If you were hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault while driving or riding in a hire car, you can usually claim compensation, with no upfront fees.
It's a claim for injuries or losses from an accident in a hire or rental car that wasn't your fault. Being in a hire car doesn't change your right to claim.
Usually the insurer of the driver who caused the accident. If they had no insurance or drove off, the Motor Insurers' Bureau deals with the claim. Our hit and run claims page explains how.
Report the accident to the hire company straight away, even if it wasn't your fault. Your rental agreement will set out what you must do. Keep a copy of it.
If a fault with the hire car caused the accident, such as worn tyres or failed brakes, the hire company may be responsible. We'll look into how the car was maintained.
Most injury claims must be started within three years of the accident, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. If the crash injured anyone, it must be reported to the PSNI.

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 100% of 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.



A claim for injuries or losses that happened while driving a rental or hire car. We help you get compensated if the accident wasn't your fault.
Yes. Being in a hire vehicle doesn't affect your right to compensation if the other driver was at fault.
The at-fault driver's insurance should cover your injury claim. If they're unknown or uninsured, we'll explain other options available to you.
Yes. You should report the accident to the hire company, even if it wasn't your fault. We can also help manage any complications.
If the accident was caused by a mechanical fault, the rental company may be liable. We'll help investigate and advise you.
Just contact us. Call, email, or fill in our free enquiry form. We'll talk through your case with no obligation to proceed.
Most claims are settled outside court. If needed, we'll represent you and handle everything.
Yes. These are common in hire car accidents and valid reasons for compensation.
You usually have 3 years from the date of the accident. We'll confirm if your case is still within the time limit.
If you were partly or fully at fault, compensation may be limited or unavailable. We'll assess your case and offer honest advice.
Yes. Passengers have the same right to claim as drivers.
No. There are no upfront fees. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs. If it doesn't, our legal insurance covers the costs.
It depends on your injuries and financial losses. After reviewing your case, we'll give a clear estimate.
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.
Seek medical help, contact the rental company, take photos, and get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Yes. We'll help you collect medical reports, accident photos, and rental documents.
Yes. If you're not satisfied, we make switching simple and free.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
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 Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group specialises in legal services relating to Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.
Contact us today to arrange your FREE initial consultation relating to any of the above matters.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm