Mistakes Cyclists Make After An Accident and How to Avoid Them
After a cycling accident, it’s easy to make decisions that can undermine your recovery or your legal claim - especially when you’re in shock or pain. Here’s a list of the most common mistakes cyclists make after an accident and how to avoid each one.
1. Leaving the Scene Without Details
Mistake: Not collecting the other party’s name, number plate, or insurance info.
Fix: Stay calm and get contact details, even if the accident seems minor. Take photos of their vehicle registration, ID (if possible), and your surroundings.
2. Not Reporting to the Police
Mistake: Skipping the police report, especially in hit-and-run or unclear cases.
Fix: Report any injury-related or road law breach to the police — ideally within 24 hours. In hit-and-run cases, you must report it within 14 days if claiming through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
3. Failing to Get Medical Attention
Mistake: “Shaking it off” without seeing a doctor.
Fix: Always get checked by a GP or A&E, even for minor symptoms (some injuries develop later). Medical records are essential for any future claim.
4. Admitting Fault at the Scene
Mistake: Apologising or saying “I wasn’t looking” — it can be used against you.
Fix: Stick to the facts: what happened, where, and when. Let insurers or solicitors handle fault assessment later.
5. Not Taking Photos or Gathering Evidence
Mistake: Relying on memory alone.
Fix: Photograph your injuries, damaged bike, road layout, weather, and vehicle involved. Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers.
6. Throwing Away or Repairing Damaged Items Too Soon
Mistake: Fixing your bike before documenting the damage.
Fix: Take clear photos of all damaged equipment (bike, helmet, clothes, gear). Keep damaged items until after the claim is resolved.
7. Delaying the Claim or Legal Advice
Mistake: Waiting too long to start a claim or seek help.
Fix: The UK time limit is 3 years, but evidence and witness memory fade fast. Speak to a solicitor early, especially for serious injuries or disputes.
8. Talking Directly to the Other Party’s Insurer
Mistake: Giving a statement or accepting a settlement too early.
Fix: Politely decline and say your solicitor will be in touch. Early offers are usually lowball settlements designed to close the case cheaply.
9. Not Keeping Track of Costs and Losses
Mistake: Forgetting to record expenses or lost income.
Fix: Save all receipts, payslips, travel costs, physio bills, and repair estimates. Keep a log of days off work and how injuries affect your routine.
10. Assuming You Can’t Claim (e.g. No Helmet or Part Fault)
Mistake: Believing you’re ineligible if you weren’t perfect.
Fix: Claims are still valid even if:
- You weren’t wearing a helmet
- You were partly at fault
- It was a pedestrian or hit-and-run
Contributory negligence may reduce compensation, but you can still win.
Final Tip
Act early. Document everything. Get advice.
These three steps are the best way to protect both your health and your legal rights after a cycling accident.