Road Traffic Accident
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, the immediate aftermath can be difficult to navigate. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, it is not always clear what steps to take or whether you are entitled to make a claim.
At David Walley & Co Solicitors, we assist clients across Ireland in understanding their position and progressing road traffic accident claims with clarity and care. Our role is to guide you through the process, ensure your rights are protected, and deal with the legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery.
What to Do After a Road Traffic Accident
What you do in the hours and days following an accident can have an impact on your claim. Even where injuries appear minor at first, it is important to seek medical attention and ensure there is a clear record of what has occurred.
Where possible, details should be exchanged with any other parties involved, and the incident should be reported to An Garda Síochána. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage and any visible injuries can also be helpful. Keeping a record of expenses, medical appointments and any time missed from work will support your case later.
If you are unsure whether the correct steps have been taken, we can advise based on your specific situation.
Making a Road Traffic Accident Claim in Ireland
In Ireland, most personal injury claims are initially submitted to the Personal Injuries Resolution Board. This process is designed to assess claims and determine compensation without the need for court proceedings in many cases.
We will review your circumstances and advise on whether a claim can be made. If so, we prepare and submit the application on your behalf, ensuring that all necessary medical evidence and supporting documentation is in place from the outset.
Throughout the process, we manage communication, explain any developments, and advise you on how to respond to assessment outcomes. Where a claim cannot be resolved at this stage, we will guide you through the next steps.
Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims
Road traffic accidents can arise in a number of different situations, and each case requires a careful understanding of the facts involved.
We regularly act for clients in cases involving car accidents, passenger injuries, motorcycle and bicycle incidents, as well as accidents involving pedestrians. We also advise in more complex situations such as hit and run incidents or cases involving uninsured drivers.
Regardless of how the accident occurred, the focus remains on establishing liability and ensuring that the full impact of the injury is properly considered.
Compensation Following an Accident
The level of compensation available will depend on the nature of the injuries sustained and how they have affected your daily life.
This may include general damages for pain and suffering, along with financial losses such as loss of earnings and medical expenses. In some cases, ongoing treatment or future care needs may also form part of the claim.
We will take the time to understand how the injury has affected you and ensure that all relevant aspects are reflected in your claim.
How Long Does a Claim Take?
The timeframe for resolving a road traffic accident claim can vary. More straightforward cases may be assessed within a number of months through the Personal Injuries Resolution Board, while others may take longer, particularly where liability is disputed or further medical evidence is required.
Our approach is to progress your case as efficiently as possible while keeping you informed at each stage. You will always have a clear understanding of where your claim stands.
Why Choose David Walley & Co Solicitors
Clients choose us for a measured and straightforward approach. We focus on providing clear advice, avoiding unnecessary complication, and progressing matters in a practical and efficient way.
We understand that making a claim can feel unfamiliar, particularly if it is your first time dealing with a legal process. Our role is to make that process more manageable, ensuring you are supported and informed throughout.
Speak With a Solicitor
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and are unsure of your next step, you can contact us to discuss your situation in confidence. We will outline your options clearly and help you decide how best to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you are involved in a road traffic accident, you should try to collect the name, address, phone number and insurance details of the other driver. You should also note the vehicle registration number, take photographs of the vehicles and the accident scene if possible, and obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses. This information can be very important when progressing a claim.
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Yes, it is always advisable to seek medical attention after a road traffic accident, even if your injuries appear minor at the time. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, may not become fully apparent until a number of days later. A medical record of your injuries is also an important part of any personal injury claim.
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In some cases, you may still be able to make a claim even if you were partly responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence. The level of compensation may be reduced depending on the degree of responsibility, but you should still seek legal advice to understand your position.
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The length of time a claim takes can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the nature of the injuries and whether the claim is resolved through the Injuries Board or through settlement negotiations or court proceedings. Some claims may resolve within a number of months, while others can take longer where injuries are more serious or liability is disputed.
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Damage to your vehicle is usually dealt with separately through motor insurance claims rather than through a personal injury claim. However, where you have suffered injuries in a road traffic accident, you may still bring a personal injury claim in relation to your injuries and any related financial losses such as medical expenses or loss of earnings.