If you have been injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist you may be entitled to be compensated for your injury. One of our expert road traffic accident solicitors can help with your accident claim.
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How to make a Road Traffic Accident Claim
Being involved in a road traffic accident is extremely traumatic, but these types of accident claims are extremely common in Ireland. When you are involved in a car crash that was not your fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim for any injuries and expenses that you have incurred. These can include covering medical expenses, loss of income or repairs to damages on your car.
When you contact Ferrys Solicitors LLP Personal Injury and Accident Solicitors one of our road traffic accident solicitors will help with your claim from there.
Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims:
- Car collision
- Whiplash / back claim
- Passenger accident injury claim
- Claim against an uninsured driver
- Fatal road traffic accident claim
- Hit and run traffic accidents
- Pedestrian accident claim
- Bus accident compensation claim
- Drunk driving claim
- Pothole claim against the council
- Motorcycle accident claims
What to do in a road traffic accident?
When you have been involved in an accident, you should first, prioritise your health. Then, be sure to get the insurance details of the person or persons who caused the accident, including their name, address, contact number, insurance details, vehicle registration, make and model. Then, if necessary, photos of the accident location and vehicles.
After you have exchanged insurance and personal details, you should then report the traffic accident to the Gardaí, followed by your insurance company. Also, many people can ignore medical symptoms due to shock, so be sure to receive medical attention if needed. See below for what not to do after a road traffic accident or car crash.
FAQ
What should I not do after a car crash?
- You should never admit liability after being in a road traffic accident. Such statements can damage your chance of claiming compensation and could actually be a condition of your insurance policy.
- Don’t leave the scene of the accident until you have exchanged insurance details with the other parties involved and the Gardaí have said that you may leave.
- Don’t take the other parties at their word. If the other party says they will first move their car before coming back, you should first get their insurance details.
- Don’t make a formal statement to the Gardaí before getting legal advice. If the Gardaí ask for a statement, say you will do so at a later date, and first get legal advice.
- Assume that you cannot claim compensation because the other driver does not carry insurance, or because you do not think you have been injured.
How can I claim against an uninsured driver?
In cases where the driver at fault is not insured, claims can be taken to the Personal Injuries Board or to the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).
The MIBI is a non-profit company set up between the Irish Insurance industry and the Irish government. It is responsible for compensating people who have been involved in an accident where the person at fault is uninsured or the vehicle was unidentified. Ferrys Personal Injury Accident Solicitors can help bring your claim to the MIBI and PIAB.
What injuries can I claim for in a Road Traffic Accident?
You can claim for medical expenses, loss of earnings and damages to your vehicle. It is also common for drivers to claim for psychological injuries due to the physical injuries they sustained.
It is also important to note that passengers can also claim for personal and psychological injuries as result of an accident of the vehicle they were travelling in. Passengers are very vulnerable as they have no control over any vehicles involved in the accident. Many people injured as a result of a passenger accident can experience a fear of travelling as a passenger again.
How much compensation can I get for a Whiplash Claim?
“Whiplash” is the most common type of neck injury, caused by an over extension or sprain of the neck, often due to a vehicle collision or car crash. Whiplash injuries can be very minor, and heal within a days, or some cases can be more severe and take years to heal, or even permanent disability.
Depending on the severity of your whiplash you can expect different levels of compensation. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) published its Book of Quantum, giving guidelines on the average amount of compensation:
- Minor – substantially recovered – up to €15,700
- Minor – a full recovery expected – up to €19,400
- Moderate – €20,400 to €30,200
- Moderately Severe – €34,400 to €52,200
- Severe and permanent – €44,600 to €77,900
For more information on your Whiplash claim, message one of our accident claim solicitors now, or call us on 1800 700 750.