The surge in personal injury claims among pedestrians and other vulnerable road users is a critical trend shaping road safety, legal approaches to compensation, and public policy across Ireland. This blog explores why these claims are on the rise, what the data tells us about risks and injuries, who is most affected, and how individuals can seek support if they’ve been impacted.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Ireland
A personal injury occurs when someone suffers harm or illness because of another’s negligence. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering if you’re injured due to someone else’s actions.
Findings from HOMS Assist and data from the Injuries Resolution Board highlight a pressing issue. Although overall personal injury claims related to road traffic accidents have fallen in recent years, claims made by pedestrians and other vulnerable groups have notably increased.
Why Are Claims by Pedestrians and Vulnerable Users Increasing?
A Shift in Risk Profile
Between 2019 and 2024, over 76,000 motor liability claims were submitted in Ireland, totalling more than €700 million in compensation. While the total volume of claims in 2024 remains 30% lower than pre-pandemic levels, there has been a marked rise in pedestrian claims and fatalities:
- Motor liability claims increased by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023, yet pedestrian claims jumped by 15% in the same period.
- Bus user claims also rose by 16%, indicating broader vulnerability among non-motorists.
- Despite accounting for just 6% of overall motor liability claims, pedestrians made up 29% of fatal claims between 2019 and 2024.
Factors Behind the Trend
Several overlapping factors help explain this shift:
1. Return to Pre-Pandemic Activity
Traffic volumes have rebounded since COVID-19 restrictions eased, aligning with increased exposure to risk for all road users. Yet, severe and fatal collisions have outpaced the overall rise in claims, especially among pedestrians.
2. Urbanisation and Road Use Patterns
Urban areas, particularly Dublin and Limerick, account for a disproportionate number of personal injury claims. More complex traffic networks and higher levels of pedestrian activity increase the risk of incidents.
3. Road Safety and Vehicle Advances
Modern vehicles feature improved safety technology, but these advances often benefit occupants more than those outside the vehicle. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists remain physically exposed.
4. Ageing Population
Ireland’s rapidly growing population of over-65s faces higher risk when moving around urban areas. For instance:
- Adults 65+ comprise 8% of motor liability claims but 22% of fatal incidents.
- Over one-third of fatal pedestrian claims involved claimants over 65.
5. Policy and Legal Adjustments
The introduction of Personal Injuries Guidelines in 2021 led to reduced compensation for minor injuries but maintained or increased awards for more serious or complex injuries. Vulnerable users tend to suffer more severe harm; thus, their claims have become more prevalent and, on average, higher in value.
Typical Injuries Among Vulnerable Road Users
Data from the Injuries Resolution Board (2019–2024) reveals the following:
- Pedestrians: Most commonly suffer psychiatric injuries (16%), back injuries (13%), knee injuries (12%), and shoulder injuries (11%). Notably, 8% of pedestrian claims relate to severe or serious injuries, about ten times higher than for car drivers.
- Cyclists: Face a higher risk of facial injuries compared to any other group, as well as back, shoulder, and wrist injuries.
- Motorcyclists: Alongside pedestrians, motorcyclists are the most at risk of fatal or severe injuries. Average compensation for motorcyclists in 2024 exceeded €36,000.
Severity has trended upwards since 2022, with more moderate and serious injury cases making up 20% of assessments in 2024, an increase from 14% just two years earlier.
Who Is Most at Risk?
By Age
- Young children (0-18) and older adults (65+) are especially vulnerable as pedestrians and car passengers.
- Middle-aged adults (25-44) show the highest incident rates among drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Claim rates among individuals over 65 are slowly rising, both in real terms and as a ratio to the ageing population.
By Location
- Dublin and Limerick record more claims relative to their populations and numbers of licensed drivers, a reflection of increased pedestrian and traffic activity.
By User Type
- Pedestrians: A disproportionately high share of fatal and severe injury claims, with the injury pattern and compensation reflecting the severity of outcomes.
- Cyclists and Motorcyclists: Moderate to high rates of severe injuries and correspondingly higher compensation on average.
Compensation Trends for Vulnerable Road Users
Analysis of compensation awards reveals a stark divide between vulnerable and less vulnerable groups.
- Car drivers and passengers received average awards in 2024 of €16,038 and €13,540, respectively.
- Pedestrians: €33,576 on average.
- Cyclists: €26,788 on average.
- Motorcyclists: €36,389 on average.
Severe injuries or fatalities drive these higher compensation levels, with award values rising across all vulnerable user groups despite the reduction in minor claims due to the guidelines introduced in 2021.
What Steps Should Vulnerable Road Users Take After an Accident?
Immediate Actions
- Notify the Gardaí and call emergency services.
- Swap insurance and contact details with any parties involved; get information from witnesses.
- Take photographs of the scene.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first.
- Contact an experienced personal injury solicitor to guide you through the process.
The Claims Process
- Most claims begin via the Injuries Resolution Board, which assesses liability and proposes compensation.
- If you or the other party do not accept the assessment, the next step is court proceedings.
- Legal guidance ensures every aspect of your case (e.g. medical reports, evidence gathering) is handled comprehensively.
For detailed advice, visit HOMS Assist’s road traffic accident claims guide.
Understanding Damages
Damages in personal injury claims typically cover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost earnings (including future loss)
- Pain and suffering
- Special expenses, such as home adaptations or mobility aids
Compensation levels reflect both the extent of your injuries and the impact on quality of life.
Supporting Safer Streets and Stronger Claims
The spike in personal injury claims by vulnerable road users sends a clear message to policymakers, city planners, and insurers. Safer infrastructure, more robust driver education, and careful attention to pedestrian and cyclist safety remain essential.
At the same time, anyone injured through negligence must know their rights and the best pathways for seeking fair compensation.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be daunting, especially for those most at risk. Knowing that there is a structured, transparent process for personal injury claims provides vital reassurance. The rise in claims among pedestrians and other vulnerable road users is a call to better protect those at the sharpest end of road risk and to support them when incidents do occur.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by a road traffic accident as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist, expert legal support is only a call away. At HOMS Assist, you’ll find compassionate, experienced professionals ready to fight for what’s right and help you restore the balance.
Start the process or get tailored advice by reaching out today.
