Cycling Accidents Involving Heavy Goods Vehicles: A Growing Safety Challenge

Cycling in busy UK cities should be a safe and sustainable way to travel, but for many riders, it carries significant risks. One of the most dangerous threats comes from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and lorries. These massive vehicles share the same road space with cyclists, yet their size, limited visibility, and wide turning radius often lead to tragic accidents.

When cyclists are struck by HGVs, the consequences are usually severe. Victims may face life-changing injuries or worse. For those who survive, pursuing bicycle accident claims is essential to recover financial losses, medical costs, and emotional damages. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process and hold negligent drivers or companies accountable. At Bicycle Accident Claims, we specialise in handling bicycle accident compensation claims, bicycle accident injury claims, and provide expert guidance through a dedicated bicycle injury lawyer team. With our help, injured cyclists secure the personal injury compensation they deserve.

Why HGVs Pose Unique Risks to Cyclists

Unlike cars or vans, HGVs are large, powerful, and difficult to manoeuvre. Several factors make them especially dangerous for cyclists:

1. Blind spots – HGV drivers have restricted visibility, particularly along the sides and rear. Cyclists riding near these areas are often invisible to the driver.
2. Wide turns – Lorries require extra space to turn, which can trap cyclists against kerbs or other vehicles.
3. Weight and momentum – Even at low speeds, the impact from a lorry can be catastrophic for a cyclist.
4. Stopping distance – Heavy vehicles take much longer to stop, leaving little margin for error in emergencies.
5. Urban congestion – In cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, cyclists and HGVs often share crowded roads, increasing the chance of collisions.

Common Scenarios Leading to HGV Accidents

Several recurring situations often lead to cycling accidents involving HGVs:

• Left-turn collisions – When a lorry turns left at a junction, cyclists on the inside lane may be crushed or knocked down.
• Overtaking incidents – HGVs passing too closely leave cyclists with no space to react.
• Dooring and loading hazards – When lorries are parked for loading/unloading, cyclists are forced into unsafe positions on the road.
• Lane changes – Blind spots during manoeuvres can conceal cyclists until it’s too late.
• Roundabout collisions – Cyclists are particularly vulnerable when lorries misjudge their position on circular junctions.

The Impact of HGV Accidents on Cyclists

Because of the size and force of lorries, injuries from such accidents are usually severe. Common outcomes include:

• Traumatic head injuries and brain damage.
• Multiple fractures, especially legs, hips, and arms.
• Spinal injuries leading to long-term disability.
• Severe internal injuries, including organ damage.
• Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These injuries often require extensive hospital stays, physiotherapy, and ongoing care. The financial burden can be overwhelming — making compensation vital for victims and their families.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In cycling accidents involving HGVs, liability may extend beyond just the driver. Potentially responsible parties include:

• The driver, if they were careless, distracted, or failed to check mirrors.
• The haulage company, if they failed to train staff or enforce safety protocols.
• Vehicle manufacturers, in rare cases of mechanical failure.
• Local authorities, if poor road design contributed to the accident.

At Bicycle Accident Claims, we investigate all avenues to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.

How to Make a Claim After an HGV Accident

Making a claim after a serious HGV accident can be daunting, but with professional support, the process becomes clearer:

1. Seek immediate medical care – Your health comes first.
2. Gather evidence – Photos, witness statements, and CCTV footage are crucial.
3. Report the accident – Notify the police and obtain an accident reference number.
4. Record your losses – Keep receipts for medical costs, repairs, or income lost due to absence from work.
5. Contact a solicitor – A specialist firm like Bicycle Accident Claims ensures your case is handled properly from day one.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

Strong evidence is critical in disputes with large transport companies and insurers. Useful documentation includes:

• Helmet camera or dashcam footage.
• Witness statements from bystanders or other road users.
• Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle position.
• Medical records detailing injuries.
• Employment records showing financial losses.

Our team ensures every angle of the case is covered.

Safety Measures to Reduce Risks

While legal claims are vital after an accident, preventing collisions is always preferable. Cyclists can take steps to reduce risks when sharing the road with HGVs:

• Avoid riding in blind spots, particularly alongside lorries at junctions.
• Make eye contact with drivers where possible.
• Use high-visibility clothing and strong bike lights.
• Give lorries extra space when they are turning.
• Stay alert around construction sites and loading zones.

Equally, HGV operators must invest in better training, safer vehicle designs, and stricter safety policies to protect cyclists.

Case Study: Securing Justice After a Left-Turn Collision

A client of ours was cycling in London when an HGV attempted to turn left at a junction without noticing him. Trapped between the lorry and the kerb, he sustained multiple fractures and a spinal injury.

At first, the haulage company denied liability, claiming the cyclist had entered the blind spot. However, CCTV footage and expert testimony proved the driver failed to check his mirrors before turning.

With the support of Bicycle Accident Claims, our client received a substantial settlement covering medical treatment, lost income, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. This case highlights the importance of strong legal representation in complex HGV-related accidents.

Why Choose Bicycle Accident Claims?

Cases involving HGVs and lorries are complex and often fiercely defended by large insurance firms. At Bicycle Accident Claims, we bring:

• Decades of combined experience in cycling-related cases.
• Proven expertise in challenging big transport companies.
• No-win, no-fee representation.
• A compassionate approach, supporting victims through recovery.

We ensure cyclists are not left powerless against corporate defendants.

Final Thoughts

Cycling accidents involving HGVs and lorries are among the most devastating incidents on UK roads. The sheer size and force of these vehicles mean that cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or worse. For victims, justice is essential — not only for financial recovery but also to hold drivers and companies accountable.

At Bicycle Accident Claims, we specialise in these difficult cases. Whether you need to pursue bicycle accident injury claims, challenge insurers through bicycle accident compensation claims, or seek guidance from a skilled bicycle injury lawyer, our expert team is here to help. With a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer by your side, you can secure the personal injury compensation you deserve and rebuild your life after tragedy.

Cyclists should not have to share the road in fear. With the right legal support, victims of HGV accidents can achieve justice, recover fully, and continue riding with confidence.