of loss (like wages, specialist treatment, or care needs) before it's lost or forgotten.
Secure expert testimony to forecast future treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation needs.
What could your claim cover?
Medical bills (including private treatment, physiotherapy, and counselling)
Ongoing rehabilitation costs
Lost income from time off work or an inability to return
Future loss of earnings if your career is affected
Travel expenses, specialist equipment, and even help around the house
The earlier you act, the easier it is to recover the full extent of these losses. Take a look at the most common cycling injuries here.
"Kevin was fair, honest, and fought for a settlement that truly reflected what I’d been through. I felt heard and supported every step of the way."
3. Get Help with Recovery and Rehabilitation
When you start your cycle accident claim early, you’re not just protecting your legal rights—you’re also unlocking vital support for your physical and emotional recovery.
At Cycle Legal, we believe your health should come first. That’s why we work to arrange:
Early access to rehabilitation like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychological support
Interim payments to cover treatment costs before your claim is settled
Support from leading medical experts who understand cycling-related injuries
The goal isn’t just a payout. It’s getting you back to full strength as soon as possible.
Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, nerve damage, or a traumatic brain injury, the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
"Kevin and the Cycle Legal team weren’t just about the legal side. They genuinely cared about my recovery, making sure I had access to rehab from the start."
4. Reduce Stress and Take Control of the Process
Being injured in a cycling accident is overwhelming. You're dealing with pain, uncertainty, and a mountain of logistics including repairs, time off work, medical appointments. The last thing you need is a legal process that adds more stress to your life.
That’s where we come in.
When you start your claim with Cycle Legal, we take care of everything:
Liaising with insurers and opposing solicitors
Gathering medical records and witness statements
Handling all legal documents and deadlines
We handle everything so you can focus on your recovery.
Many clients say the peace of mind they felt from having someone truly on their side was as valuable as the compensation itself.
"Kevin made me feel like a person, not just a case number. His empathy and guidance made a horrible situation bearable."
Cycling accidents aren’t always “accidents.” Many are caused by preventable issues: reckless drivers, unsafe roads, or poor visibility due to infrastructure failings. Starting your cycle accident claim is never about revenge, it’s about holding parties accountable to their responsibilities.
Making a claim:
Sends a message that careless or dangerous behaviour has consequences
Can highlight flaws in road safety that need to be fixed
Encourages better infrastructure and awareness for all cyclists
We’ve helped clients take action against:
Uninsured or hit-and-run drivers
Councils responsible for poorly maintained roads or dangerous cycle lanes
Drivers using phones, overtaking dangerously, or turning without warning
You’re not just standing up for yourself. You’re helping protect other cyclists too.
"Cycle Legal helped me hold a delivery driver accountable after a dooring incident. It was never about being difficult—it was about making sure no one else goes through what I did."