Can I claim compensation for an accident in Northern Ireland?

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Northern Ireland is a popular holiday destination for UK residents, but there is sometimes confusion about what would happen in the event of an accident.

We have answered some commonly asked questions on this subject, to give you a better idea of what you can do if you are unfortunate enough to sustain an injury or be involved in a collision during your travels.

Accident in Northern Ireland

Is it possible to make a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland?

You can make a claim for an accident in Northern Ireland, provided that you were on a package holiday that was booked in England or Wales. As long as the accident was not your fault, we would pursue compensation from the holiday provider.

What accidents can I claim for?

Just about anything can go wrong when it comes to accidents, but here are some common ones that are most likely to occur:

Allergic reactions
Cuts, bruises and broken bones
Food poisoning
Injuries caused by defective equipment
Injuries on daytrips
Road traffic accidents
Trips, slips and falls

This is not an exhaustive list, and we will discuss any other injury which occurred whilst holidaying in Northern Ireland.

What if I was to blame for the accident?

If the accident was your fault, sadly you will not be able to make a claim for compensation.

My accident occurred on the road. Can I make a compensation claim?

Yes, you can. Provided that you were not the one responsible for the accident and you suffered as a result, you are eligible to make an enquiry for a road traffic accident (RTA) in Northern Ireland as a resident of the United Kingdom. Your UK car insurance also covers you when taking trips to Northern Ireland.

What evidence do I need?

Having detailed evidence of what happened can be the difference between success and failure with a compensation claim. We recommend having this information to hand where possible:

What happened and where
Photographs of injuries and anything relevant to the accident
Accident book entry (if the accident was in a hotel, shop or other public place)
The extent of your injuries – This could be a detailed description, photographs, or dates of any hospital/GP/rehabilitation appointments
Witnesses – Names, addresses and contact details
Holiday booking documentation

As well as any of the above as possible (where applicable), for road traffic accidents you will need:

Your insurance documentation and car registration number
Vehicle registration number of other parties involved
Names and contact details of other parties involved

How long do I have to make a compensation claim for an injury that occurred in Northern Ireland?

You have three years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim for an accident in Northern Ireland.

How will my compensation claim be funded?

Funding options work differently with Northern Ireland legal matters. No-win, no-fee claims are banned for cases handled in the territory. Our team will thoroughly discuss all potential fees and costs with you before you decide whether to instruct us, and there is no obligation to proceed upon enquiry.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors to handle my Northern Ireland accident claim?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd’s in-house team specialises in Personal Injury cases and has over twenty years of experience in successfully running and pursuing them.

We will ensure that we update you at every stage of your claim, and you will have a dedicated file handler from the very beginning. Being injured whilst on holiday can be distressing, and we will assist you by taking your specific needs into consideration. We will answer any questions you may have, and break down confusing legal jargon.

When you instruct us you can expect a friendly, down to earth approach together with extensive knowledge of this area of law, which will be used to achieve the maximum level of compensation possible for you.