Bike & Cycling Accident Claims

Most cycling accidents happen in built-up urban areas and, unsurprising in this context, Dublin has by far the largest proportion of accidents involving bicycles followed by Cork, Galway, and Limerick. The vast majority of cycling accidents involve another vehicle, where someone on a bike is struck by a car or goods vehicle. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are particularly hazardous for cyclists as they are prone to blind spots which make cyclists difficult for HGV drivers to see.

Instigating a Cycling Accident Claim

If you are a cyclist who has been injured as a result of the negligence of a driver of another vehicle, you may be entitled to make a claim for personal injuries suffered as a result. As insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles on Irish roads, it is generally the negligent driver’s insurance company that will be responsible for dealing with any claim arising.

In rural areas, the hazards involved in cycling are different; narrow roads, bad road conditions, and loose animals on the roads all pose particular challenges for cyclists. If you suffer an accident as a result of a badly designed or constructed road feature, the local authority may be responsible for any claim for personal injuries suffered by you as a result. Where loose or stray animals are the cause of an accident, the owner may be liable for your accident and may be covered under farm or household insurance for any claim arising.

Some links relating to cycling accidents that you may find useful.

• Springer – Tram-track cycling injuries
• Science Direct – Characteristics of cyclist collisions in Ireland
• European Road Safety Observatory – Facts and Figures – Cyclists – 2021