Cyclists are considered vulnerable road users as they can be seriously or even fatally injured in an accident on the road. With the increase in popularity of cycling as a mode of transport in recent years so too, unfortunately, has the number of accidents involving cyclists increased.

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault while on a bicycle, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The accident may be due to the negligence of a driver on the road or due to the failure of a local authority to design or maintain the road adequately, depending on the nature of the accident.

O’Brien & Company Solicitors, based in Dublin and Wicklow, are experienced bicycle accident and personal injury solicitors and can guide you in making a claim for compensation for your injuries and the effects they may have had on your life.

Bicycle Accident Claim

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Common bicycle accident injuries

Cyclists are not protected by an outside shield, unlike drivers, and are considered vulnerable road users for that reason. Common injuries sustained in cycling accidents can take many months to heal and accidents can have life long consequences, or even be fatal, for an unlucky few.

  • Fatal accidents
  • Brain injuries
  • Head and neck injuries including concussion
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Cuts/ bruises/ abrasions
  • Psychological effects alongside physical injuries including PTSD

What to do if you are involved in a bicycle accident

If you are involved in an accident while cycling, it can be very distressing and you may also be injured and in pain. However, there are a number of steps you should take if you are able to.

It is imperative that you seek medical assistance for anyone who is injured at the scene of the accident. 

Even if you feel ok immediately after the accident, it is still essential that you get yourself checked out by a doctor later on as a medical issue may later arise that did not immediately present itself.

If there are serious injuries or, in the worst case, fatalities then Gardai will probably be called and attend the scene of the accident. Try to get the names of the Gardai who attend the scene if at all possible.

If Gardai do not attend the scene, you should still report the accident to the Gardai at your local station soon after the accident and make a statement.

It is important to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the accident as this will help you later in making a claim.

Get the contact details of anyone who attends the scene, including the driver(s) of any vehicles involved in the accident and their insurance details, any emergency personnel who attend the scene, and any witnesses to the accident. Get the vehicle registration numbers of any vehicles involved.

Make a detailed note for yourself of what occurred and the date, time, and weather conditions.

If you are able, take photos of the scene or a video, and try to access any available dash cam or CCTV footage of the accident. 

You will also need to keep any receipts relating to medical and other expenses you incur as well as any Gardai and medical reports you obtain.

Contact O’Brien & Company, bicycle accident and personal injury solicitors. We have extensive experience in advising clients on making these types of claims and can assess your claim, outline your options for you, and guide you through the process of making a claim.

If you have a valid claim, your specialist solicitor will assist you to gather the necessary evidence, including specialist medical and other reports, and make a claim  on your behalf to the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB).

The PIAB is the statutory body responsible for assessing your personal injury claim and recommending a settlement amount should you be successful in your claim. This process can take some time, usually around 9 months.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the PIAB application, you may bring your claim to Court. Your bicycle accident claim solicitor will advise you in this regard.

Are You Eligible For Compensation?

If you want to obtain compensation for the negligence you have suffered contact us today.

The statute of limitations for bicycle accidents

There is a two year time limit in most cases to make a bicycle accident personal injury claim. This is two years from the date of the accident or from the ‘date of knowledge’ of your injuries.

If a child is involved in a bicycle accident a claim can be made by an adult, usually the parent(s) or guardian(s), within two years or when the child turns 18 they then have two years to make a claim on their own behalf.

Compensation for bicycle accident claims

The amount of compensation will depend on a number of factors including the type and severity of your injuries, as well as their effect on your life including any loss of earnings. Any effect of your injuries on your future quality of life and employment prospects would also be taken into account in any award of compensation.

Compensation in bicycle accident claims due to the negligence of another is generally composed of three elements:

This is compensation for your pain and suffering, the physical and psychological injuries that you have sustained and for any future pain and suffering that you may experience in the future.

Special damages relate to any financial loss that has resulted from the accident. Loss of present and future earnings, medical and rehabilitation expenses, costs of travel to hospital appointments or costs of adaptations to your home would all be considered.

It is essential that you keep receipts for any expenses that you incur as you may be asked to produce them.

Material damages would include any damage to your personal property such as damage to your bike and costs of repair.

Hit and run claims involving a bicycle

If you are unfortunate enough to have been the victim of a hit and run type accident or the driver involved in your accident was uninsured it may still be possible to pursue a claim for compensation for your bicycle accident.

The Motor Insurer’s Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) is funded by motor insurers and offers protection in the cases where a driver is uninsured or for hit and run type accidents. MIBI will be responsible for paying your award of compensation for your injuries and loss.

It will help if you make a note of any details at all that you can remember of your accident and the vehicle involved such as make and model, colour, or even the vehicle registration number if at all possible.

Online Claim Assessment

Take our online assessment and we will perform a thorough case review. All assessments are 100% cost and commitment free.

O’Brien & Company Solicitors

O’Brien & Company Solicitors can help you if you have been in a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another.

We have specialist bicycle accident and personal injury solicitors whose expertise and experience can guide you through the complexities of a bicycle injury claim. We have a history of success in such cases.

We will do our utmost to represent you and your interest and secure you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Complete our online claim assessment or call us in Dublin City Centre or Wicklow Town in the strictest confidence and we will contact you and discuss your case.

Contact us now
in confidence.

O’Brien & Company Solicitors has a wealth of experience and a history of success in personal injury and medical negligence cases.

We pride ourselves on achieving the best results for our clients whilst at the same time making everything as straightforward and clear for you as possible.