Bicycle accident claims
Cycling is an environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transport, but it can also expose cyclists to significant risks on Irish roads.
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and accidents can result in serious injuries with long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, and psychological trauma.
According to the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) Cyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2020–2024:
- 45 cyclists lost their lives on Irish roads between 2020 and 2024
- 1,278 cyclists sustained serious injuries during the same period
- An average of 9 cyclists were killed and 256 seriously injured each year
- Cyclists accounted for 6% of all road fatalities
- Cyclists accounted for 18% of all serious injuries
- Many serious cyclist injuries occurred in urban areas, particularly at junctions
- Collisions involving other vehicles remain a significant cause of cyclist fatalities and serious injuries
Given the potential severity of these incidents, cyclists involved in an accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible and gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs of the scene, witness details, vehicle information, and any available CCTV or dashcam footage.
If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident caused by another road user’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Loss of earnings and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering arising from the injuries sustained
- Damage to your bicycle, cycling equipment, and other personal property
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Every bicycle accident claim is different, and the compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Seeking legal advice from a solicitor experienced in bicycle accident claims can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Source: RSA Cyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2020–2024
Compensation for bicycle accident claims
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to bicycle accident claim compensation.
As a cyclist, you have the same legal rights as other road users, and if another partys negligence caused your accident, you can seek financial redress.
Compensation in a bicycle accident claim is generally divided into three main categories:
1. General damages
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, ranging from fractures and head trauma to long-term disabilities. General damages cover non-financial losses, including:
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Long-term medical care, including rehabilitation and therapy
- Impact on quality of life, such as the inability to participate in hobbies or daily activities
2. Special damages
A cycling accident can lead to substantial financial losses, placing a significant burden on victims and their families. Special damages cover:
- Loss of earnings (both current and future income if unable to work)
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgeries, and therapy
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Cost of assistance or home modifications if required due to long-term injuries
3. Material damages
This category covers the Damage to your personal property caused by the accident.
This may include:
- Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle
- Damage to cycling gear, such as helmets, clothing, and accessories
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, or other personal belongings affected in the accident
4 essential steps to take after a bicycle accident
1. Seek medical attention
Your health is the most important thing.
Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible is crucial.
Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and getting checked out can help prevent complications.
2. Gather relevant information
Collecting detailed information at the scene can make a significant difference later on.
- Details of all parties involved: Get names, addresses, contact info, and any vehicle registration or insurance details from everyone involved.
- Witness Information: Write down the contact details of witnesses who might have seen what happened.
- Photographic evidence: Take clear photos of the scene, showing the positions of vehicles or bicycles, damage, and any relevant road conditions.
- Environmental conditions: Note the date, time, weather, and lighting during the accident, as these can be important.
- Official reports: Keep copies of any Garda reports and medical records related to the incident.
3. Report the Incident to the Garda
It’s essential to inform the Garda about the accident, no matter how minor it seems. If they can’t reach the scene, visit the nearest station to file an official report.
4. Consult a Solicitor
Dont hesitate to contact a solicitor specialising in bicycle accident claims.
They can guide you through the claims process, help gather necessary evidence, and work hard to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
By following these steps, you can safeguard your rights and pave the way for the best possible outcome for your claim.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the accident date within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules applies, and we recommend that you contact our solicitors to discuss them.
To learn more about the statute of limitations for a nerve damage claim, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the RSA Cyclist Spotlight Report tell us about cycling safety in Ireland?
In Ireland, the Road Safety Authority’s Cyclist Spotlight Report covering 2018 to 2022 recorded 41 cyclist fatalities and 1,327 serious injuries on Irish roads.
The data shows that 66% of cyclist fatalities occurred on higher-speed rural roads, while 81% of serious injuries took place in urban areas, with 46% of those injuries occurring at junctions.
These figures highlight the disproportionate vulnerability of cyclists on Irish roads and are relevant context when assessing the circumstances of a bicycle accident claim.
Can a cyclist claim compensation if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
In Ireland, there is no statutory requirement for adult cyclists to wear a helmet, though wearing one is strongly recommended.
Failure to wear a helmet does not automatically bar a cyclist from bringing a personal injury claim.
However, where medical evidence establishes that the absence of a helmet directly contributed to the severity of a head injury sustained, a court or the IRB may find contributory negligence under the Civil Liability Act 1961 and reduce the damages awarded accordingly.
Can I recover the cost of damage to my bicycle as well as my personal injury claim?
In Ireland, a claim following a bicycle accident can include material damages covering the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged bicycle, as well as cycling gear such as a helmet, clothing, or accessories damaged in the accident.
These losses are recoverable as special damages in addition to any general damages for personal injury.
You should retain all receipts and, where possible, obtain written quotations for repair or replacement costs to support this element of your claim.
What can I do if the driver who caused my bicycle accident drove away from the scene?
In Ireland, if the driver who caused your bicycle accident failed to stop or cannot be identified, you may be entitled to bring a claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).
The MIBI provides a route to compensation for persons injured by uninsured or untraced drivers under an agreement with the Minister for Transport.
Your solicitor will advise on the eligibility criteria and the specific process for an MIBI application in a hit-and-run bicycle accident.
What is the difference between general damages and special damages in a bicycle accident claim in Ireland?
In Ireland, compensation in a personal injury claim is typically divided into general damages and special damages.
General damages cover non-financial losses, including pain and suffering, physical injury, psychological trauma, and impact on quality of life.
The amount is assessed by reference to the Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council.
Special damages cover financial losses directly caused by the accident, including medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
