In February, newsreader and Strictly Come Dancingcontestant Dan Walker suffered concussion and facial injuries after being knocked off his bike by a car. Fortunately, he made a full recovery, despite having no memory of the impact.
Sadly, not all cyclists are so fortunate.
Between 2016and 2021, an average of two cyclists were killed and 84 were seriously injured every week. Data shows that in cycling accidents, over 40% of adultsand 45% of childrenadmitted to hospital suffer head injuries.
According to ROSPA, more than 70% of cyclist fatalities in Londoninvolved moderate or severe head injuries. On rural roads, this figure rises to over 80%.
Why Traumatic Brain Injuries Are So Serious
A traumatic brain injury (TBI)can cause lifelong complications, even when the initial injury appears mild.
Compensation is often essential to:
- Cover loss of income if the injured person cannot work
- Access urgent rehabilitation
- Fund long-term care and specialist accommodation in severe cases
Early access to rehabilitation can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
It does not take a major impact to cause a TBI.
Research byCambridge Universityfound that 45% of patients experienced symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Depression
These are symptoms persisted six months or moreafter a concussion.
How TBIs Occur in Cycling Accidents
When a cyclist’s head strikes a hard surface, such as the road or a vehicle, the brain can move violently inside the skull. this movement can twist and tear nerve fibres.
Additional damage may occur due to:
- Bleeding inside the brain
- Swelling and blood clots
- Lack of oxygen if the cyclist is unconscious or choking
These secondary injuries often develop hours or days after the accident, making TBIs particularly dangerous.
Do Cycle Helmets Protect Against Traumatic Brain Injury?
The debate around cycle helmets continues in the UK. However, medical evidence strongly supports helmet use.
A 2019 study published in the British Medical Journalconcluded that:
- Severe TBIs are significantly more common in cyclists not wearing helmets
- Skull fractures and brain bleeds are at least three times more likely without a helmet
- Helmeted cyclists experienced fewer facial injuries, reduced loss of consciousness, and lower rates of ICU admission
Studies from countries such as the Netherlands support these findings.
In short, helmets provide meaningful protection against traumatic brain injuries.
Can I Claim Compensation for a TBI After a Cycling Accident?
You may be able to claim compensation if you can show that another party was negligent. This could include:
- A driver
- Another cyclist
- A local authority (for potholes or road defects)
To establish negligence, you must prove:
- A duty of carewas owed to you
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused your injury
Building a Strong TBI Compensation Claim
TBI claims can be complex. A specialist solicitor will:
- Review medical records
- Investigate the accident scene
- Instruct expert witnesses
- Assess long-term prognosis and care needs
Expert evidence is often crucial in proving how the injury occurred and what support will be required in the future.
Why Specialist Legal Support Matters
Traumatic brain injury claims arising from cycling accidents are among the most complex personal injury cases.
You need a solicitor who is:
- Compassionate and supportive
- Experienced in TBI claims
- Determined to secure rehabilitation and long-term compensation
Although these cases can take time, an experienced solicitor will manage the legal process and organise rehabilitation so you can focus on recovery.
Speak to Our Cycling TBI Claims Specialists
Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience representing clients in traumatic brain injury claims following cycling accidents.
We are committed to supporting you and your family every step of the way.
Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Cycling Accident Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.