What Happens If a Driver Hits a Cyclist?

Being struck by a driver as a cyclist is a terrifying experience but unfortunately not an uncommon one. In Great Britain, an average of 80 cyclists are seriously injured by motor vehicles each week. That might be surprising, but it shows how frequently these incidents occur. While it doesn't make for pleasant reading you can be heartened knowing you're not alone.

You're likely feeling shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure about what will happen next. Don't worry, that’s completely normal. This guide will help you gain clarity by explaining:

• What you should do in the immediate moments after a collision

• How fault and liability are determined

• Your rights to medical care and legal support

• Options when the driver leaves the scene

• Answers if you weren’t wearing a helmet

By the end, you’ll understand the steps you can take to protect yourself, seek justice, and recover, physically and legally.

If you’re a driver who’s accidentally hit a cyclist, we understand how these situations can unfold — this guide will also help you understand what to expect and what comes next

What to Do Immediately After a Collision

The moments after a crash can feel chaotic — but a few key steps can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to make a claim later.

Prioritise safety

• Move out of traffic if you can do so safely.

• If you’re injured, stay still and wait for medical help.

• Ask someone to call 999 if needed.

Get medical attention

Even if your injuries feel minor, it’s essential to get checked. Concussions, internal injuries, and fractures don’t always show immediately. Paramedic and A&E records also serve as crucial evidence.

Exchange details

If you’re able, collect:

• Driver’s name, registration number, and insurance

• Contact details for any witnesses

• Dashcam or helmet cam footage (yours or theirs)

• Photos of the scene, road markings, damage, and injuries

Report the incident

In the UK, all injury-causing road collisions must be reported to the police within 24 hours. You can do this by calling 101 or via the local police website.

Don’t admit fault

Even saying “I’m fine” can be used against you later. Keep your answers factual, and don’t downplay how you feel.

These steps may be hard to follow in the moment, especially if you’re injured or in shock. That’s why having someone — a family member, witness, or solicitor — help you gather information as soon as possible is so important.

If You’re the Driver

• Stop your vehicle immediately and check the cyclist is safe.

• Call emergency services if there’s any sign of injury — it’s your legal duty.

• Do not leave the scene under any circumstance.

• Cooperate with police and avoid placing blame or making assumptions.

Is the Driver Always at Fault?

Not always — but in many cases, the law places responsibility on the driver.

Drivers have a legal duty to watch for vulnerable road users, including cyclists. This is reinforced by the UK’s Highway Code, which now follows a “hierarchy of responsibility.” That means those operating larger, faster vehicles (like cars and vans) must take greater care to avoid causing harm.

Common causes where drivers are found at fault include:

• Failing to check mirrors or blind spots

• Turning across a cyclist’s path

• Driving too close when overtaking

• Opening a car door into a cyclist

• Failing to yield at roundabouts or junctions

However, not every incident is straightforward. Sometimes, both parties share responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence — and it doesn’t stop you from making a claim. It simply means your compensation may be adjusted based on the circumstances.

Whether you're a cyclist or driver, it's important not to make assumptions at the scene. Let the investigation — and the evidence — guide the outcome.

Can the Cyclist Claim Compensation?

Yes — if a driver was even partly at fault for the collision, the injured cyclist may be entitled to compensation.

This can cover far more than just the cost of a damaged bike. Depending on the injury and its effects, a claim can include:

What you can claim for:

• Physical pain and suffering

• Loss of earnings if you’ve had to take time off work

• Medical expenses — including physiotherapy or counselling

• Cost of care or support from family and friends

• Long-term rehabilitation or mobility needs

• Emotional trauma (e.g. anxiety, PTSD, loss of confidence)

You don’t have to be seriously injured to make a valid claim. Even a concussion or broken wrist that causes weeks of disruption may entitle you to support.

The time limit for most cycling claims is three years from the date of the accident. But we always advise speaking to a solicitor as early as possible. This is because symptoms are ongoing or medical reports will be needed.

What If the Driver Left the Scene?

If the driver left the scene without stopping, it’s considered a hit and run — and it’s a criminal offence.

But even if you don’t know who the driver was, you can still make a claim.

In these cases, your solicitor can apply for compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a government-backed organisation that compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

To support your claim, it helps if you:

• Report the incident to the police as soon as possible

• Get a crime reference number

• Gather any available evidence — such as CCTV, dashcam footage, or eyewitness details

• Take photos of your injuries, the damage, and where it happened

Hit and run incidents can feel even more distressing — not just physically, but emotionally. We’ll make sure you’re treated with care and that your claim is handled properly, even without the driver present.

What If the Cyclist Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

This is one of the most common concerns — but let’s clear it up.

In the UK, there is no legal requirement for cyclists to wear a helmet. That means not wearing one does not automatically reduce your right to compensation.

That said, insurers may try to argue that failing to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries — a concept known as contributory negligence. But this is only considered if:

• The injuries directly involve the head, and

• A helmet would likely have prevented or reduced those injuries.

Even then, deductions are usually modest. In most cycling claims we handle, the focus remains on the driver’s actions — not what the cyclist was or wasn’t wearing.

So if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time, don’t let that stop you from seeking legal advice. It’s still very possible to secure the support and compensation you deserve.

When Should You Speak to a Solicitor?

As soon as possible.

It doesn’t matter if your injuries seem minor at first. Headaches, dizziness, soft tissue damage — these can all worsen with time or lead to complications down the line. And the earlier you speak to a solicitor, the better your chances of building a strong case.

At Cycle Legal, we often hear from cyclists who waited weeks before getting advice — and by then, valuable evidence had been lost.

Here’s when to get in touch:

• You were injured in the crash — even if you’re unsure how badly.

• The driver was at fault, or you’re not sure who caused it.

• You’ve had to take time off work or change your routine.

• You feel pressured by insurers to settle quickly.

• You’re unsure what you’re entitled to or what your rights are.

Our role is to guide you through it all. We’ll take the pressure off, gather evidence, and fight to get you the compensation and support you deserve.

No win, no fee means there’s nothing to pay upfront. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a penny.