Useful information

• Personal Injury Claim
• Road Accident Claim
• Serious Injury Claim
• Medical Negligence Claim
• Birth Injury Claim
• PIAB Application Guide
• Statute of Limitation
• No Win No Fee Guide

Road Traffic Accident Compensation in Ireland

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident in Ireland, understanding your rights and the steps to take is crucial for securing fair compensation. Whether you’re facing medical expenses, lost income, or psychological trauma, our experienced team is here to help. For a confidential consultation, please call us for free at 1800-844-104 or email [email protected] to discuss your case today.

5 steps to take after a road traffic accident in Ireland

1. Prioritise safety and seek medical attention

• Prioritise health: The first thing to do after an accident is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. Call 112 or 999 immediately for emergency medical services if anyone is injured.
• Move vehicles (If Safe): If the vehicles are causing a hazard and can be moved, relocate them to a safe area to avoid further accidents. If the cars cannot be moved, leave them in place and wait for emergency services.
• Document injuries: If you have sustained injuries, get medical attention promptly, even if they seem minor. Delaying treatment can negatively affect both your health and your claim later on.

2. Collect information at the scene

• Exchange details: You must exchange names, addresses, and insurance details with the other driver(s). It’s also important to note the vehicles’ make, model, and registration number.
• Document the accident: Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other relevant details such as traffic signs, skid marks, or weather conditions.
• Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, gather their contact details. Their statements could help prove your claim.

3. Report the incident

• Inform the Gardaí (Police): You must report the accident to the Gardaí if there are injuries, significant property damage, or the other driver is uncooperative. Reporting may not be mandatory if the damage is minimal and there are no injuries, but it is still a good idea.
• File a report: In cases where the other driver is uninsured or disputes the cause of the accident, a formal Garda report may be necessary for legal proceedings.

4. Seek legal advice

• Consult a solicitor: It’s essential to contact a solicitor experienced in personal injury claims as soon as possible. A solicitor will guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive proper compensation.
• Apply for assessment: In Ireland, compensation claims are typically assessed by the Injuries Board, which evaluates the severity of your injuries and the associated compensation. However, many claims are settled directly between the injured party’s solicitor and the negligent driver’s insurance company. A solicitor will help you navigate this process effectively.

5. Understand compensation and legal obligations

• Compensation calculation: Your compensation will depend on the injury’s severity, age, and general health before the accident. Claims can also include compensation for psychological trauma caused by the accident.
• Contributory negligence: If you are found to be partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on the degree of your responsibility for the accident. For example, if you were not wearing a seatbelt or delayed seeking medical treatment, your compensation could be reduced to reflect your contribution to the accident or your injury’s severity.

Please consult a road traffic accident solicitor to ensure your rights are protected and you are compensated fairly for your injuries, losses, and related expenses. Always consult a road traffic accident solicitor to ensure your claim is handled correctly and within the time limits the law allows.

What can be done to strengthen a possible claim?

• Take clear photographs of any visible injuries you sustained.
• Capture images of your vehicle and the accident scene, if possible.
• If you didn’t seek medical attention at the scene, visit a doctor afterwards, as injuries may become apparent later.
• Write down all the accident details as soon as you can. Even small details may play a crucial role in strengthening your case.

Am I entitled to a claim?

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. This includes both physical injuries and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Your claim will also consider any long-term effects on your quality of life and expenses incurred, including medical treatment costs and lost earnings At Coleman Legal LLP, our experienced road traffic accident solicitors are here to guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. For a confidential consultation, call us for free at 1800-844-104 or email [email protected]

Types of claim

The following are some examples of injuries that you could sustain from a road accident.

• Car Accident Claim
• Bicycle Accident Claim
• Motorcycle Accident Claim
• E-Bike / E-Scooter Accident Claim
• Taxi Accident Claim
• Bus Accident Claim
• Pedestrian Accident Claim
• Public Transport Accident Claim
• Luas Accident Claim
• Other Major Road Traffic Accident claims

Compensation amount

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, the compensation you may be entitled to is generally divided into three categories:

1. General damages

These damages compensate for non-financial losses, including physical injuries and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

2. Special damages

Special damages cover the financial costs directly linked to the accident, such as loss of earnings, travel expenses to medical appointments, and treatment-related bills

3. Material damages

Material damages address repairing or replacing personal property, such as vehicle damage resulting from the accident. At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand how traumatic a road traffic accident can be. We are here to help you navigate the claims process. For professional legal assistance and confidential consultation, call us for free at 1800-844-104 or email [email protected]. We want to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the accident date within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules apply, and we would recommend you contact our solicitors to talk about these. To learn more about the statute of limitation for a nerve damage claim, click here.

Our team

Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitors
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60
DX 112002

Contact Details

Free Phone: 1800-844-104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
Online Enquiry Form: Apply