I was injured as a pedestrian by a cyclist. Can I claim?

What the Law Says

The right to claim compensation after being injured by a cyclist in the UK arises from the law of negligence. While there is no specific statute governing cyclist-pedestrian accidents, the general principles of civil liability apply — and the time limit for bringing such a claim is set by the Limitation Act 1980.

To succeed in a claim, you must prove that the cyclist owed you a duty of care, breached that duty (e.g., by riding carelessly or dangerously), and that this breach directly caused your injury.

The Limitation Act 1980 sets strict deadlines for personal injury claims. For most adults injured in accidents like this, the law requires the claim to be started in court within three years of the date of the accident.

Statutory Text

In the case of an action for damages for negligence, nuisance or breach of duty (whether the duty exists by virtue of a contract or of a provision made by or under a statute or independently of any contract or any such provision) where the damages claimed consist of or include damages in respect of personal injuries to the plaintiff or any other person, the period of limitation shall be three years.

— Limitation Act 1980, s. 11 — Actions in respect of personal injuries

What to Do

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