Road Traffic Accident Claims2025-05-30T15:56:38+01:00

Road Traffic Accident Claims Solicitors

Road Traffic Accident Claims Solicitors

Have you been injured in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland? Our expert road accident solicitors in Belfast, Ballyclare and Antrim, can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

  • Leading Road Traffic Accident Solicitors in Belfast, est. 1993
  • Claim from anywhere in Northern Ireland, no need to visit our office
  • Experience handling all types of car accident claims
  • Independent legal advice — no referrals from insurers
  • Free consultation, and you keep 100% of your compensation

Road Traffic Accident Claims in Northern Ireland

Many people go straight to their insurer or an accident management company after a crash, not knowing this can lead to lower payouts and limited legal support. These companies often prioritise cost-saving over your best interests.

Our solicitors offer free, independent guidance to make sure you understand your rights and claim everything you’re entitled to.

We handle a wide range of road traffic accident claims, including:

We help drivers and passengers injured in car crashes and collisions. We’ve worked on cases from some of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads and know how to build strong, fair claims.

Motorcyclists face serious risks on the road. We’ve supported clients through life-changing injuries and fatal crash claims, always with care and clarity at every stage.

Cyclists are vulnerable, especially given Northern Ireland’s limited cycling infrastructure. We help injured riders claim against careless drivers or local authorities where poor road conditions played a role.

Pedestrians can be hit on roads, crossings and even footpaths. If the driver fled or can’t be traced, we’ll guide you through claiming via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

We regularly deal with claims involving uninsured or untraceable drivers. Our experience means we can move quickly and confidently through the MIB process.

From sudden stops on the Glider to falls on Translink buses or taxis, we help passengers injured through negligence claim what they’re owed.

E-scooter incidents are increasing in cities like Belfast. Whether you were riding or injured as a pedestrian, we offer clear advice as one of Northern Ireland’s leading firms in this area.

Common Road Traffic Accident Injuries

After a road accident, some injuries only become clear a few days later. Others can develop into long-term conditions, and some injuries can even worsen an existing health issue.

That’s why our solicitors organise a thorough medical assessment to make sure every injury is properly identified and included in your claim, so nothing gets overlooked.

Common road accident injuries include, but are not limited to:

Road Traffic Accident Claims Process

We’ve made our claims process simple and stress-free — and you can start your claim from anywhere in Northern Ireland. There’s no need to visit our offices. If it’s more convenient, we can handle everything by phone, email, or video call.

Here’s how the process works.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
The all-important first step is to get in touch so we can offer you initial legal advice on your road traffic accident claim. This is completely free and given with no obligation to continue with your claim. Contact us by phone, email, or through our simple online enquiry form.

Step 2: Gathering Information
The next step is to gather as much evidence as possible about the accident. We will gather police reports, medical reports, eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage — anything that confirms how the accident happened.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
We’ll arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical professional so that we know the full extent of your injuries. We want to be sure of the immediate and long-term impact of your injuries before we make your claim.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
It is then time to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer to agree on the right compensation amount for your injuries. We will draw upon our vast experience of similar claims to secure the maximum payout to which you’re entitled.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once the settlement figure is agreed, we will continue to act on your behalf to ensure the money reaches you promptly.

Road Traffic Accident Compensation – What is Your Claim Worth?

If you’ve had a road traffic accident, you can typically claim compensation for personal injuries, vehicle damage and recovery, the cost of a replacement hire vehicle, lost income, and other financial losses related to the accident.

The exact amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the overall impact on your life.

Compensation will be divided into two parts:

  • General Damages – Compensation for the direct impact of the road traffic accident, such as the injuries you’ve sustained and the level of pain you’re suffering.
  • Special Damages – Compensation for the financial impact of the accident, such as loss of earnings, damage to your vehicle, medical fees and travel expenses.

Get an idea of how much you could claim for injuries alone using our Personal Injury Compensation Guide, or contact us for a more accurate estimate.

Costs of Making a Road Accident Claim

If a road accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay to make a claim. That’s why we always recover our legal costs from the other party’s insurer — so there’s nothing for you to pay, and you keep 100% of your compensation.

Some people ask about No Win, No Fee claims. That type of agreement isn’t allowed for solicitors in Northern Ireland, but we offer the same peace of mind with a free initial consultation and clear, upfront advice about any costs before your claim begins.

When you claim with us:

  • You keep 100% of your compensation
  • There are no hidden fees
  • Our legal costs are recovered from the other side, not from you

Why Choose Reid Black?

We’ve been helping the victims of road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland to secure the compensation they deserve since 1993. Our solicitors will bring all of that knowledge and experience to your claim so that you can get a payout that reflects the impact the accident has had on your life.

Our Specialist Road Traffic Accident Claim Solicitors

Our Specialist Road Traffic Accident Claim Solicitors

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • One of Northern Ireland’s most experienced road traffic accident solicitors.
  • Acts solely for injured individuals — never insurers or accident management firms.
  • Specialises in car, motorbike, cycling and pedestrian accident claims.
  • Known for fast-tracking cases to secure compensation as efficiently as possible.
Seamus Reid
Seamus Reid
35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Senior Partner and one of Northern Ireland's most respected litigation solicitors.
  • Leader in personal injury claims, with recognition from the Chambers Guide.
  • Experience in commercial disputes, licensing, and professional negligence.
  • Dedicated at representing and getting results for injured clients.
David French
David French
23 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Leading solicitor for hearing loss claims in the UK, based in our Belfast office.
  • Qualified to practise in both Northern Ireland, England & Wales.
  • Extensive experience in personal injury and serious injury litigation.
  • Acts in complex injury cases, and offers inquest representation.
Libby Smyth
Libby Smyth
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Qualified in 1998 after studying Law at Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Specialises in personal injury, with a strong focus on medical negligence claims.
  • Experienced in complex road accident cases, with split liability and fatal crashes.
  • Represents clients across Northern Ireland from our Antrim town office.
Eilis McQuillan
Eilis McQuillan
19 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Specialist in personal injury litigation across Northern Ireland and England & Wales.
  • Handles claims involving road traffic, cycling, motorbike and military accidents.
  • Experienced in complex cases like holiday injury claims and abuse-related injuries.
  • Known for progressing cases efficiently while always putting clients first.
Danielle Catterson
Danielle Catterson
5 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Based in our Belfast office with expertise in RTA and work-related injury claims.
  • Experience representing delivery and commercial vehicle drivers injured at work.
  • Handles serious injury, uninsured driver and employer liability cases.
  • Offers clear advice and practical support during the road accident claim process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anybody who is injured in a road traffic accident through no fault of their own can make a road traffic accident claim. This includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and anyone else caught up in an accident they didn’t cause.
Yes, you can still claim car accident compensation even if the accident was partly your fault. This is known as “contributory negligence”, and it means your compensation will be reduced to reflect your share of the blame.

For example, if you were found to be 25% responsible (such as by not wearing a seatbelt) your compensation would be reduced by 25%.

We can advise you on how much you may be able to claim based on the specific details of your case. Get in touch for free, no-obligation advice.

You normally have three years after a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland in which to make your claim. This time limit might be extended in some cases:

  • You have up to six years to claim for repairs to your vehicle or vehicle hire charges you incurred because of damage caused to your vehicle in the accident
  • If you were aged under 18 at the time of the accident, you have until your 21st birthday to make a claim.
  • The time limit for claiming for a road traffic accident abroad depends on the country in which it happens. For example, in Spain the time limit is one year but in France the limit is 10 years.
  • There is no time limit for making a claim while a disability or mental incapacity is preventing you from doing so.
Straightforward claims where the at-fault party accepts responsibility can be settled in as little as three months. More complicated claims will take longer, particularly if your injuries are very serious and larger compensation amounts are involved.

We can still help you to make a road traffic accident claim even if you were in an accident with an uninsured driver. The only difference is that we claim from an organisation called the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) instead of a single insurer.

Tell the police you’re happy to give a statement, but that you’d like to speak to your solicitor first. Do not admit fault or accept blame for the accident, even informally, as this could affect your legal position later. Get in touch with us and we’ll guide you through the process and help protect your interests from the start.
Yes, if somebody else’s negligence caused your accident — such as if you had to take evasive action to avoid a collision because they pulled out in front of you — you can still make a claim.
Yes, we will arrange a medical assessment for you. It is in your best interests that nothing is overlooked and we know the full extent of your injuries.

Let Us Take Care Of Your Road Traffic Accident Claim

We’ll take all of the hassle out of claiming the compensation you deserve. Take the first step by getting in touch and we will handle the rest for you.

Three Best Rated
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    To contact our team of specialists you can call us on: 028 9045 3449 Alternatively, you can get in touch by completing our contact form

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      Accreditations

      Three Best Rated

      Client Testimonials

      Client Testimonials

      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
      CJ MCKIMM
      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
      Jennifer McCann
      Jennifer McCann
      14:25 10 Oct 23
      They are a fantastic company to represent you
      Russdamuss
      Russdamuss
      07:02 26 Nov 23
      Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more
      tomsturdy1
      tomsturdy1
      09:51 28 Nov 23
      I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more
      Wayne Perry
      Wayne Perry
      19:16 08 Dec 23
      What a fantastic group of people to work with from start to finish. I thoroughly endorse this firm of solicitors to any former service personnel who have suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of live firing in pipe ranges in Northern Ireland. These guys acted on my behalf following a simple hearing assessment and secured a sizeable settlement from the MoD for me. They did not take ANY of my compensation in payment, but claim a separate payment directly from the MoD for their work. David even declined an initial derisory offer from the MoD and secured a much better one which was 500% (yes 500%) above the original offer. If you or you know anyone who suffers the same problems, I would urge you to get in touch with David French or one of his colleagues at Reid Black solicitors. The only downside is the amount of time you have to wait for the MoD to play ball. On the plus side you’ll probably forget you’ve claimed at all and so it’s a great surprise when you finally get a result!read more
      Bob Parry
      Bob Parry
      05:00 12 Jan 24
      I am absolutely delighted at the result David French and the whole team at Reid Black managed to negotiate for my hearing loss claim. It was a long process, but none of that due to RB, rather the bureaucracy and feet dragging of the MoD. There was one small period of frustration on my part when I had not heard from them in a while, but it transpired that their communications with me via e-mail had gone into my spam box, that I don't regularly check, so this frustration was my fault completely. David received an initial settlement offer, but refused it and negotiated a 33% increase in the offer on my behalf. I thoroughly recommend this Business to any former service personnel that served in NI after 1987, that have suffered hearing injuries. Thank you Reid Black.read more
      thomas Gray
      thomas Gray
      18:04 21 Feb 24
      I cannot speak highly enough of Reid Black Solicitors. From start to finish, my experience with their team has been exceptional. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the solicitors at Reid Black is truly commendable. They were not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to my legal needs. The level of attention and care they demonstrated throughout the process reassured me that I was in capable hands. The communication from the firm was outstanding. I was kept informed at every step, and my questions were answered promptly. This level of transparency made the legal process much more manageable and less stressful. What sets Reid Black Solicitors apart is their commitment to client satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and understood. The genuine concern for their clients is evident in every interaction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Reid Black Solicitors to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a standout choice. Thank you to the entire team for making a potentially challenging experience smooth and successful.read more
      Claire Watt
      Claire Watt
      19:39 26 Feb 24
      Kathryn was superb throughout the process and helped me through what was a difficult period. Kathryn was always very quick to respond to my emails and on hand to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend the services of Kathryn and Reid Black Solicitors.read more
      Kerry Whann
      Kerry Whann
      16:28 04 Mar 24
      A Separation of a marriage is a really devasting and stressful time. My daughter used the services of Kathryn Aiken. Kathryn is such a lovely lady, with a real kindness and total understanding of the situation. She gave my daughter excellent legal advice and guided us safely through the whole process. Yes it did take time to finally come to an agreement on matters, but all throughout Kathryn was available to answer emails promptly or take a phone call. Nothing was ever a bother. That means a lot to have that total backing and support. We felt totally at ease meeting Kathryn at her office to sign documents and as upsetting as it sometimes was we were shown total empathy and comforted on occasions were needed. The quotation Kathryn gave me at the start of the process was near enough spot on at the end. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn to anyone in need of help. you are 100% in the best professional hands. I will be using Kathryn again in the future. Thank you for everything. Kerry and Naomi.read more
      Alan Munce
      Alan Munce
      18:18 14 Mar 24
      Ref - Military hearing loss claim. I am speechless - having left the Army 32 years ago I never expected to qualify for any sort of payout. Getting in touch with Reid Black Solicitors was more a case of - 'try it and see, nothing ventured, nothing gained.' Absolutely dumbfounded by the amount you have recovered for me. I never expected any payout to be in the 5 figure bracket. We have a modest income and lead a modest lifestyle, but now, all our current financial challenges are over. A 'Thank you' seems totally inadequate, but we are truly grateful for your efforts and the result. Thank you. Kind Regards Alan Munceread more
      carly field
      carly field
      09:43 17 Jun 24
      Exceptional work from this company. I have had a few issues with my hearing due to my time in the military. Didn’t expect to get as much I did. Thank you for your dedication to us all.
      Allan Rigby
      Allan Rigby
      10:30 14 Aug 24
      I reached out to Reid Black Solicitors in order to gain compensation for my hearing loss while serving in the Armed Forces. From the beginning I knew I was in the right hands. It proved to be true after a few years of legal wrangling with the MOD I received my compensation. A big thank you to David and the team, fully recommended.read more
      Helen Fox
      Helen Fox
      15:52 01 Sep 24
      Thanks very much to David French for all his help with my hearing claim from September 2021, it did take a long while and to be honest I didn’t expect to receive anything at all. I was really shocked when he called me on Friday 30th August 2024 and I’m really pleased with my settlement. 10/10 Reid and Black. It was definitely worth the wait. Thanks again Martynread more
      Mark Hope
      Mark Hope
      21:11 16 Sep 24
      A great service from David French @ Reid Black. Resolved my hearing loss claim with the MOD without any fuss and very professional and helpful. Thank you and would definetly recommend Reid Black solicitors.read more
      Paul Treanor
      Paul Treanor
      11:06 03 Oct 24
      I highly recommend this company. They helped me with a claim which resulted in a very satisfactory result. They possess an abundance of integrity which is rare in the legal world.
      Mike D
      Mike D
      08:28 04 Oct 24
      The way Reid Black Solicitors handled this hearing claim has been efficient and professional from start to finish. Throughout the process I have been guided and advised extremely well and am completely satisfied with the result that you have gained on my behalf. I can strongly recommend Reid Black Solicitors and will be sure to speak to my colleagues who are also veterans of HM Forces.read more
      Rab Allen
      Rab Allen
      15:09 14 Nov 24
      Highly recommend danielle was very helpful & professional throughout the whole process which was done in a quick timely period would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone
      Diane Shannon
      Diane Shannon
      22:08 04 Dec 24
      Danielle was such a brilliant solicitor she went above and beyond to help, first class service very impressed 5 stars
      Alastair Hanna
      Alastair Hanna
      11:55 13 Mar 25
      Made a claim via Reid and Black. David and team were super helpful and although a long process it worked out in the end. Thank you.
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