Claim process
1. Contact our solicitors
Our public transport accident solicitors can advise you on your legal rights and guide you through the claims process.
Many people choose to instruct a solicitor to assist with gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and ensuring the claim progresses correctly.
2. Application to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)
Most public transport accident claims in Ireland must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) before court proceedings can be commenced.
Examples of claims that may be submitted to the IRB include:
- Workplace injury claims
- Road traffic accident claims
- Public transport accident claims
- Accidents in public places
Certain categories of claims, including medical negligence claims, are exempt from the IRB process.
3. Gathering supporting evidence
Your solicitor will obtain the evidence required to support your claim, which may include:
- Medical reports
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- CCTV footage where available
- Evidence of financial losses and expenses
Additional expert evidence may be obtained where necessary.
4. Notification to the respondent
Once the application has been submitted, the Injuries Resolution Board will notify the respondent and provide an opportunity to consent to the assessment process.
If consent is provided, the claim will proceed through the IRB assessment process.
If consent is refused, the IRB will issue an Authorisation allowing court proceedings to be commenced.
5. Assessment and resolution
The Injuries Resolution Board will assess the claim based on the available evidence.
If both parties accept the assessment, the claim may be resolved without the need for court proceedings.
If either party rejects the assessment, the claimant may proceed with legal action in court.
The time required to resolve a public transport accident claim will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries sustained, and whether liability is disputed.
Statute of Limitations
In most cases, personal injury claims arising from a public transport accident must be brought within two years less one day from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury.
If you are under the age of 18, different rules apply.
We recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that important evidence is preserved.
To learn more about the statute of limitations for a public transport accident claim, click here.
Our team
If you have been involved in a public transport accident and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for any physical injuries, psychological injuries, and financial losses arising from the accident.
Compensation may take account of the pain and suffering caused by the injuries, the impact on your quality of life, loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses directly resulting from the accident.
Our solicitors have extensive experience advising clients involved in public transport accident claims throughout Ireland and can guide you through every stage of the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What modes of public transport are covered by a public transport accident claim in Ireland?
In Ireland, a public transport accident claim can arise from injuries sustained on buses operated by Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann, Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) train services, Luas tram services, Dublin Airport Authority shuttle services, ferry services, and private coach or tour bus operators.
The claims process and the correct defendant will differ depending on the operator involved.
Your solicitor will identify the appropriate defendant and advise on the correct claims route based on the circumstances of your accident.
Does an accident on the Luas tram network follow the same legal process as a bus accident claim?
In Ireland, an injury sustained on the Luas tram network may give rise to a personal injury claim in much the same way as a bus accident claim, with the claim generally brought against the tram operator.
Most Luas accident claims must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), subject to the same exemptions that apply to other personal injury claims, including medical negligence claims and certain other categories of claim.
The Luas operator is required to maintain appropriate liability insurance as part of its operation of the service. Your solicitor will identify the correct defendant and initiate the claims process on your behalf.
Who is the correct defendant if I am injured on an Irish Rail train service?
In Ireland, where a passenger is injured on an Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) service, the defendant may be Iarnród Éireann itself, another passenger, or another third party, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
In some cases, liability may be shared between the rail operator and another party.
Your solicitor will identify the appropriate defendant and advise on the evidence required to support your claim.
What evidence should I collect immediately after a public transport accident in Ireland?
The evidence most useful to a public transport accident claim may include:
- The date, time, and route of the service involved
- The driver’s name or operator reference number where available
- The registration or service number of the vehicle
- Photographs of the scene, injuries, and any defect contributing to the accident
- Contact details of any witnesses
- Details of any report made to the operator or driver
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible and retain copies of all medical records, receipts, and correspondence relating to the accident.
Can I claim if I was injured at a bus stop or station rather than on the vehicle itself?
Yes. An injury sustained at a bus stop, train station, tram stop, or other public transport facility may also give rise to a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances.
Where the injury was caused by a defect or unsafe condition on premises controlled by the transport operator, a claim may arise under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1995. Where the injury was caused by the negligence of another person or organisation, the claim may be brought against that party.
Your solicitor will advise on the correct defendant and the legal basis for your claim.
