Just had an accident, now what?

If you're a British Cycling member then you can use their legal services and you won't have to pay any fees out of your compensation.

First thing to check is if you are covered under a legal expenses policy. Check home buildings and contents and motor insurance which may provide cover. 

Secondly, if you can avoid it don't enter into a CFA as yet because you could hand over 25% of your damages just like that. 

Finally, call the car insurers and see if you can get an early position on liability. If you have an effective admission you can negotiate a lower CFA. Alternatively the insurance company could either deal direct or direct you to a solicitor on favourable terms. 

Finally, make sure you are absolutely straight when making your claim. If you exaggerate your symptoms, lie to the Dr or add an extra couple of grand to the value of your bike you could get nothing and a big fat bill from the solicitors for their time. 

Wishing you a speedy  recovery. 

2 yrs ago I had a similar accident but with less of an impact. There certainly was zero impact on the amount of compensation I received via the CTC (oops, cycling UK!) solicitors. I got the lot.

Do you have household - or even motor insurance - with legal assistance cover?

I had a similar but much less serious incident 18 months ago. Came out with only broken ribs, bruised sides and a smashed healmet.

British Cycling and the law firm they employ were very good. The whole thing was sorted out in a few months.

I do recomend them. I don't know if/how much they took out of the settlement the money they told me the opposite party's insurance was willing to pay is what I got.

Going through the motions again after a car dooring incident a couple of weeks ago.

25% is standard now since the government decided all whiplash claims were fraudulent. It's 25% of your total payout including loss of earnings not just the payout for your injuries. However, I believe if you are in a union they can do the claim for you and you keep 100%?

Try bikeline too aka Alyson France. When I needed their services 10+ years ago their fees were paid by the driver's insurance company. My accident sounds smiliar to yours, t-boned by a car and a going over the bonnet but luckily for me the only bones I broke were in my nasal cavity and some muscle strain.

I would phone British Cycling