What to do if you are involved in a cycling collision abroad

If you are cycling and are involved in an incident it is important to remember you have the same rights as you have in the UK.

If your accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you not only have the right to claim compensation but you can also choose a legal representative from the UK to help you with your claim.

Steps you should follow after a cycling incident abroad:

• Check yourself and others involved for injuries and if able, make your way to a safe place out of the way of traffic.
• If anyone has suffered severe injuries, you should call local emergency services for medical assistance.
• Assess the damage to your bike and the other bicycle or vehicle involved.
• Take contact and insurance details of the other party involved in the accident.
• Take contact details for any witnesses.
• If you are able, take photos of the scene of the accident, damage to bicycles and other vehicles and also of your injuries.
• Depending on the severity of your injuries, seek medical attention while you are still abroad or once back home in the UK.
• Contact the Cycling UK Incident Line on 0330 107 1789 for assistance in either making a claim for your injuries or damage to your bicycle

What should I not do after a cycling crash?

Never put your safety at further risk following an incident, even to gather evidence for a compensation claim. You should also avoid:

• Admitting fault, whether verbally or otherwise, to others involved in the accident.
• Becoming angry or aggressive – avoid swearing or threats of any kind.
• Riding away – it’s only natural to want to get somewhere safe following an accident, but you could be putting yourself in danger by riding away. You could be disorientated, concussed or more badly hurt than you realise, so you should seek medical help right away. You could also be harming your case if you leave the scene before the accident has been reported and all the necessary steps taken.