Bicycle Accident Claims
Cycling should be a simple, healthy way to get from A to B. But when something goes wrong—a careless driver, a dangerous junction, or a poorly maintained road—it can turn a normal journey into something deeply distressing.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been supporting people across the community for over 20 years. We know the roads, we know the risks cyclists face, and we understand how suddenly your day—and your health—can be turned upside down. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, emotional shock, or time off work, you don’t have to face it alone.
From your very first call, you’ll speak directly to a solicitor who listens, understands, and gives you clear, straightforward advice.
If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident and you’re not sure what to do next, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Contact us to take the right next step.
Who Can Bring a Bicycle Accident Claim—and When?
If you’ve been injured while cycling and someone else was at fault, there’s every chance you’re entitled to bring a claim. It doesn’t matter if the accident happened on a quiet estate road, a busy city junction, or a shared bus lane—if you were harmed because another person or authority failed to take reasonable care, the law is on your side.
Cyclists Injured by a Driver or Road Hazard
Most claims arise when cyclists are struck by a vehicle—whether due to a driver turning without looking, overtaking too closely, or opening a car door into your path. In these situations, you may have a claim against the motorist and their insurer. But even if no collision occurred—such as swerving to avoid a careless driver or falling due to a pothole—your injuries still matter, and so do your legal rights.
Pedestrians Injured by Cyclists
Not all claims are brought by cyclists. If you were hit by someone riding recklessly—on the footpath, through a red light, or without warning—you can also bring a personal injury claim. These cases are assessed in the same way as any other road incident: who was careless, and what damage was caused as a result?
Work-Related Cycling Accidents
More people are cycling for work—particularly delivery riders. If your accident happened while on the job and your employer failed to provide proper safety measures, clear instructions, or reasonable delivery routes, you may be able to bring a claim against the company itself.
Claims for Children and Young Cyclists
If your child was injured while cycling—on the way to school, at a crossing, or in a park—you can bring a claim on their behalf. These cases require a careful, sensitive approach and are assessed with a view to your child’s long-term recovery, not just immediate injuries.
Timing Matters
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident (or from when you became aware of the injury) to bring a claim. But the sooner you get advice, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and getting proper support.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Most cycling accidents aren’t random—they happen because something goes wrong. Someone’s not paying attention. A hazard’s been left unmarked. A driver rushes, or the road isn’t built with cyclists in mind. If you’ve been injured while cycling, identifying the cause is the first step toward understanding who may be responsible.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we see the same patterns again and again—and we know the local roads where they happen. Below are some of the most common causes we encounter when helping injured cyclists.
1. Left-Hook Collisions
One of the biggest dangers for cyclists is a vehicle turning left across their path. This often happens at junctions or roundabouts, especially where drivers fail to check their mirrors or signal. These “left-hook” incidents can throw cyclists directly into traffic or kerbs, causing serious injury.
2. Dooring Incidents
If you’ve ever cycled past a line of parked cars, you know the risk: someone opens a car door suddenly, and you’ve nowhere to go. These “dooring” accidents are extremely common in places like Templeogue Road or Blessington Road, where parked cars and narrow lanes force cyclists into close quarters with traffic.
3. Poor Road Conditions
Loose gravel, potholes, uneven drains, sunken manhole covers, and uncut kerbs can all be disastrous on a bike. Unlike a car, a bicycle doesn’t absorb these shocks—you do. When councils or contractors fail to maintain safe surfaces, they can be held responsible for injuries that follow.
4. Driver Distraction or Aggression
Speeding, tailgating, using a phone behind the wheel—these are common behaviours that put cyclists at risk. We often see cases where a driver simply “didn’t see” the cyclist until it was too late, or where frustration with slower traffic leads to dangerous overtaking or road rage.
5. Junction Confusion and Shared Space
Not all bike accidents involve direct impact. Many occur at confusing junctions where cyclists aren’t given a clear route—or where they’re forced to mix with buses, taxis, and pedestrians. Poor signage, missing lane markings, or badly designed crossing points (like those near The Square Shopping Centre) increase the risk of collisions and near-misses.
6. Weather and Visibility
While not a fault in itself, wet weather or poor visibility can worsen already unsafe conditions. Drivers must adjust their behaviour accordingly, and if they don’t, they may still be found liable—even if rain or glare contributed to the accident.
Every cycling accident has its own story. The cause isn’t always obvious—but that’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you trace what happened and make sure the right people are held accountable.
Injuries Cyclists Commonly Sustain in Road Accidents
When a cyclist is involved in a road traffic accident, the injuries are rarely minor. With no protective shell around them—no airbags, no seatbelt—cyclists take the full force of a collision, even at low speeds. That means broken bones, head injuries, and long recoveries are sadly all too common.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve worked with injured cyclists across Dublin for over two decades. These are the injuries we see most often—and each one can have a lasting impact on work, mobility, and everyday life.
Fractures and Orthopaedic Injuries
Collarbone fractures are especially common in bike accidents, as are broken wrists, elbows, and ribs. Many of these result from being thrown over the handlebars or hitting the ground hard after swerving or being clipped. In some cases, surgery or long-term physiotherapy is needed to restore full movement.
Head and Brain Injuries
Even if you were wearing a helmet, a knock to the head can cause serious damage. Concussions, facial trauma, and dental injuries are frequently reported—particularly in cases involving sudden impact or loss of control. In more severe cases, cyclists may suffer traumatic brain injury, with long-term effects on memory, focus, or personality.
Spinal and Nerve Trauma
Falls or side impacts can lead to spinal disc damage, sciatica, or nerve compression—especially in the lower back or neck. These conditions often emerge gradually, but they can limit movement, cause chronic pain, and keep you off work for months.
Facial and Dental Injuries
The face and mouth are exposed when a cyclist lands face-first—resulting in chipped or broken teeth, fractured jaws, or deep cuts. These injuries often require dental reconstruction, surgery, or plastic surgery, particularly in higher-speed crashes.
Psychological Effects
Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of a cycling accident. It’s common for injured cyclists to report anxiety about getting back on the road, panic attacks near traffic, or disturbed sleep. These effects are very real, and they can be included in your claim when properly documented.
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries—or you’re still unsure how serious your symptoms might be—it’s worth speaking with a solicitor. We’ll help make sure nothing is overlooked.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Ireland
In the moments after a cycling accident, it can be hard to know what to do—especially if you’re in shock or injured. But the steps you take, even in the hours and days that follow, can make a big difference. They not only protect your health but help build a stronger legal case if you decide to bring a claim later on.
Here’s what we advise if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident anywhere in Dublin or beyond.
Prioritise Your Safety and Medical Needs
If you’re seriously injured, don’t move—wait for emergency services. If your injuries seem minor, it’s still important to get checked by a GP or visit your nearest A&E (e.g. Tallaght University Hospital). Concussions, back injuries, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms straight away.
Early medical attention creates an official record of your injuries, which can be vital in any legal case down the line.
Report the Accident to the Gardaí
Even if the accident seems straightforward or the other party apologised at the scene, it’s essential to report it to the Gardaí. If they didn’t attend the accident, call into your local station (such as Tallaght Garda Station) as soon as possible to file a report.
For serious incidents or those involving an uninsured driver or a hit and run, the Garda report becomes a key piece of supporting evidence.
Gather Information at the Scene—If You Can
If you’re able, collect:
- Names and contact details of the driver and any witnesses
- Vehicle registration number and insurer details
- Photos of the scene, your injuries, road markings, signs, and bicycle damage
- Weather and lighting conditions—these often matter in proving liability
Don’t worry if you couldn’t do this at the time—we’ll help track down details later if needed.
Start a Journal and Keep Receipts
In the days and weeks after the accident:
- Write down how you’re feeling physically and mentally
- Record time off work, missed appointments, and disruption to daily life
- Keep all receipts for taxis, medical care, prescriptions, or replacement gear
These details help paint a full picture of how the accident affected you, which matters when calculating compensation.
Most people don’t gather all of this perfectly—and that’s okay. We’ll guide you through what you have and help fill in any gaps.
Request CCTV or Dashcam Footage
Shops, buses, and homes nearby may have footage. CCTV is often only stored for a few days, so act quickly. If we’re acting for you, we can issue formal requests to secure video evidence before it’s deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will not wearing a helmet affect my claim?
No law in Ireland requires cyclists to wear helmets. If you weren’t wearing one, you can still make a claim. However, if a helmet would clearly have reduced the severity of your injury, the insurer may argue for a small deduction. We’ll fight to make sure you’re not unfairly blamed.
My bike didn’t have lights—does that impact my case?
Possibly, but it won’t prevent you from claiming. If your accident happened in low light and you weren’t using lights or reflectors, the other party may claim visibility was a factor. That could reduce your compensation slightly, but it doesn’t cancel out your right to recover damages.
What if the other side says I caused the accident?
This happens often. Maybe you didn’t signal clearly, or swerved unexpectedly—but that doesn’t mean you’re fully to blame. Irish law allows for contributory negligence, where fault is shared. Even if you’re partly responsible, you may still receive compensation. We’ll work to minimise any reduction in your award.
I was working when the accident happened. Can I still claim?
Yes. If you were cycling as part of your job—like a delivery rider—you may have a claim against a third party or even your employer. If your employer failed to provide proper safety measures or equipment, they may be legally responsible. We handle both work-related and public road claims.
The crash happened because of a fault with my bike—can I claim?
You can. If the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect or faulty part (like brake failure or frame collapse), you may have a product liability claim against the maker or seller. These cases require evidence, but they’re fully valid under Irish law.
Am I legally allowed to use bus lanes on a bike?
Yes. Cyclists are permitted in bus lanes unless signage says otherwise. You have the same road rights as any other vehicle when riding lawfully. If you’re injured while cycling in a bus or cycle lane, you’re fully protected by Irish road safety regulations.
What if the driver had no insurance or left the scene?
Claims involving uninsured or untraced drivers are handled through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). Whether it’s a hit and run or an unregistered vehicle, you still have a legal route to seek compensation. We’ve handled many such cases successfully.
How does contributory negligence really work in bike claims?
If fault is shared, your compensation is reduced based on your share of responsibility. For example, if you’re found 25% to blame, you’d receive 75% of the calculated award. We work hard to ensure blame isn’t exaggerated and that your contribution is assessed fairly.
Contact John O'Leary Solicitors LLP
If you’ve been injured while cycling—whether on a busy road, in a cycle lane, or during your commute—our team at John O’Leary Solicitors LLP is here to help. With over 20 years of experience supporting clients across Tallaght and Dublin, we’ll guide you clearly and calmly. Contact us today to speak directly with a solicitor and take the first step toward your claim.