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?

 

 

Bus crashes might be rarer than car accidents, but whether you miss a step boarding or disembarking a bus, or whether you participate in a full coach collision, you could be eligible for compensation for your personal injury.

When you choose to travel by bus or coach in Northern Ireland, you place your trust in the hands of skilled professionals dedicated to getting you to your destination safely. We are deeply thankful to the many bus and coach drivers who work tirelessly every day to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers.

 

These drivers, along with the companies they represent, have a Duty of Care to protect you throughout your journey. While the vast majority of trips are completed without incident, we understand that accidents can still happen. If safety procedures are not followed or if driver error results in personal injury, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation against the bus or coach operator.

 

Below, you’ll find important information on what steps to take following a bus accident.

 

What are the Most Common Bus Accidents?

 

While bus and coach travel in Northern Ireland is generally very safe, accidents can happen when we least expect them. We are grateful to the many drivers who work diligently to keep passengers safe every day. However, it’s important to recognise that unforeseen incidents can still occur.

 

Common types of bus and coach accidents include:

 

• Slipping on a wet floor
• Tripping over hazards
• Falling on stairs or while disembarking
• Injuries while getting on or off the vehicle
• Collisions with other vehicles
• Sudden stops due to unexpected road conditions
• Accidents at roundabouts

 

If you or your child has been involved in a bus or coach accident that caused physical injury, emotional distress, or damage to personal belongings, you may be entitled to seek compensation. This can help cover:

 

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Damaged or lost possessions
• Psychological trauma

 

Understanding your rights and the steps to take after an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and peace of mind.

 

Liability in the Event of a Coach Crash

 

In the unfortunate event of a bus or coach crash in Northern Ireland, liability lies with the person or persons responsible for the accident. As a passenger on the bus, it is very unlikely that you are at fault. Most often, liability will rest with the bus or coach company if the crash was caused by driver error or another road user if their actions led to the collision.

 

How Common are Bus or Coach Accidents in NI?

 

Thankfully, bus crashes or collisions involving coaches are exceedingly rare.  With our relatively good road infrastructure, low traffic congestion and well maintained fleet, bus and coach travel in Northern Ireland remains one of the safest forms of road transport.

Statistically, buses and coaches are involved in fewer accidents and tend to result in less serious injuries compared to other vehicles. However, rare does not mean never.

 

In October 2024, for instance, a school bus carrying nearly 80 pupils veered off the road and into a field in County Down. At least four pupils were taken to hospital. While no one was seriously injured, the psychological impact of such an event can be lasting—especially for young passengers.

 

Incidents like this remind us of the importance of continued vigilance and support for those affected, even when physical injuries are minimal.

 

Have You Been in a Bus or Coach Accident?

 

If you have experienced a similar accident on a bus or coach in Northern Ireland, then seek legal assistance from the Lacey Solicitors team. We are here to help with everything from damage caused to property while in an accident to seeking compensation from the coach company should their driver be at fault in an accident which causes you to become injured.

Contact Lacey Solicitors today for expert legal advice.