How Andrei Won His Cyclist Injury Claim After a Car Turning Left
Andrei was cycling home from work on the South Circular Road in Dublin when a car turning left cut across his path without indicating. He hit the vehicle's side and was thrown onto the road. The impact left him with a fractured collarbone, deep cuts, and bruising. An ambulance took him to hospital where he spent two nights.
The driver insisted Andrei had come too fast and that they hadn't seen him. The gardaí attended the scene, and while they didn't issue a fixed charge, the driver's insurer initially denied liability. This meant Andrei faced a battle to recover costs for his medical treatment, lost wages while recovering, and pain and suffering.
Andrei gathered evidence: CCTV footage from nearby shops showing the car making the left turn without signalling, witness statements from two pedestrians who saw the crash, and his hospital records. With a solicitor's help, he presented this clearly to the insurer. The footage was key—it showed the car turning directly into his path without any indicator light. Within weeks, the insurer accepted full liability and settled the claim fairly.
What the Law Says
In Ireland, drivers must use indicators when turning, changing lanes, or moving across traffic. A failure to do so is a breach of the road traffic rules and can establish negligence. When a cyclist is hit by a car, the driver is often found liable if they failed to indicate, didn't check their mirrors, or turned across the cyclist's path. Cyclists have the same rights to the road as motorists. You can claim compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering if you were injured due to the driver's fault.
Time Limits for Your Claim
In Ireland, you have two years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim for a car-related injury. This is a strict deadline. If you miss it, you lose your right to claim, even if you were badly injured. If the injured person is a child, the clock starts when they turn 18. Do not wait—evidence fades, witnesses become harder to find, and memories blur. Contact a solicitor as soon as reasonably possible after the accident.