Cycling Accident Claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Our solicitors have been helping people in Belfast and across Northern Ireland make cycling accident claims for over 50 years. If you’ve been injured, our experts have the knowledge and experience to make sure you receive the cycle accident compensation you deserve.
Our friendly team is here to guide you through the bike injury claims process. Contact us for a free consultation with an expert cycling accident solicitor today.
Bike accident claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland
With cycling becoming more popular in Belfast and across Northern Ireland, bicycle accidents and bike accident claims have also risen in recent years.
According to statistics, there are over 3,000 cycling accidents reported to the PSNI each year. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and accidents often occur when motorists fail to notice them and make manoeuvres that lead to collisions. Unfortunately, injuries resulting from cycling accidents can range from minor to severe, sometimes having life-long impacts.
We understand that sustaining an injury after a cycling accident can have a devastating impact on your life. Our local bike injury solicitors are here to guide you through the entire bike accident claims process, ensuring that you receive the support and compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Who can make a cycling accident claim in Belfast or Northern Ireland?
If you were injured in a cycling accident in Northern Ireland within the last 3 years that wasn’t your fault, you are likely entitled to make a compensation claim.
Our solicitors handle claims for various injuries, from minor abrasions to life-altering cycling injuries. During a free initial consultation, our solicitors will review your accident details and provide guidance on your legal options. If you have any questions regarding your accident or injuries, please feel free to reach out to our cycling accident solicitors in Belfast, Glengormley, or Carrickfergus.
Common Cycling Accident Injuries in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Due to the lack of protection afforded to cyclists, the injuries can range from minor bruising to severe fractures and lacerations. We have helped many cyclists who have suffered from the following common cycling injuries:
- Neck and back injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Whiplash
- Facial and Dental injuries
- Broken Bones
- Head injuries
This is by no means an exhaustive list of injuries that could be sustained. Once you have spoken with a medical professional, reach out to our solicitors to see whether you can make a cycling accident claim.
What are the most common causes of cycling accidents in Belfast and Northern Ireland?
Cycling accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Collisions with motor vehicles: The most common cause of cycling accidents in Northern Ireland is collisions with motor vehicles. Careless driving is at the root of these accidents. Injuries can occur when a vehicle fails to yield to a cyclist at a junction, overtakes a cyclist too closely, or turns across a cyclist’s path.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes and uneven surfaces on the road can all contribute to cycling accidents. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to these conditions because they have less protection than other motorists.
- Dooring accidents: These happen when a vehicle occupant opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, resulting in a collision with the door.
- Lack of visibility: Cycling accidents can occur when a cyclist is invisible to other road users due to factors like poor lighting, lack of reflective clothing, or the cyclist riding in a motorist’s blind spot.
If you’re been injured while cycling in Northern Ireland, you may be eligible to make a cycle accident compensation claim. Reach out to our teams in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus to learn more.
How long will my cycling accident claim take?
The length of time it takes to settle your cycling accident claim will depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries.
Here are some factors that can impact the duration of your claim:
- Medical assessments: Many medical assessments would most likely be required to evaluate the extent of your injuries and the correct amount of compensation you are owed. These will take time to complete.
- Negotiations: Negotiations between your solicitor and the at-fault party’s insurance company might take a while, particularly if liability is disputed.
- Court proceedings: If a settlement can’t be reached, your claim will likely go to court. This can extend the length of time it will take to conclude your case.
By speaking with one of our solicitors, we can provide you with an idea of the length associated with your claim. Our road traffic accident solicitors are happy to guide you through the whole claims process.
How much cycle accident compensation could I receive?
The compensation you could receive for a cycle accident is closely linked to the complexity of your injuries, loss of earnings, and any expenses you’ve incurred. Individuals with minor injuries typically receive less compensation than those who have suffered severe injuries.
Our website features a helpful cycle accident compensation calculator that can provide you with general guidance.
Recovering from a cycling accident can be a daunting and challenging journey, but with the support and guidance of our skilled firm, you can focus on your recovery while your solicitor pursues the justice and compensation you deserve. If you would like more information about making a cycling accident claim, please visit our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfurgus or speak with one of our friendly solicitors today.
Bicycle accident claims process in Northern Ireland
The bicycle accident claim process in Northern Ireland typically consists of the following steps:
1. Seeking medical attention
Your first priority after a cycling accident should be to seek medical attention. Some injuries may take days or weeks to develop so it is always best to see a doctor straight away.
2. Report the accident
You should report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This is particularly important if another road user was involved.
3. Contact Paschal O’Hare
Get in touch with our cycling accident solicitors in Belfast, Glengormley or Carrickfergus to discuss your case and receive advice on the next steps. Our team will prepare and submit your claim ensuring that all necessary documents are included.
4. Gather evidence
We will collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including photographs, witness details, and relevant medical records.
5. Negotiations and settlement
We will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, aiming to secure a fair and reasonable settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court.
6. Court proceedings
If your case goes to court, our solicitors will represent you and present your case to the judge. The judge will then make a decision on the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you will receive.
7. Receiving compensation
If your claim is successful, you will receive your compensation.
If you have any questions about the cycling accident claims process or regarding your injuries, reach out to our solicitors or visit our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus.
Dealing with a cycling accident involving an uninsured or hit-and-run drivers
If the driver who caused your cycling accident was uninsured or fled the scene, you can still make a claim in Northern Ireland through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB). This is a special body set up in the UK to assist with these sorts of cases.
While making a cycling accident claim through this organisation can seem challenging, we are here to help. Our road traffic accident solicitors can help you navigate the MIB’s claim process, which may require additional evidence, such as a police report or independent witness statements. We have extensive experience helping people who want to claim against an uninsured or unidentified driver. We will be able to guide you through the whole bike accident claims process.
What can I claim for if I’ve been involved in a cycling accident?
If you have been involved in a cycling accident in Northern Ireland, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation can be claimed for the pain & suffering caused by any physical injuries you sustained in your cycling accident.
- Psychological injuries: In some cases, a cycling accident can result in psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of earnings: If you missed work as a result of your accident, you could be entitled to claim for any loss of earnings.
- Medical expenses: Any medical expenses arising from your cycling accident, such as physiotherapy or specialist equipment, could be included in your claim.
- Repair and hire costs: You might be able to claim for the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
- Travel costs: Expenses for travel to medical appointments could be included.
- Clothing and equipment damage: You could claim compensation for clothes, gloves, shoes, or helmet that were damaged in the accident.
Choose the best cycling injury solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland
Paschal O’Hare Solicitors has positioned itself as leading experts in handling complex cycling accident claims. With over 50 years of experience, we have developed a reputation for being the best cycling injury solicitors in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
Our solicitors understand how best to recover compensation for clients’ injuries and, when possible, secure payments for bicycle repairs, loss of earnings and any other relevant form of special damages. Rest assured that you’re in good hands.
We are committed to recovering the compensation you deserve for your road traffic accident. If you’ve sustained a cycling injury, your first step is to get in touch with our cycle accident solicitors. We strive to provide the exact legal advice and assistance you need.
Seymour Major
“We are considered one of the best cycling accident solicitors in Northern Ireland. We’ll take the stress out of the claims process and help you focus on your recovery.”
Case Studies
Cycling Accident Victim Secures £75,000 Judgement in High Court
The plaintiff was cycling on Cardonaghy Road, Co Antrim when he was involved in a serious accident. He was going down the road when he
William’s Cycling Accident Claim Settles for £18,545 (Lisburn)
William was involved in a cycling accident when he was cycling near the Prince William Road Roundabout in Lisburn. A vehicle driven by the third
John’s cycling accident claim settles for £112,000 (Ballymoney)
John was out enjoying a morning cycle ride around Ballymoney when he turned into a side street and was struck by a car. His front
Cycling Accident Claims in Belfast and Northern Ireland FAQs
You won’t have to pay a personal injury lawyer anything if your claim is successful. Usually, an insurance company will cover your compensation and costs.
After receiving a diagnosis of tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss, you have up to three years to make a hearing loss claim. Please note that you may be eligible for compensation even if the harm to your hearing was done many years ago.
Many people don’t appreciate that their hearing loss is caused by their employment. You should speak with one of our solicitors to explore this link and see whether you’re owed compensation.
Yes, you can still claim if you are partially at fault for your accident. However, depending on how much fault you bear, the amount of compensation you receive can be diminished. For example, if you are 50% at fault for the accident, you can only receive 50% of the compensation from the other party’s insurer.
Yes, even if you were on a rented or borrowed bike when the incident occurred, you could still be able to make a bike accident claim. Your ability to receive compensation will depend on the details of your case, particularly your relationship to the bike’s owner.
Yes, you can still make a claim if you were riding without a helmet at the time of the accident. While wearing a helmet is strongly recommended in Northern Ireland, not wearing one does not necessarily prevent you from making a claim. However, please note that not wearing a helmet which caused, for example, a head injury could lead to a deduction in compensation.
If the other party denies liability for your cycling accident, our solicitors can help you gather evidence and build a case to support your claim. Only in rare cases with it be necessary resolve your dispute in court.
Yes, but your ability to claim under these circumstances will depend largely of the facts related to your case. Please speak with one of our solicitors to determine whether we will be able to take on your claim.
If the cycling accident resulted in a fatality, the person’s family members would be able to make a claim for compensation. Our solicitors would examine the details surrounding the case and we’d be able to advise you on the process for making a claim.
Yes, you would likely be able to make a claim for damage to your bicycle resulting from a cycling accident. Your solicitors can give you advice on the steps involved in filing this kind of claim, which may include getting a repair or replacement cost estimate.
No Win No Fee cycling accident claims are not legally allowed in Northern Ireland. Instead of No Win No Fee terms, our solicitors in Northern Ireland can provide free initial legal consultations and advice for potential cycling accident claims. During an initial consultation, our team can review the details of your cycling accident, determine if you may have a valid claim, and provide recommendations on next steps to potentially pursue a claim.
