Understanding Special and General Damages
When you make a cycling accident claim, compensation is usually divided into two categories: general damages and special damages.
Both are essential for a fair outcome, yet many people don’t fully understand what they mean. Think of them as two halves of the same wheel with each working together to help you move forward after an accident.
General Damages Explained
General damages cover the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment caused by your injuries. They recognise what you’ve been through physically and emotionally since the accident.
These damages aren’t about receipts or invoices. They measure the human side of injury — the aching shoulder that keeps you awake, the confidence lost after a crash, or the simple pleasure of cycling that feels just out of reach.
To calculate general damages, solicitors and insurers use Judicial College Guidelines. These provide ranges of compensation based on the type and severity of injury. For example:
A minor fracture that heals within months may fall on the lower end.
A serious head or back injury with long-term effects would be much higher.
Each case is unique. The value reflects not just the injury, but how it affects your everyday life — your work, hobbies, and sense of independence.
Special Damages Explained
Special damages deal with the financial costs of your accident. They aim to put you back in the same financial position you were in before you were injured.
These costs can build up quickly. A single trip to the hospital might be followed by weeks of treatment, missed work, and travel expenses. Special damages make sure none of that comes out of your own pocket.
They can include:
Medical treatment: private physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or specialist appointments.
Loss of earnings: pay you missed while recovering or reduced income if you can’t return to your usual job.
Travel costs: taxis or public transport to medical appointments.
Equipment and repairs: replacing a damaged bike, helmet, or clothing.
Care and support: help at home or additional childcare while you recover.
Keeping detailed records is key. Receipts, invoices, and mileage notes all help your solicitor prove these expenses were necessary and linked to your accident. Think of them as building blocks — each piece strengthens your case.
Why Both Types of Damages Matter
Together, general and special damages ensure your claim reflects the real impact of the accident.
One recognises your suffering; the other repairs the financial strain that follows. Without both, your compensation would only tell half the story.
For example, if you suffered a leg injury in a collision:
General damages would cover your physical pain and reduced mobility.
Special damages would cover the physiotherapy sessions, transport costs, and income lost while you healed.
This balance helps create a fair outcome that supports your recovery from every angle.
How Cycle Legal Helps Cyclists Recover Fairly
At Cycle Legal, we work with cyclists across the UK who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our role is to understand the full picture — the injuries, the emotional toll, and the financial aftermath — and secure compensation that truly reflects what you’ve lost.
We gather medical reports, calculate ongoing costs, and make sure your claim includes every expense related to your rehabilitation and recovery. Whether you’ve suffered a fracture, a back injury, or psychological distress after an accident, we’ll ensure your damages are calculated fairly and supported by evidence.
Our goal is simple: to help cyclists get the care, support, and justice they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between general and special damages helps you see how your claim supports both recovery and stability. One helps ease the pain; the other keeps your life steady while you rebuild.
No Win, No Fee – Cycle Legal Fights for You
- Cycling head injury claims – even without a helmet.
- Proving liability & countering contributory negligence claims.
- Ensuring you receive the maximum cycling accident compensation.
Call us today on 0203 735 9652 or email kevinosullivan @cycle-legal.co.uk for a free consultation – No Win, No Fee.
Your injuries aren’t your fault — don’t let insurers say otherwise.
Get in touch todayFrequently Asked Questions
- 1. What are general damages in a cycling accident claim? General damages compensate you for the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment caused by your injuries. They recognise how the accident has affected your daily life, not just the immediate physical harm.
- 2. What are special damages in a cycling accident claim? Special damages cover your financial losses — things like medical bills, physiotherapy, bike repairs, lost wages, and travel costs. They ensure you’re not left out of pocket because of your injuries.
- 3. Can I claim both general and special damages? Yes. Most cycling accident claims include both types. General damages reflect the personal impact of your injuries, while special damages reimburse you for expenses linked to your recovery.
- 4. What evidence do I need for special damages? Keep every receipt, invoice, or record of payment related to your accident. This includes medical costs, travel fares, or time off work. These documents help your solicitor prove the true value of your claim.
- 5. How does Cycle Legal calculate compensation? We work with medical professionals and financial experts to assess your injuries and expenses accurately. Our goal is to secure fair compensation that covers both your suffering and your rehabilitation needs.