Car accidents can be stressful, especially when those involved deny responsibility. Often, individuals think that determining fault is straightforward, but understanding who actually decides fault—and how to prove it—can be crucial to securing compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Accidents can cause lasting physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial loss. When we take out a policy of car insurance, we agree to never admit fault at the scene of an accident. But what happens when there is a dispute between insurance companies or when versions of events conflict? It is common for parties to avoid admitting blame, but accidents happen daily across Northern Ireland. Your first step should always be to contact expert insurance and personal injury solicitors who can guide you through the process.

Who Determines Fault After a Car Accident?

 

The Role of the Police

While the police attend accident scenes and produce official reports, it’s important to understand that they do not determine legal liability. Their role includes:

• Documenting the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Recording witness statements
• Providing a neutral report of events

They are evidence gatherers. A police report—if one exists—is crucial evidence but cannot definitively assign fault. Insurance companies and the courts use this information alongside other evidence to assess liability.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are responsible for investigating liability and, even when the situation appears clear-cut, they may still look to obtain:

• Accident scene photos
• Vehicle damage reports
• CCTV or dashcam footage
• Police and medical reports

If you are making a claim against a third party, their insurer will, where possible, look to dispute liability or place fault on you or another party involved in the accident.

Road Traffic Accident Solicitors

A specialist RTA solicitor is essential in all car accident cases—but even more so when fault is disputed. They can:

• Advise on which evidence strengthens your claim
• Collect and organise documentation for insurers and the courts
• Explain likely outcomes and individual judges’ attitudes
• Represent you in negotiations and in court

The Court’s Role in Contested Claims

If liability is strongly contested and no settlement can be reached, the case may proceed to a formal court hearing where a judge will make the final decision.
During the hearing, the judge will:

• Listen to all evidence, including driver testimony, witness accounts, and motor assessor reports
• Assess the credibility of those giving evidence
• Hear arguments from solicitors and barristers
• Use their experience to reach an impartial decision based on the facts

This ensures liability is determined fairly and transparently.

How to Prove You Were Not at Fault

To strengthen your claim:

1. Contact a solicitor immediately to avoid missing critical deadlines.
2. Gather evidence such as photos, CCTV footage, medical records, and witness statements.
3. Report the accident to the police if necessary to document the incident.
4. Notify your own insurance company to provide evidence and clarify liability.

Make a Personal Injury Claim with Lacey Solicitors

At Lacey Solicitors, we specialise in serious personal injury claims. We understand the impact of accidents and provide expert legal support for you and your family.
Our insurance and personal injury solicitors, based in Belfast and Dublin, treat every enquiry with confidentiality and empathy.

Why Choose Lacey Solicitors?

 

• Client-focused support: Your needs come first, and we can visit you at home or in a care facility if needed.
• Comprehensive assistance: Access expert witnesses, rehabilitation support, and guidance throughout litigation.
• Specialist knowledge: Our solicitors have extensive experience handling personal injury claims.
• Transparent fees: We explain all costs upfront and do not operate “no-win, no-fee” arrangements, which are prohibited in Northern Ireland. Learn more here: No Win, No Fee Solicitors in Northern Ireland. We also discuss funding options, including Legal Aid where eligible.

Eligibility for Personal Injury Compensation

You may be eligible if:

• You suffered physical or psychological injury due to someone else’s negligence
• The accident occurred within the last three years
• Evidence exists to support your claim

How to Make a Personal Injury Claim

 

1. Contact Lacey Solicitors promptly to discuss your case.
2. Provide key information about the accident.
3. We review evidence to assess the viability of your claim.
4. We collect medical records, witness statements, and assess all legal time limits.
5. If your claim is strong, we represent you throughout the legal process and support you at every stage.

Contact Lacey Solicitors Today

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or personal injury incident, email info@laceysolicitors.com. Our team provides expert, compassionate legal guidance to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Road Traffic Accidents involving HGVs like trucks, lorries, and other long vehicles, come with a separate set of risks. Personal injuries suffered as a result of lorry accidents are likely to be severe. Heavy Goods Vehicles are loaded with extra weight, meaning any lesser vehicle involved in the collision runs the risk of complete destruction.

The Antrim and Newtownabbey area is a major hub for the transport and storage industry. Since 2021, the area has had one of the highest concentrations of transport and storage business units in Northern Ireland. Its location provides easy access for logistics firms to distribute goods across the region.

If you have been in an accident with a lorry and you have been injured because of it, then you may be eligible to bring a claim for compensation against the lorry driver, company, or other responsible party. You may wish to contact Lacey Solicitors in Belfast for support.

---

The Constant Threat of HGV Accidents in County Antrim

 

HGV, lorry and truck accidents are unfortunately common on Belfast roads. We can cite countless road traffic accidents involving lorries in Co. Antrim in recent years.

A 60-year old man spent Christmas 2023 in hospital in critical condition after a collision with a lorry, the Irish Post reported. In January 2025 a motorcyclist died after colliding with a lorry. In September 2024 a man from Ballymoney died after colliding with a lorry.  Sadly, these are just a few examples from a long list of lorry-related accidents in County Antrim.

When a car, motorcycle, or even a van collides with a lorry, the consequences are often severe due to the size and weight disparity. For the very vast amount of our clients who are lucky enough to talk away from these types of accidents, their injuries are often severe.

---

The Added Risks of Lorry and HGV Accidents

 

Road traffic accidents involving lorry, truck, or other heavy goods vehicles come with additional risks to car crashes between vehicles of a similar size. Our Mr Damian Mcgeady, Partner, was at one stage, himself a HGV driver.  He knows all too well the dangers involved when driving a Heavy goods vehicle.  These heightened dangers stem from several factors, including longer braking distances and the increased likelihood of mechanical failure due to the heavy loads that fully laden lorries transport.

 

According to our Partner Damian McGeady, the HGV Accident Risk Factors Include:

 

• Driver fatigue: Lorry drivers often work long hours, which can lead to reduced concentration and slower reaction times.
• Unsecured or shifting loads: Poorly secured cargo can move during sudden braking or sharp maneuvers, affecting vehicle stability.
• Overloaded vehicles: Exceeding weight limits increases the risk of mechanical failure and can amplify damage in collisions or rollovers.
• Vehicle size and structure: HGVs are taller and wider than most vehicles, meaning collisions can cause significantly greater damage to smaller vehicles.
• Reduced manoeuvrability in adverse conditions: The size and weight of HGVs make it harder to navigate inclement weather, including rain, ice, or high winds.
• Long stopping distances: Fully laden HGVs require considerably more distance to stop than cars or vans, increasing the likelihood of collisions in sudden traffic events.
• Blind spots: Large HGVs have substantial blind spots, particularly on the sides and rear, which can make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles.
• Mechanical stress: Heavy loads place extra strain on brakes, tires, and suspension systems, raising the risk of failure if not properly maintained.
• Driver experience and training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may misjudge stopping distances, turning radii, or road conditions.

If you have been hit by a lorry or otherwise injured in a crash involving a heavy goods vehicle, then you should speak to a car crash lawyer. Wondering if you can claim for a lorry or HGV accident? Contact Lacey Solicitors right now to find out.

---

The Hierarchy of Road Users

 

The Highway Code introduces the hierarchy of road users, which places greater responsibility on those controlling vehicles capable of causing the most harm, such as HGVs. However, this principle does not automatically assign blame to the HGV.

---

Common Accidents with Large Vehicles

 

One common scenario that Lacey Solicitors deals with time and time again is when a HGV comes into another lane and causes an accident. Large vehicles with trailers often need to straddle two lanes to safely execute a turn or exit. According to Highway Code Rule 221:

“Large vehicles may need extra road space to turn. You should be aware of this when driving near them and give them plenty of room.”

This rule recognises the limitations of HGVs and requires other road users to adjust their driving accordingly but a HGV should at all times be aware of its surroundings.  Liability only arises if the HGV is careless or negligent.

---

Seeking Compensation After a Truck, Lorry, or HGV Accident

 

If you were injured having been involved in an accident where the Truck or Lorry was negligent, you should contact a solicitor to speak about a compensation claim. Even where you believe you were partly at fault, you should always seek independent legal advice.

Lacey Solicitors are skilled in seeking compensation after car accidents, bike accidents, and for those injured by an HGV.

---

Personal Injury Solicitors in Co. Antrim

 

Lacey Solicitors are an established legal team capable of guiding you smoothly through the process of claiming compensation after a lorry accident. Empathetic and determined to understand your unique circumstances, we can help you prove that your accident happened due to negligence.

Call 028 9089 6540 today to speak to our legal team or read our guidance on Road Traffic Accidents for more information.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in Northern Ireland. With little protection against cars, lorries, buses or cyclists, pedestrian accident claims Northern Ireland and the consequences of being struck on the road can be devastating. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), pedestrians account for a significant proportion of serious and fatal road traffic casualties every year.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains your rights under Northern Ireland law, how the claims process works, what evidence you’ll need, and how compensation is calculated.

---

Why Pedestrians Are at Risk on Northern Ireland Roads

 

• Traffic density in urban centres such as Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Newry increases collision risks.
• Visibility issues during dark winter months contribute to pedestrian accidents.
• Shared road use—with buses, cyclists and cars often occupying the same space—creates hazards.
• Driver behaviour, including speeding, using a mobile phone or failing to yield, is a leading factor in pedestrian collisions.

NI road safety reports show that around 15–20% of road deaths annually involve pedestrians. These figures highlight the urgent need for awareness, protection, and access to justice when accidents occur.

---

Who Can Make a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

 

You may be eligible to claim compensation if:

• You were injured by a motorist while crossing or walking along a road.
• A cyclist or e-scooter caused your injuries.
• You were the victim of a hit-and-run or struck by an uninsured driver.
• You lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident.

At Lacey Solicitors, we  can see a worrying trend of children and vulnerable adults being victims of pedestrian accidents. In such cases, a parent, guardian or litigation friend can bring a claim on their behalf.

---

Time Limits for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Northern Ireland

 

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to issue court proceedings.

Exceptions include:

• Children: the three-year limit begins on their 18th birthday.
• Lack of mental capacity: the time limit does not run until (and if) capacity is regained.

Prompt legal advice is strongly recommended, as delays can make evidence gathering more difficult.

---

Proving Fault and Contributory Negligence

 

In pedestrian accident cases, drivers are usually expected to take extra care. However, even if you are partially at fault, you may still seek compensation.

Compensation may still be awarded even if the pedestrian was partly responsible—for example:

• Crossing outside a designated crossing point.
• Wearing dark clothing at night.
• Using headphones or being distracted by a mobile phone.

In such cases, the court will assess contributory negligence and reduce compensation proportionally.

---

Evidence Needed to Support a Claim

 

A successful claim depends on strong evidence. If possible:

• Photographs of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries.
• Witness details from passers-by or passengers.
• CCTV or dashcam footage.
• Medical records confirming the extent of your injuries.
• Receipts and invoices for financial losses (treatment, transport, care).
• Police report, especially vital in hit-and-run cases.

If the driver was uninsured or untraceable, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

---

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

 

Pedestrian accidents often lead to life-altering injuries, including:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Psychological harm such as PTSD, anxiety or depression

In fatal accidents, families may claim for bereavement damages, funeral expenses and dependency losses.

---

How Compensation Is Calculated

 

Compensation in Northern Ireland is typically divided into two categories:

1. General Damages
   • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
   • Various Guidelines available to Solicitors, Judges and Barristers provide range based on injury type.
2. Special Damages
   • Lost earnings and loss of future earning capacity.
   • Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
   • Care and assistance from family or professionals.
   • Travel expenses to medical appointments.

For fatal claims, dependants may also receive compensation for financial loss, services, and emotional impact.

---

The Claims Process in Northern Ireland

 

1. Free Initial Consultation – discuss your case with a solicitor.
2. Investigation – gathering evidence, witness statements, medical assessments.
3. Letter of Claim – sent to the driver’s insurer or the MIB.
4. Negotiation – many claims settle without court proceedings.
5. Court Proceedings – if settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may issue proceedings in the County Court or High Court, depending on claim value.

Most claims conclude within 12–18 months, though complex or high-value cases can take longer.

---

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are strictly prohibited from offering no win no fee claims

 

No solicitor in Northern Ireland can offer you a no win no fee arrangement.  If they do, they may be breaking the law.

At Lacey Solicitors, we believe that everyone should have access to justice and that financial barriers should be reduced where possible. Read our recent article on the funding options available to you.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, but your compensation will be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

What if the driver fled the scene?
You may claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

How long do I have to claim?
Three years in most cases, though exceptions apply for minors and those lacking mental capacity.  The best injury solicitors in Northern Ireland will all advise you to begin your case as early as possible.

What if my injuries are psychological rather than physical?
Psychological injuries such as PTSD are recognised in Northern Ireland and can form part of your claim.  Read more about psychological claims in our previous article.

How much compensation will I get?
This depends on the severity of your injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact. Solicitors in NI use various guides and their own experience to calculate appropriate awards.

---

Taking the Next Step

 

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Northern Ireland, expert legal advice can make the difference between a failed claim and securing the compensation you deserve.

An experienced solicitor will:

• Protect your rights.
• Guide you through the process.
• Maximise your compensation.
• Handle insurers and legal proceedings on your behalf.

---

Conclusion

 

Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, but victims and families are not without recourse. Northern Ireland law provides clear avenues for compensation, whether the driver was negligent, uninsured, or untraceable. With professional legal support, you can secure justice, financial security, and peace of mind.

At Lacey Solicitors, we have the knowledge and expertise required to handle your claim with professionalism and efficiency. We focus solely on personal injury law and have a strong track record of securing compensation for our clients. We will work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re owed, quickly and professionally, so you can concentrate on your recovery.

For further assistance or to discuss your claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us, or simply use our online contact form.

A large number of car accidents in Northern Ireland result in whiplash injuries for passengers and drivers alike. With thousands or car crash related neck injuries each year, could you be eligible to make a compensation claim?

From Feeny to Downpatrick, car accidents are more common than you would think. Globally, car crashes kill around 1.19 million people each year. If you are lucky enough to suffer a car accident in or around Belfast and you manage to survive it? You are one of the lucky ones. Even if a lengthy recovery time or a serious whiplash injury means that you don’t feel like it.

 

How is Whiplash Caused?

 

Whiplash is the most commonly reported injury after a car accident because it is caused by the sudden jerking back and forward of your neck. When the neck muscles are jolted with force and without warning, the muscles strain to support the head. The resulting pain after the hyperextension is known as whiplash.

With between 20 and 50 million people internationally suffering injuries from survivable road traffic accidents, whiplash cases are a common occurrence.

 

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash (Neck Injury)?

 

Basic whiplash symptoms include pain in the neck, stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back muscles, and a lack of neck mobility.

Moderate whiplash symptoms can include a ringing in the ears, muscle spasms, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision.

Severe whiplash symptoms include memory loss, confusion, long term pain and even disability. In the most severe cases, whiplash symptoms can include paralysis or long-term mobility issues.

 

Defining Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)

 

The collection of severe symptoms associated with suffering from whiplash after a car collision is known as Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD). Although the condition itself is not a disorder, it can cause the body to malfunction. Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, pins and needles, and a lack of ability to concentrate might all be included in this, although they are rarer.

 

What are the Grades of WAD

 

While the US grades whiplash as grades 1-4, the health executive of Northern Ireland use a three point system. NI whiplash claims therefore fall broadly into one of three categories:

1.   Minor Whiplash
2.   Moderate Whiplash
3.   Severe Whiplash

The severity of your whiplash and associated disorders defines how much your whiplash claim is worth.

 

How Long Does It Take for Whiplash to Heal?

 

Whiplash could heal quickly. In the case of a basic whiplash injury, you may heal within three months. Occasionally, whiplash injuries can take longer to heal after a car crash. You could be a victim in a rear-end collision in Enniskillen in March and still be suffering neck pain in December.

In the worst cases, injuries caused by that collision could be permanent. If your whiplash associated disorders are still with you over a year later, then your compensation claim could be worth the maximum amount.

 

Why Hire Lacey Solicitors as your Whiplash Injury Solicitor?

 

From Belfast City Centre to the back streets of Bangor, Lacey solicitors have experience with handling car crash compensation claims. Whether you are side swiped by an overtaking vehicle or another vehicle reverses into you in a car park, you need an expert personal injury solicitor on your side.

Call +44 28 9089 6540 today to discuss your compensation claim for whiplash injuries.

 

 

Auto accident injuries are a part of daily life in the North of Ireland. Should you endure a car accident, then this information could help you seek justice.

From fatal accidents to fractures, car accident lawsuits are a way to recover the costs after you suffer an injury. Whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian who was in the wrong place and time, auto accidents can enforce permanent changes into your life.

We covered how to make a car accident claim in Northern Ireland in a previous article, but not every vehicle collision is a car crash. Unfortunately, we do not have a car accident compensation calculator, but speaking to our legal experts might give you an idea of what your claim might be worth.

 

What is an Auto Accident?

 

An auto accident is any road traffic accident which involves an automobile. An automobile is any wheeled, motor-driven vehicle which pushes itself along using an engine. While cars, vans, lorries, trucks, and buses fall into this category, horses, pedestrians, and bicyclists do not. However, if you are knocked off your horse by an automobile, then you have been involved in an auto accident.

An auto accident is a crash, collision, or incident which involves an auto mobile. If you have been the victim of an auto accident, then you will need a motor vehicle accident lawyer to help you bring your claim for compensation against those to blame for your injuries.

 

Types of Motor Vehicle Accident

 

Although every auto accident claim is different, those seeking compensation for personal injuries suffered during a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) fall broadly into the following categories:

•       Side Swipe Accidents
•       T-Bone Accidents
•       Overtaking Accidents
•       Head-On Collisions
•       Rear-End Collisions (Often responsible for whiplash claims)

There are different reasons for auto accidents, too. Causes could include driver error, vehicle malfunction, driving under the influence, inattention, or tiredness.

Read About Your Obligations in a Belfast Auto Accident Here.

 

Common Auto Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries. Caused by a hyperextension of the neck, this injury can cause short term pain or long term damage. If you were a passenger in a car accident who now has whiplash, you could be eligible to launch a claim.

You can read more about the myths around whiplash compensation claims in our previous article.

Shoulder pain after a car accident, lower back pain due to a back injury sustained in the crash, and even psychological trauma can all occur after a non-fatal car accident.

Car accident injuries range from mild to severe, to deadly. A motor vehicle law specialist can advise you on what your auto accident claim might be worth. If you are interested in bringing a claim for compensation against the person who is to blame for your car crash, then seeking out a lawyer is the next logical step.

 

How Long After an Auto Accident Should I Bring a Claim for Compensation?

 

You should begin your claim as soon as you can. Once you are safe, seek the help of our specialist car crash solicitors. The statute of limitations in Belfast and Northern Ireland is 3 years, so make your claim before three years have passed since the date of the accident.

 

Vehicle Collisions: Lawyer Based in Belfast, Expert in Auto Accident Claims

 

Your auto accident lawyer will give you the best advice on how to proceed with your claim. For the strongest case, make sure you study the steps you should take after the accident to protect your legal interests after a collision.

Contact Lacey Solicitors for representation during vehicle collision claims in Northern Ireland, today.

 

Been Involved in a Car Crash? See These Related Posts:

•     How to make a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland?
•     Lacey Solicitor’s Personal Injury Checklist for bringing a compensation claim.
•     How long do personal injury cases take in Northern Ireland?