If you were hurt as a passenger in a car, taxi or bus, you can usually claim compensation, even if the driver was a friend or family member. No upfront fees.
A passenger injury claim is a claim for compensation if you were hurt while travelling in a car, taxi, bus or other vehicle in a crash that wasn't your fault.
The claim is dealt with by the insurer of whichever driver was at fault. That could be the driver of your vehicle, the other driver, or both.
Many passengers worry about claiming against a friend or relative. The claim is dealt with and paid by their insurer, not by them personally.
You can still claim, but your compensation may be reduced if a seatbelt would have made your injuries less serious.
Three years from the date of the accident in most cases, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. For a child, the three years usually start on their 18th birthday.

Symptoms can appear later, so see a doctor and speak to a solicitor early.
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.



It's a legal claim made by someone who was hurt while riding in a car involved in an accident. Passengers are rarely at fault, so these claims are often strong.
Yes. Whether the driver at fault was someone you know or a stranger, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related losses.
The claim is usually made against the insurer of the driver who caused the accident, even if that driver is a friend or family member.
It can feel that way, but the claim goes through their insurer, not them personally. It won't affect them directly or cost them money.
Common injuries include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, head trauma, and emotional distress. Even minor crashes can lead to serious symptoms
Yes. A parent or guardian can claim on behalf of a child. The child has until their 21st birthday to make a claim if it wasn't done earlier.
You can call us, email us or fill in our free enquiry form. We'll explain your rights and your next steps, with no pressure to go ahead.
You don't have to. We deal with the insurer, arrange the medical evidence and value the claim for you, with no upfront fees.
You can claim for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, travel costs, and future treatment or therapy if needed.
You usually have 3 years from the date of the accident. For children, the 3-year period starts when they turn 18.
Most claims are settled out of court. If court is needed, we'll support and represent you throughout the process.
You can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). We'll help with that process and explain everything clearly.
Yes, though your compensation may be reduced. We'll review your case and provide honest advice.
Medical records, accident reports, and any witness statements are useful. We'll help gather everything you need.
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.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
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.
You can switch to us easily and at no extra cost. We'll take care of the handover and get your case moving again.
Yes. You can claim for injuries that occurred while you were a passenger in any vehicle, including public transport or taxis.
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