Cycling Accident Solicitors — Scotland

At Watermans, our experienced cycling accident solicitors are dedicated to providing the legal support you need. If you’ve been involved in a cycling accident, your injuries may be severe, and the road to recovery can be long. If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Made It Very Easy For Me

"I was very apprehensive starting a claim, but I was helped through every step. I found it a very easy process and was very pleased with the outcome. Watermans were professional and efficient in handling the claim. They made it very easy for me!"

S Costelloe, Personal Injury Claim

The Short of It 

  • Have you been injured in a cycling accident within the last three years that wasn't your fault?

    You could be entitled to compensation.

  • Cycling accident claims can result from negligent

    road users, potholes, spilt substances like oil and grease and loose animals.

  • Our team of expert cycling injury lawyers are ready to assist with your compensation claim.

    We take the hassle out of the legal process for you.

  • Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need

    and providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.

  • The Long of It 

    Cycling Accidents

    Common cycling accident claims

    While bike sales across Scotland have increased significantly, this has also led to more cycling incidents and fatalities. Many road users fail to exercise due care around cyclists. Cyclists often have little protection and face a higher risk of serious injury in an accident.

    Common causes of cycling accidents include:

    • The actions of other road users: Negligent drivers are often responsible for cycling accidents, with vehicles among the most common causes. Failing to check blind spots or misjudging a cyclist’s speed can lead to critical injuries and valid grounds for a bike accident claim.
    • Spilt substances on the road: Can cause slippery road conditions and dangerous falls. Injuries due to poor road maintenance are grounds for a cycling accident compensation claim.
    • Potholes and road defects: Uneven road surfaces pose a significant risk to cyclists. If you’ve been hurt due to road defects, a specialist cycle injury lawyer can help determine liability.
    • Objects or animals on the road: Unexpected obstacles can cause cyclists to swerve or fall.
    • Mechanical faults or defective equipment: If a product defect caused your injury, our team can help you claim against the manufacturer.

    Even in cases of a hit-and-run accident, our experienced team can guide you through the claims process. 

    Cycling Injuries 

    What types of injuries qualify for a cycling accident claim?

    Our cycling accident lawyers can help you claim numerous cycling injuries, including:

    • Head injuries: Ranging from mild concussions to serious brain injuries, these often require immediate medical attention and lead to significant cycling accident compensation claims.
    • Spinal injuries: Our team understands the long-term impact spinal injuries have and will fight to ensure you receive the right support.
    • Broken bones: From simple fractures to complex breaks, we can help you claim for medical expenses and recovery costs.
    • Soft tissue injuries: While less severe than other physical injuries, soft tissue damage, like road rash, whiplash, sprains and tendonitis, can still impact your daily life. 
    • Serious injury: If you’ve suffered amputations or severe internal damage, we will work tirelessly to ensure you are adequately compensated for long-term support.

    Whatever your injury, Watermans will fight for the best possible outcome for you. Reach out to our specialist lawyers for committed support on your road to recovery.

    Making a Claim  

    How do I make a cycling accident claim?

    Making a cycling accident claim typically involves the following steps:

    • Contact a solicitor: Reach out to our bicycle accident lawyers for expert guidance tailored to your specific situation. We offer free initial consultations.
    • Discuss the accident circumstances: Share the details of your accident, being as thorough as possible. Even small details can be crucial to building a strong case.
    • Gather evidence: We’ll collect as much supporting evidence as possible, including photos, testimonies from witnesses and medical experts, CCTV footage, police or local authority reports and medical records.
    • Identify the responsible party: Our legal experts will help determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
    • Medical assessment: Undergo medical examinations to assess your injuries and provide medical evidence. 
    • Get independent medical reports: These third-party reports may be required by insurers or the court to provide an unbiased assessment of your condition.
    • Negotiate the settlement: Our solicitors will aim to settle your claim fairly. We’ll consider the immediate and long-term impacts of your injuries and advise the best course of action.
    • Be aware of the time limit: Under Scots law, you must raise court action within three years of the accident. However, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh.

    How Much Compensation? 

    How much compensation can I claim for a cycling accident?

    When taking legal action for a bicycle accident, several factors are considered, including: 

    • Medical and rehabilitation expenses: Medical costs can quickly accumulate after a cycling accident. Your bicycle injury claim can cover expenses for immediate treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and any specialist equipment needed for recovery.
    • Loss of earnings: If your injuries affect your ability to work, you can seek compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings. 
    • Bicycle replacement or repair: Our cycling solicitors can help you recover costs for repairing or replacing your bike and any damaged accessories.
    • Future medical and care expenses: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may face ongoing costs, which can be included in your claim. 
    • Home and vehicle modifications: If your injury requires adjustments to your living space or vehicle, these costs can be included in your cycle accident compensation.
    • Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life: Personal injury compensation also accounts for the emotional and physical impact the accident has on your daily life. This includes ongoing pain, mental distress such as anxiety or depression, and the inability to partake in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed. 
    • Interim payments: To cover immediate needs while your claim is being processed, the party responsible may need to make these payments before the final settlement.

    Why Watermans?

    Why should I choose Watermans to pursue my claim?

    Watermans simplifies legal services so you can move forward in life.

    Our road traffic accident experts are committed to securing the maximum compensation for our clients, whether the case is simple or complex.

    We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment to ensure a speedy recovery. 

    Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

    Our expertise in personal injury claims covers a wide range of areas, including:

    We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation. Let Watermans handle the legal complexities while you focus on what’s important: your recovery.

    FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims

    There is a three-year time limit to make a personal injury claim. However, this doesn’t mean you have three years to start the claims process.

    Instead, you must either raise a court action or settle a claim within these three years. There are some exceptions to this rule, so we recommend speaking to our personal injury solicitors for specialist advice regarding the best course of action.

    In Scotland, if the injured party lacks the mental capacity to make a bicycle accident claim, a trusted individual can pursue the claim on their behalf. This could be done through: 

    • Power of attorney: They would need to be appointed before your accident (while you still have mental capacity) and it should be stated that they have the power to make legal decisions on your behalf.
    • Litigation friend: This could be a parent, guardian or trusted individual who must have your best interests in mind. They can attend court hearings, sign legal documents, and make decisions about the case on your behalf. This applies to individuals below the age of 16.

    Reach out to our team for more information regarding making claims on someone else’s behalf.

    In these situations, our specialist cycling lawyers can help you claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). This organisation is dedicated to compensating victims of accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. While the process can be more complex, our experienced team is well-equipped to manage these cases.

    The duration depends on the complexity of the case and whether the other party accepts fault. Typically, most claims are resolved within six to 18 months. However, more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer.

    Not necessarily. Most cycling accident claims are resolved without court proceedings. However, if liability is disputed or a compensation agreement can’t be reached, court action may be necessary.

    Even when court action begins, most cases settle before trial. Should your claim go to court, our team will support and represent you throughout the process, ensuring you’re well-prepared and your case is presented effectively.

    We handle cycling injury claims on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay any upfront legal costs for your claim. Additionally, many clients have access to legal expenses insurance, which helps cover the cost of legal fees. As your dedicated cycle accident solicitor, we’re committed to transparency about costs from the outset.

    We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain the claims process, allowing you to make an informed decision without any financial risk or obligation.

    Let Watermans handle the legal complexities and help you secure maximum compensation for a cycling injury. Request a callback from our dedicated bicycle accident solicitors today.

    How much could you claim?

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

    Your claim could be worth...

    Claim Worth

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

    Get in touch with us

    Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process straightforward. Start the process by sending us your details below or calling us on 0131 555 7055

    Our personal injury claims expert

    “I enjoy the challenge of putting my clients back in a position they would have been in, had they not been unfortunate to suffer an accident through no fault of their own.”

    John Dillon, Head of Dispute Resolution