Kearney Law Group

Injured in a car or road accident in Northern Ireland?

No Upfront Fees Required

If you were hurt in a crash that wasn't your fault, you can usually claim compensation for your injuries and your losses. Our solicitors in Belfast and Derry handle car accident claims across Northern Ireland.
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  • No upfront fees required
  • Protected from legal costs if you lose
  • Keep 100% of your compensation if you win
No Win No Fee explained

Types of road accident claims we handle

We deal with all kinds of road traffic accidents across Northern Ireland. Below are the most common types of car accident claims we help with:

Northern Ireland guide

Making a car accident claim in Northern Ireland

The rules that apply to car accident claims here, and what to do after a crash.

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Can I claim after a car accident in Northern Ireland?

Yes, if someone else was at fault, even partly. That includes drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians hurt by a vehicle.

The claim is dealt with and paid by the other driver's insurer, not by the driver personally. If you were partly to blame, you can still claim, but your compensation may be reduced.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Three years. In Northern Ireland the time limit for a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first knew your injury was serious enough to claim for and who caused it. This is set by the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

For a child, the three years usually start on their 18th birthday. A court can allow a late claim in some cases, but it's safer not to rely on that.

How is compensation worked out in Northern Ireland?

Compensation for the injury itself is guided by the Green Book, the judges' guidelines for Northern Ireland. The sixth edition has applied since 8 April 2024.

On top of that, you can claim back your losses: lost earnings, treatment, travel, care from family, and damage to your car and belongings. Keep receipts from the start.

Do the whiplash changes in England and Wales apply here?

No. The fixed whiplash payments and online claims portal introduced in England and Wales in May 2021 apply only there. Whiplash claims in Northern Ireland are still assessed under the Green Book.

What if the other driver was uninsured or drove off?

You can still claim. The Motor Insurers' Bureau compensates people hurt by uninsured and untraced drivers in Northern Ireland, under agreements renewed in December 2023.

These claims have strict steps and deadlines of their own, including reporting the crash to the police, so it helps to get advice early.

What should I do after a crash?

  1. Make sure everyone is safe and get medical help if anyone is hurt.
  2. If anyone was injured, the crash must be reported to the PSNI as soon as you reasonably can.
  3. Swap names, addresses and insurance details with the other driver.
  4. Take photos of the vehicles, the road and your injuries, and note any witnesses.
  5. See your GP or go to A&E, even if the pain seems minor at first.
  6. Speak to a solicitor before you accept any offer from an insurer.

Who will handle my claim?

Road traffic claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney, who works on road traffic claims from first contact onwards.

How it works

How a claim works

We know that starting a legal claim can feel overwhelming but we make the process as easy as possible for you. Here's how it works from start to finish:
1

Get in Touch for a Free Consultation

You can call us, email us, or fill out our online form, whatever is easiest for you.

One of our friendly team members will speak with you to understand what happened and answer any questions you have. This first chat is completely free, and there's no pressure to move forward.

2

We Look at Your Case

If we think you have a good case, we'll explain everything clearly and let you know what the next steps are. We'll give you honest advice, so you know exactly where you stand and what to expect.

3

We Handle Everything for You

Once you decide to go ahead, we'll take care of the whole process. That includes all the paperwork, phone calls, and dealing with insurance companies. You can focus on getting better while we deal with your claim.

4

You Receive 100% of Your Compensation

If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.

Why choose Kearney Law Group for your road accident claim?

You pay nothing to start your claim and nothing while it runs.

We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.

If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 1000f your compensation.

Our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed.

We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.

Road traffic claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney.

We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.

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Looking for no win, no fee solicitors in Northern Ireland?

There are no upfront fees when you claim with Kearney Law Group.

No win, no fee agreements are not permitted in Northern Ireland. Instead, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim does not succeed. If it succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
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What our clients say

We're proud of our results, but we're even prouder of the people we help.
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Start your free enquiry

If you've been injured and are unsure whether you can make a claim, we're here to help. Our team can review your situation and explain your options clearly.

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FAQS

Car and road accident claims in Northern Ireland FAQs

It's a legal way to get compensation if you were injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault. You may be able to claim for your pain, lost income, medical bills, and more.

It's easy to get started. Just call us or fill out our enquiry form online. We'll give you free advice and tell you what to do next, no pressure, no upfront cost.

Yes, even if the driver was a friend or family member. The claim goes to the insurance company, not the individual.

Yes. Hit-and-run claims can still be made through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. We'll guide you through every step.

You can still make a claim. We deal with special insurance channels to help you get compensated even if the other driver had no cover.

You can claim for all types of injuries, from whiplash and bruises to serious issues like broken bones or head injuries.

 You can claim for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Time off work
  • Car repairs or replacement
  • Travel costs
  • Ongoing treatment or rehab

You have up to 3 years from the date of the accident. For children, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday.

Probably not. Most car accident claims are settled without going to court. If a hearing is needed, we'll support and represent you.

It depends on your injury and how it's affected your life. We'll give you a clear idea after we learn more about your case.

Every claim is different. Some settle in a few months, while others may take longer. We'll keep you informed along the way.

Nothing. We don't charge anything upfront. You can start your claim today without paying out of pocket.

Yes. If your claim succeeds, you'll receive 100% of your compensation, with no deductions from your payout.

No win, no fee agreements aren't permitted in Northern Ireland. Instead there are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.

Yes. We'll help arrange a medical assessment to support your claim. If you've already seen a doctor, bring those records too.

Yes, you can claim for a child or for someone who is unable to claim themselves due to illness or injury.

You might still be able to claim. The amount could be reduced, but we'll let you know your chances after a quick review.

It's not required, but it helps a lot. Our team can handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and legal steps while you focus on recovery.

Yes. You may still be entitled to a separate personal injury claim. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.

Kearney Law Group
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