You were hit while on your bicycle and have suffered personal injury as a result, such as pain, bone fractures, or injuries. This can lead to additional expenses and loss of income. As a cyclist, in a collision with a motor vehicle you are almost always entitled to compensation.
What to do after a bicycle accident?
After a bicycle accident, it is important to take the right steps to get your damages compensated. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical help: Have yourself examined as soon as possible by your general practitioner or at the emergency department.
- Hold the other party liable: This is essential to obtain compensation for your damages.
- Engage legal assistance: A personal injury lawyer can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation and that everything is handled correctly.
Did you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident? Contact us immediately for free legal assistance. Our experts will help you quickly and at no cost.
Compensation after a bicycle accident
As a cyclist, you are considered a vulnerable road user. This means that in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, you are in most cases entitled to compensation, even if you were (partly) at fault for the accident.
The law requires that drivers of motor vehicles must always be cautious around cyclists. Even if you as a cyclist make a mistake, you are entitled to at least 50% of the compensation. This percentage can rise to 100%, depending on the situation.
Percentage of the damage to be compensated:
- Motorist at fault: 100% compensation for the cyclist
- Cyclist at fault: minimum 50% to maximum 100% compensation
- Both at fault: minimum 50% to maximum 100% compensation
For children under 14, the damage must always be compensated in full, regardless of fault.
Cyclist hit by a scooter or moped
If you have been hit by a scooter or moped, the same protection applies as in a collision with a car. Here too, the scooter rider or moped rider is usually liable, unless there is a case of force majeure. The law offers cyclists extra protection as vulnerable road users.
Percentage of the damage to be compensated:
- Scooter rider at fault: 100% compensation for the cyclist
- Cyclist at fault: at least 50% and up to 100% compensation
- Both at fault: at least 50% up to 100% compensation for damages
Cyclist hit by another cyclist
In a collision between two cyclists, the situation is different. The party at fault must be determined, for example by completing an accident report form or through witness statements. If the other cyclist acknowledges liability, the damages can be recovered from their liability insurance.
Cyclist hit by a bus, motorcycle, or other motorized vehicle
In a collision with a motorized vehicle, such as a bus or motorcycle, the cyclist also enjoys additional legal protection. The driver of the motorized vehicle must exercise caution in traffic and take extra care around cyclists.
Offender unknown or drove off?
If the offender has driven off and remained unknown, you may be able to make a claim with the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer. This fund compensates damages when the liable driver cannot be traced.
Full compensation for cyclists
In the event of a collision, you are entitled to compensation for all damages you have suffered. This may include:
- Travel expenses
- Repair costs for your bicycle
- Costs for new clothing
- Medical expenses, including the deductible
- Loss of income due to incapacity for work
- Costs for household help
- Costs for help with maintaining your home and garden
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for missed pension accrual
We ensure that all your damages are calculated and claimed correctly. Our legal experts take all the burden off your hands and work for you at no cost, since the liable party is required to reimburse the legal costs.
Get legal help today
Were you hit while cycling and injured? Contact us for free legal assistance and we’ll make sure you receive the maximum compensation. Fill out our contact form with your name and phone number. One of our legal experts will call you back the same business day to discuss your case.
