An enjoyable, healthy, environmentally friendly and cost effective way to travel, cycling has seen a huge resurgence over the last number of years and has never before been a more popular way to travel in Ireland than it is today. Whether you cycle for pleasure, fitness, because you’re environmentally-conscious or simply because it’s the quickest way to get to and from work, as a cyclist, you are a particularly vulnerable road user.

This is made worse by the fact that when cycle accidents occur, the injuries sustained are often serious and complex – the effects of which can last for months, years or even the rest of your life. Medical bills can pile up quickly, time off work can affect your income, and the injuries themselves can reduce your quality of life. That’s why, if you have been injured in a cycle accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation – giving you the best chance to recover from whatever injury you have sustained.

At Crimmins Howard, our team of expert cycle accident solicitors will do everything we can to make the process run as smoothly as possible. We’ll listen to your story, provide you with practical legal advice and draw upon every possible resource we can to make sure that the injuries you’ve suffered aren’t ignored. We’re here to make the experience as straight forward as possible.

Cycle accidents involving other road users

Cyclists are particularly exposed to the actions and manoeuvres taken by motorists – be they on motorbikes or in cars, vans, HGVs or other large vehicles. Cyclists are also vulnerable to pedestrians who don’t take sufficient care before stepping out onto roads. Following these very simple steps after cycle accident can help ensure that you are in the best possible position to initiate a claim, should you later decide to do so:

Step 1 – Seek Medical Attention
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The first step in any cycle accident is to check to see if you or and anybody else involved in the accident needs medical attention. Even if you feel medical attention is not immediately required at the scene, we advise that you visit your doctor as soon as possible following an accident to ensure that there are no threats to your health that you may not have noticed.
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Step 2 – Call the Gardaí

Regardless of how minor or serious the cycle accident is, you should always call the Gardaí – especially if it involves a motorist. If you decide not to call them or they decide it is not serious enough for them to attend, it is important that you visit your nearest Garda station as soon possible and request that they take your statement about the accident and provide them with any details they require. If the Gardaí have been called, remain there until they arrive.

Step 3 – Gather Information

Regardless of whether or not the Gardaí arrive, if you are able and it is safe for you to do so, collect all the relevant information in connection with your cycle accident, such as:

• Date and time of the accident.
• Location of the accident.
• Registration number of the other vehicle(s).
• Insurance information of the other vehicle(s).
• Name and address of the other driver(s) / people involved.
• Name of any Gardaí that arrive at the scene.
• Contact details of any witnesses to the accident.

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Please note: if you are the victim of a hit and run and are unable to collect this information, we can still take a claim on your behalf.

Step 4 – Take Photos

Taking pictures of the scene from different angles can help your solicitor and other people working on your case understand how and why the accident happened.

Step 5 – Contact a Solicitor

If you have suffered an injury due to a cycle accident, seeking the advice of a professional and experienced cycle accident solicitor is in your best interests. They will organise medical appointments, submit the relevant applications, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and represent your interests if your case ever goes to court.

Other cycle accidents
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Not only must cyclists navigate the dangers of busy roads and unobservant motorists, but poor road conditions, blocked cycle lanes, potholes, broken tarmac, oil spillages, faulty bicycle components, poorly manufactured helmets, and inadequate bicycle repairs are just a few of the other challenges that cyclists face on a daily basis. If you have suffered an injury as a result of any of these, you may also be entitled to compensation.

You can rest assured that our team of expert cycle accident solicitors have experience handling all types of cycle claims involving all kinds of injuries.

Time limit
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If you have been injured in a cycle accident, it’s important that you act quickly and initiate your claim as soon as possible. Generally speaking, you must initiate your claim within 2 years from the date of your accident.

Get in touch

Although it’s important that you act quickly, it’s just as important for you choose a firm that has a proven track record in taking and winning cycle accident cases. We are that firm. With Crimmins Howard, you can be certain that from day one we will dedicate our time and resources to help get you back on track.

So, if you’ve been involved in a cycle accident, or have suffered any other injury (through no fault of your own), call Crimmins Howard for a free, no obligation consultation.