By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated 30th November 2021. Welcome to our guide on claiming for a car accident in Ireland.
Car accident in Republic of Ireland claims guide
The Republic of Ireland (R.O.I) may be a popular travel destination for many UK residents, it is close-by and has much to offer holiday makers. People may also choose to travel there for work, or study, and may stay for varying lengths of time. This guide is set to provide information for travellers to the Republic of Ireland who may have experienced a car accident in the Republic of Ireland.
According to these statistics from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland, in 2019 there were 136 fatal collisions in Ireland causing 147 road deaths. In 2015 there were a total of 8,002 of all casualties on Irish roads, and this included road users of all types, such as pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers of different vehicles. These Ireland road traffic accident statistics also show that there was an increase in fatalities of 6 from the previous year.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident in Cork, Galway, Dublin or even a car accident in Limerick, if the accident injured you and was not your fault, you may be able to make a claim. In this guide we aim to provide all the information UK travellers to Ireland may need if you are considering making a claim for car crash compensation. Some common questions you may ask could include:
- What to do if I am in a car accident in the Republic of Ireland?
- What to do before driving in Republic of Ireland?
- Can I claim for an Ireland car rental accident?
- How do I start a claim for a car accident or crash in Ireland?
- What are the common amounts for Republic of Ireland car accident compensation?
Read on through this guide for more information on making a claim for injuries caused in a Republic of Ireland road accident that was not your fault. If you have any further questions our friendly advisors are ready and waiting to take you call. Contact us today on 0800 073 8801 or alternatively, you can use our online contact form to have us contact you at a time of your choosing.
Select A Section
- A Guide To Claims For Car Accidents In The Republic Of Ireland
- What Are The Largest Towns And Cities In Ireland
- What Do You Have To Do Before Driving In The Republic Of Ireland?
- Why Do You Need To Have Travel Insurance And Driving Insurance?
- What To Do After A Car Accident In The Republic Of Ireland
- Emergency Help And Assistance In The Republic Of Ireland
- How To Pay For Emergency Medical Treatment In The Republic Of Ireland
- How To Report Your Traffic Accident To The Police And Insurance Company
- Rental Car Accidents In The Republic Of Ireland
- Could You Claim For Whiplash After A Car Accident In Ireland?
- Do I Need To Use A Solicitor In Ireland For My Claim?
- Time Limits For Claiming Compensation After A Car Accident The Republic Of Ireland
- Republic Of Ireland Compensation Calculator
- No Win No Fee Claims For Car Accident In The Republic Of Ireland
- How Could Accident Claims UK Help You After A Car Accident Abroad
- Start Your Claim For A Car Accident In The Republic Of Ireland Today
- Essential Information For Tourists To Ireland
A Guide To Claims For Car Accidents In The Republic Of Ireland
About 3 million British citizens visit Ireland each year, and the reasons can vary from person to person. You could be on holiday, on a business trip, going for a city break, to catch a concert etc. and not have any issues. For some however, they may be unfortunate enough to encounter a car accident in the Republic of Ireland. To be eligible for personal injury compensation in the Republic of Ireland, you must be able to establish that a third party was liable for your accident and that your injuries were caused by the accident. If this is the case for you, then a personal injury solicitor could help you claim the compensation you may be entitled to.
In this guide we will provide information on the process of making a claim, as well as some useful information on what to do in Ireland as a tourist if you have a car accident. You will also find sections that outline different aspects of Irish law that may affect your claim, such as time limits, as well as a compensation calculator which may provide a basic idea of the amounts awarded for personal injury claims in Ireland.
If you cannot find what you are looking for here, we have another article here that discusses other kinds of Ireland holiday accident claims for injuries in Ireland. If you have any other questions, or need further clarification, reach out to our advisors today by using our contact details at the top and bottom of this article.
What Are The Largest Towns And Cities In Ireland?
Here is a list of some of the biggest towns and cities in Ireland:
- Dublin
- Cork
- Galway
- Limerick
- Waterford
- Drogheda
- Kilkenny
- Sligo
- Clonmel
- Dundalk
There are many other towns in R.O.I, but these are among the largest.
What Do You Have To Do Before Driving In The Republic Of Ireland?
When you are travelling through Ireland by road, there are some things that you should have with you and in your car at all times. These include:
- Valid UK driving licence
- You are expected to have a GB sticker on the back of your car if your licence plate does not have the EU flag on it
- You must also have proof of insurance
There are other items that you may wish to have in your vehicle, which are not compulsory, but may be important in the event of a breakdown or car accident in the Republic of Ireland.
- Spare bulbs for head lights
- High visibility vests and reflective triangles to display on the road if you have to stop and get out
- A first aid kit and fire extinguisher in case of a vehicle collision
- Flashlights or torches in case you need to stop in the dark
Why Do You Need To Have Travel Insurance And Driving Insurance?
As with any holiday, there is the potential to run into trouble of some kind. Be it an illness or an injury, it is always a good idea to have yourself protected with adequate insurance. Car insurance may be used to protect you in the event of a car accident in Republic of Ireland, and travel insurance would help cover your medical costs in the event of an injury or illness that requires medical attention.
In Ireland it is legally required for you to have adequate vehicle insurance while driving on Irish roads, and it must either be in your name, or you must be a named driver on another policy and the vehicle you are driving is also insured. Even rental cars are expected to be covered by adequate insurance, and this will usually be put in place by the company you book with.
What To Do After A Car Accident In The Republic Of Ireland
You may be wondering what to do after a car accident in the Republic of Ireland, so we have included this section which outlines a process of things to do if you have been involved in a road traffic accident. Of course, these come after you have notified the relevant services in the event of an emergency, and the following should be completed where possible.
- Report the road accident to a member of the Garda Síochána, Irish police.
- When a Garda is present, they will collect information such as the details of you, any other road users involved, and any witnesses that were present. You should also keep a copy of this information, which should include contact details for all people involved, the vehicles registrations, and motor insurance information.
- Take photos of the accident, especially before the vehicles are moved.
- Keep a log of the entire incident where possible, recording every detail you remember, as well as the exact time and date.
- Always seek medical attention.
A lot of this information you gather from the accident, such as photos, driver and witness details, etc. is information that is commonly used by a personal injury lawyer handling Ireland car accident claims. If you have any further questions on what information you should collect to help support your claim, contact us today.
Emergency Help And Assistance In The Republic Of Ireland
If you are involved in a car accident in Republic of Ireland, there are two numbers that you can call if you need emergency assistance. These numbers are 122 or 999, and both can be used to get connected to all emergency services, such as fire brigade, ambulance, coastguard, police, etc.
How To Pay For Emergency Medical Treatment In The Republic Of Ireland
It may be possible to use your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to treat injuries you may have developed from a car accident in the R.O.I. The GHIC only covers certain treatments however, and after the UK leaves the EU it may not be valid anymore, depending on the conditions under which Brexit takes places.
Due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) that exists between the UK and Ireland, British citizens will be able to avail of health care in the same way many Irish citizens are if they are living there long term. However, for short stays it is recommended that you take out travel insurance as an adequate policy would ensure you are covered for whatever treatment you may need.
How To Report Your Traffic Accident To The Police And Insurance Company
If you have a car accident in the Republic of Ireland it may be important to report that the incident occurred. The first should be to report that it happened to local Garda, and in more serious cases they should be present at the scene to take details and the information as outlined above if there are any injuries or disputes in liability.
The next should be to report the accident to your insurers, or indeed the rental car company you are renting from, if applicable. In this way, insurers are aware that an accident has occurred, and the relevant steps can be taken.
Reporting the accident can be important, as your insurance provider will collect details of the accident, which will be important in having an official record that the accident happened, and reporting it to the Garda may also help support your case if the other driver does not agree with your version of events.
Rental Car Accidents In The Republic Of Ireland
As mentioned above, if you are in a rental car accident in the Republic of Ireland then you will have to report it to the rental car company you rented it from. This is because they will need to take steps with their insurers, as well as take steps towards replacing the vehicle for you, this may only be necessary if the accident was not your fault. If you need any further information on what to do after an Ireland car crash in a rental car, contact us today.
Could You Claim For Whiplash After A Car Accident In Ireland?
Whiplash is an injury that could be caused by a vehicle collision, and if you develop it because of a car accident that was not your fault, then you may be able to make a claim. Whiplash can result in soft tissue injuries to the neck, shoulders and the top of the spine, and in more severe cases it can be accompanied by serious complications.
Whiplash may not show itself immediately and can take several hours before initial symptoms present themselves. It is recommended that if you suspect you may have whiplash that you seek medical attention, as even more serious complications may not arise immediately. This would be good for your health but can also be used in support of your claim, as the medical report generated by the doctor would outline how serious your injuries were.
Do I Need To Use A Solicitor In Ireland For My Claim?
With regards to personal injury claims in Ireland for UK victims, depending on the circumstances of the car accident a UK based solicitor may be able to help you. For example, if you are renting a car as part of a package holiday booked in the UK by a UK tour operator and there was a fault with the car that resulted in an accident, then your injury claim could be handled under UK law by a UK based solicitor. In other cases, where you have privately arranged your transport, and been injured in an accident that was not your fault, call our advisors to see if we would be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation.
Contact us today if you are thinking of making a personal injury compensation claim for an accident in Ireland, and with the details of your situation we could tell you about how your claim might proceed.
Time Limits For Claiming Compensation After A Car Accident The Republic Of Ireland
There is a personal injury claims time limit that applies to most cases, and the time limit for claiming car accident compensation in Ireland is different from that in the UK. The circumstances of every case also make the time limits vary, and some cases can have exceptions or extensions depending on the situation. Below we have included a small table comparing the different limits applied to certain car injury claims.
| Details of the accident or injury | Limitation period |
|---|---|
| Injuries in Ireland after being in a car accident in a private vehicle | 2 years, but this can vary from case to case |
| Injuries in Ireland after an accident caused by a fault in a rental car booked as part of a package holiday with a UK based provider. | 3 years |
Republic Of Ireland Compensation Calculator
Below we have included a personal injury claims calculator that contains figures based on the possible awarded personal injury compensation for an accident in the Republic of Ireland that resulted in different injuries of varying severity. The amounts listed below are from the Book of Quantum and are only indicative. Any compensation awarded is based heavily on the severity of your injuries, and how it impacts your life.
| Injuries | Severity | Comment on Severity | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concussion | Moderate | This included injuries with symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches and loss of consciousness for les that 24 hours. | €19,000 to €35,200 |
| Skull Fracture | Severe and Permanent | This injury will accompany a loss of consciousness and will vary depending on impairment of awareness of surroundings, personality, and behaviour. There may also be a greater risk of epilepsy as a result. | €87,400 to €144,000 |
| Whiplash/Soft Tissue Damage in the Neck | Moderate | This bracket covers whiplash and soft tissue injuries to the neck that take an extended period of time to recover. This bracket also covers the exacerbation of existing injuries. | €20,400 to €30,200 |
| Back/Vertebra Fracture | Minor | This bracket can include fractures of varying severity, and mainly covers simple fractures to single vertebrae that are expected to recover without issue. | €32,500 to €63,300 |
| Clavicle/Collarbone Fracture | Can Vary | This bracket allows for a wide variety of possible issues with a fractured collarbone. This is due to the nature of the injury being known not to heal successfully or without issue, and the amount awarded will reflect the severity and any persisting symptoms. | €22,100 to €44,000 |
| Forearm Fracture | Moderately Severe | This bracket includes fractures to the ulna and radius bones of the forearm and include fractures that interfere with the elbow or wrist joints that have persisting stiffness and pain. | €39,200 to €81,700 |
| Wrist Soft Tissue Damage | Severe or Permanent | This bracket covers soft tissue damage, the symptoms of which are akin to bone fractures. This includes complete severing of the ligaments which significantly impairs use and movement, and causes severe pain, bruising and swelling. | €41,200 to €67,500 |
| Pelvis/Hip Fractures | Severe or Permanent | This bracket involves multiple fractures to the pelvis and hip, resulting in damage to the bladder, and require extensive surgery that causes further complications with arthritis in the hip and impairing the ability to walk. | €79,300 to €94,800 |
| Lower Leg Fractures | Minor | This bracket covers fractures to either the fibula or tibia bones that make up the lower leg. These fractures will usually be simple, do not interfere with the joints and are expected to substantially recover. | up to €49,400 |
| Ankle Fractures | Severe or Permanent | In this bracket, injuries to the ankle will include fractures to all three bones, leading to extensive corrective surgery. This also covers the increased possibility of degenerative arthritis resulting from treatment, leading to future disability in the joint. | €80,500 to €93,300 |
Under English law, solicitors generally refer to the English equivalent of the Book of Quantum which is known as the Judicial College Guidelines. If your claim is made in the UK, the figures awarded may differ from those illustrated above.
No Win No Fee Claims For Car Accidents In The Republic Of Ireland
Here at Accident Claims UK, we operate under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which is commonly known as no win no fee. A CFA essentially states that in the event your case is successful, the solicitor’s success fees are taken from the compensation amount awarded. On the other hand, if your personal injury claim is not successful, then you are not required to cover the costs for the personal legal fees of your solicitor.
If you decide to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation, contact us today to see how a no win no fee solicitor may be useful to you.
How Could Accident Claims UK Help You After A Car Accident Abroad
If you choose to contact our advisors for information on car accident claims abroad, our advisors will offer you a free consultation where you can ask as many questions as you need without any obligation. Our advisors know what specific information may be needed in support of your claim, so they will not waste your time with irrelevant questions.
We can use our experience to help you establish whether or not your circumstances qualify you for compensation.
Start Your Claim For A Car Accident In The Republic Of Ireland Today
Contact us today for more information on personal injury claims in Ireland, and for advice on where to begin if you are considering making a claim. You can reach us on 0800 073 8801, or alternatively you can use our online contact form to have us call you back at a time that suits you best.
Essential Information For Tourists To Ireland
We hope this guide has given you all the information on what to do after a car accident in Ireland. To give you more information, we have included some links below that we think you may find useful.
British Embassy Dublin
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Telephone: +353 (1) 205 3700
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dublin
Healthcare In Ireland – See this page for more information on how accessing health care in Ireland may change for British nationals after Brexit.
Motor Accidents – See this Citizens Information page from Ireland on what to do in the event of a motor accident.
Personal Injury Compensation Claims For An Accident On Holiday – See our online guide to making a claim for injuries suffered while on holiday.
Package Holiday Accident Claims Abroad – See this page for claims you can make for injuries you suffered abroad.
What types of compensation could I claim for a car accident in Ireland?
Generally, there are two types of damages you would normally receive in a compensation claim for a car accident in Ireland. The first would be general damages. These aim to compensate victims of personal injury for any pain, suffering or loss of amenity caused by their injuries. You need to attend a medical appointment to obtain an independent medical expert’s report. When you go to your appointment, the independent expert would examine you and they would probably ask you some questions about your injuries and how they affect you. They may even ask about psychological effects of such injuries. Once they have all the information they require, they could put together a medical report to evidence your injuries. Courts and lawyers could use this to hone in on an appropriate compensation payout amount for your pain and suffering.
The next type of damages we will discuss are special damages. These are designed to compensate victims of personal injury for any financial impact of their injuries. Special damages payouts could include compensation for loss of earnings, for example. They could also cover the costs of medical expenses, travel expenses and even care costs.
To find out what types of damages you could claim for, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team. We would be delighted to help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Could I claim compensation for a car accident in Ireland that hurt my child?
Sometimes, children could be injured in car accidents. Whether your child suffered injuries as a pedestrian being knocked over by a car, or they were a passenger injured in a car crash, you could make a claim for compensation on their behalf. You would need to be able to evidence that the accident your child was injured in was someone else’s fault. You so need to provide evidence of your child’s injuries, verified by an independent medical expert. When you make a claim on behalf of a child that you are responsible for, you would need to be their litigation friend. Our team would be happy to talk you through the process of becoming a litigation friend for your child. We could provide you with a no win no fee solicitor who could fight for the compensation your child deserves to. If you are considering making a claim on behalf of a child, please contact our team for dedicated support and guidance.
Could I claim compensation for a fatal car accident in Ireland?
Sadly, some people could be fatally injured in car accidents. If you have lost someone you loved in a car accident in Ireland, you may be wondering whether you could make a compensation claim. Our dedicated, professional team could help assess your case to see whether you could have a claim. Compensation for the loss of a loved one could include damages for their pain and suffering, as well as funeral expenses and even in some cases a bereavement award. We would be happy to provide you with a solicitor that could fight for the maximum compensation possible for the loss of your loved one.
Thank you for reading this guide on claiming for a car accident in Ireland.