As one of Blanchardstown's most established personal injury solicitors, we often deal with cases involving road traffic accidents. On Irish roads, car accidents, unfortunately, remain quite common. Therefore our expert team of solicitors frequently get asked questions about car accidents. For the convenience of clients, we have compiled some of the most common questions below. However, the below is simply for research purposes and is in no way a substitute for legal or medical advice. If you've been involved in a road traffic accident, please get in touch with us directly, and we can explain where you stand regarding claiming compensation.
What to do after a car accident that wasn't your fault in Ireland?
If you were involved in a car accident that wasn't your fault in Ireland, it's essential to follow specific steps to ensure your safety.
Check for injuries: Call for medical assistance immediately if anyone in the accident is injured.
Call the Gardaí: The Gardaí should be called to the accident scene. If the Gardaí do not attend the scene, you should make a report at the nearest Garda station as soon as possible.
Exchange information: If the other driver was at fault, exchange contact and insurance information with them.
Take pictures: Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area.
Report the accident: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of who was at fault.
Get witness information: If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information.
Seek medical attention: If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep a record of all medical expenses related to the accident.
Keep a record of expenses: Keep a record of all costs related to the accident, such as repairs to your vehicle, medical bills, and lost wages if you had to take time off work.
Are car accidents common in Ireland?
Yes, car accidents are relatively common in Ireland. According to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland, there are around 100 road deaths each year and thousands of people are injured in road accidents. Ireland's leading causes of car accidents include speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
However, it's worth noting that road safety has improved in Ireland in recent years, and the number of road deaths has decreased due to stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Despite these improvements, however, it's still crucial for all drivers to exercise caution and follow road rules to minimise the risk of accidents.
In Ireland, do all car accident claims go through the PIAB?
Not all car accident claims in Ireland go through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). The PIAB is an independent government body that was established to provide a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional court proceedings for personal injury claims.
Under Irish law, most personal injury claims, including car accident claims, must go through the PIAB process before they can be heard in court. The exception to this rule is if the parties agree to bypass the PIAB process or if the case involves exceptional circumstances.
If a car accident claim is eligible for the PIAB process, the claimant (the person making a claim) will need to complete a PIAB application form and submit it to the board. The PIAB will then assess the claim and make a recommendation for compensation. If both parties agree with the recommendation, the case can be settled without going to court.
However, if either party is dissatisfied with the PIAB recommendation, they can reject it and proceed to court. In this case, the traditional court process will apply, and the length of time it takes for the case to be heard and resolved can be significantly longer than if the case had gone through the PIAB process.
As stated in the opening paragraph, the above should be seen as research only and does not stand in for personalised legal or medical information. Our car accident solicitors are available to discuss the intricacies of your accident. Please call our Blanchardstown legal offices today to schedule a consultation.
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