• We sponsor North Down Cycling Club and our solicitors are proudly involved with other clubs
• We’re cyclists — we know the equipment and the true cost of a cycling accident
• Experienced personal injury solicitors with a record of successful claims
• Pursuing cycling claims in Northern Ireland since 1993
• Free initial consultation to discuss your legal options

Whether it’s participating in cycling as a sporting activity, hopping on your bike to go touring, or doing your daily commute on two wheels, cycling in Northern Ireland is on the rise. With 193 km of new cycle routes planned around Belfast alone, it’s only going to get more popular in the coming years.

More cyclists on our roads will also probably mean more cycling accidents in Northern Ireland. These accidents may happen for a whole host of reasons including:

• Careless Driving Accidents – Many cycling accidents happen because motorists are speeding, distracted, not checking their blind spots or not taking enough care at roundabouts or junctions.
• Overtaking Accidents – Dangerous overtaking manoeuvres might involve a motorist clipping a cyclist, not leaving enough space and forcing the cyclist off the road, or overtaking on narrow country roads when there wasn’t enough space to overtake in the first place.
• Car Door Collisions – Cyclists are often caught up in accidents when a driver or passenger opens their car door without looking.
• Potholes Accidents – Potholes and uneven road surfaces can cause cyclists to be thrown from their bikes and cause damage to bikes and equipment.
• Animal Collisions – Cycling accidents can also happen when an animal runs into the path of a cyclist or obstructs a cyclist’s path.

Cycling accounts for just 0.6% of the total distance travelled by all modes of transport in Northern Ireland, yet 7% of those killed or injured on our roads are cyclists. This reflects the lack of protection cyclists have in comparison to motorists and their vulnerability to the actions of other road users.

This vulnerability can result in a range of different injuries from minor injuries — such as cuts and bruises — to the severe injuries and even fatalities mentioned above. Common cycling accident injuries include:

• Neck and Back Injuries
• Leg Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries & Sprains
• Whiplash
• Broken Bones
• Facial and Dental Injuries
• Head Injuries
• Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Any cyclist who has been injured through no fault of their own is eligible to make a cycling accident claim in Northern Ireland.

Claiming for Yourself: If you suffered an injury while cycling due to someone else’s negligence you can claim compensation.

Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else: You can make a cycling accident claim on behalf of a loved one who was injured while cycling, but is unable to make their own claim. This could be because they are aged under 18, are physically unable to claim or lack the mental capacity to do so.

We know the disruption that a cycling accident causes and understand that you don’t want any further upheaval. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process to be hassle-free, with our experienced cycling claim solicitors taking the lead at every stage. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
The crucial first step is to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation with us. You will get free initial legal advice from our solicitors, who are very experienced in cycling claims.

Step 2: Gathering Information
Our next step will be to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This might include dashcam footage, PSNI reports, eyewitness accounts or medical records — anything that helps to prove liability and show the extent of your injuries.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
We will then arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical professional. It is important that we know the lasting impact of your injuries and make sure that no injuries have been overlooked.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Based on the medical assessment and the other evidence available, we will negotiate with the other party’s insurer to secure the maximum compensation amount to which you’re entitled.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
With a compensation amount agreed upon, we will continue to represent you to ensure the payout reaches you promptly.

You normally have three years from the time of the accident in which to make a cycling accident claim in Northern Ireland. This changes slightly depending on your age when you were involved in the accident:

18 years old and over – You must claim within three years of the accident.

Under 18 years old – You must make your claim before your 21st birthday.

These time limits are sometimes extended if you can prove that a physical disability or mental incapacity prevented you from claiming within three years. But in all circumstances, we would advise getting in touch as soon as possible after your cycling accident to start your claim.

You’re probably wondering how much compensation you can claim for your cycling accident. This will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and the amount of damage caused to your bike and equipment.

Rest assured that, as keen cyclists, we know the value of cycling equipment and will pursue a claim for the true cost of the accident to you. The amount of compensation you are awarded will be broken into two categories:

General Damages — awarded based on the physical and psychological impact of your injuries, and any lasting or long-term effect on your life.

Special Damages — awarded based on the financial impact of your cycling accident, such as loss of earnings, damage to your bike and cycling equipment, transport costs and medical fees.

We’ve been successfully pursuing cycling accident claims in Northern Ireland since 1993. Our in-depth knowledge of cycling claims and our close affinity with the local cycling community makes us ideally placed to handle your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

A free consultation with one of our highly experienced solicitors is the first step towards the compensation you deserve. Join us for a no-obligation chat about your cycling accident and free initial legal advice on your claim.