Claiming for a Child Injured While Cycling

Who brings the claim for a child

A child under 18 cannot bring a claim in their own name. Instead, a responsible adult, usually a parent or guardian, acts as their litigation friend.

As litigation friend, you make decisions in the child's best interests and work with the specialist firm on their behalf. It is a normal part of how child injury claims are handled, and the firm will explain what it involves.

How the time limit works for children

For adults, there is usually a three-year time limit to start an injury claim. For children, that clock works differently.

The standard three-year limit does not start until the child's 18th birthday, which means a claim can usually be brought at any point up to their 21st birthday.

Even so, it often helps to look into things sooner rather than later, while events are fresher and evidence is easier to gather. A specialist can explain how the timing applies to your child's situation.

Court approval of any settlement

When a claim is for a child, any settlement normally has to be approved by a court. This is a safeguard to make sure the amount is fair and in the child's best interests.

It is usually a straightforward step that the specialist firm guides you through, and it gives you reassurance that the outcome has been independently checked.

What happens to the money

Compensation awarded to a child is generally not paid out straight away. It is typically held in a protected way, often by the court, until the child reaches adulthood.

In some cases, a parent or guardian can apply for funds to be released earlier for something that clearly benefits the child, such as care or equipment they need. The specialist can explain how this works in practice.

What can be claimed for

A child's claim can cover the injury itself, from cuts and broken bones to more serious harm, as well as the impact it had on them.

Where they apply, related losses may also be included, such as the cost of treatment or care, travel to appointments, and damage to the bike, helmet and equipment. Keep any receipts, photos and medical paperwork where you can.

If the driver responsible was untraced or uninsured, a claim may still be possible through the Motor Insurers' Bureau, which exists to help in those situations.

The free, no-obligation specialist route

We are an introduction service, not a law firm, so we do not handle claims or give legal advice ourselves.

Tell us a few details about what happened and we will connect you with a regulated specialist claims firm experienced in child cycling cases. There is no cost to you and no obligation to proceed.

The specialist can explain whether your child may have a claim and how it would work. Many claims run on a no-win-no-fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement, which the firm will talk through with you.