As the number of cars on Irish roads increases, so too does the chance of being involved in a road traffic accident. Now the most common type of *personal injury in Ireland, road traffic accidents can have serious consequences – lasting months, years or even for the rest of your life.
As the number of cars on Irish roads increases, so too does the chance of being involved in a road traffic accident. Now the most common type of *personal injury in Ireland, road traffic accidents can have serious consequences – lasting months, years or even for the rest of your life.
Medical bills can pile up quickly, time off work can affect your income, and the injuries themselves can reduce your quality of life. That’s why, if you have been injured in a road traffic accident and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation – giving you the best chance of recovery.
At Crimmins Howard, we know that being involved in a road traffic accident can be a stressful time. That’s why we will do everything we can to make the process run as smoothly as possible. We’ll listen to your story, provide you with practical legal advice and draw upon every possible resource we can to make sure that the injuries you’ve suffered aren’t ignored. We’re here to make the experience as straight forward as possible.
Bus accidents can cause serious injuries for passengers, pedestrians and other road users. Sudden stops, driver error, poorly maintained vehicles or collisions can all lead to claims. Whether you were standing, seated or boarding the bus, you may be entitled to compensation if the accident was not your fault. We help clients bring claims against public and private bus companies and work to secure clear evidence, including CCTV, route data and maintenance records.
Taxis must be driven with extra care, especially when carrying passengers. Injuries may result from collisions, reckless driving, poor vehicle condition or failure to secure passengers properly. If you were hurt as a passenger, pedestrian or other road user in an incident involving a taxi, we investigate liability quickly. We also assist where third-party drivers are involved or the taxi was uninsured or improperly registered.
Being injured in a hit-and-run is deeply distressing, especially when the driver flees the scene. These claims are handled through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), which deals with uninsured or unidentified drivers. We help clients gather available evidence, notify Gardaí, and apply through the MIBI scheme. Time is critical in these cases, and we act promptly to secure witness accounts, CCTV or vehicle trace information.
Pedestrians are highly vulnerable in traffic incidents. Claims often arise from drivers failing to yield at crossings, speeding near schools, or mounting footpaths. Even low-speed impacts can result in broken bones, head injuries or lasting mobility issues. We work to establish who was at fault and gather clear evidence of the scene, road layout, and driver behaviour. Our focus is always on protecting the injured person’s long-term recovery and legal rights.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in road collisions, particularly rear-end crashes. While symptoms may take hours or days to appear, the effects—neck stiffness, headaches, pain or limited movement—can last for weeks or longer. Whiplash claims must be supported by proper medical documentation. We ensure all relevant reports, treatments and impacts on work or daily life are clearly included when building your case.
If you were injured as a passenger in a car, taxi, bus or other vehicle, you may be entitled to bring a claim against the driver at fault. This includes situations where the driver of your vehicle caused the crash. Passengers are owed a clear duty of care, and fault is rarely attributed to them. We handle these cases with attention to detail, ensuring all liability and insurance issues are clearly addressed.
Accidents involving the Luas tram system can involve pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers or passengers. Claims may result from sudden braking, tram derailment, obstruction of the tramway, or poor signage. The operator must follow strict safety protocols, and failure to do so can lead to serious injury. We assist clients in pursuing claims against transport companies and ensure proper notice is served under statutory rules for public liability.
Children injured in school bus accidents may have claims against the bus operator, a third-party driver or the local authority. These incidents require sensitive handling and prompt gathering of witness accounts, CCTV and vehicle maintenance logs. Injuries involving children can have long-term effects, and any settlement must be approved by the court. We work closely with families to protect the child’s interests and ensure all aspects of the injury are fully assessed.
Claims involving moving vehicles often relate to being struck while exiting a parked car, crossing a road or changing lanes. These incidents require clear evidence of how the movement occurred and who failed to yield or observe the rules of the road. Dashcam footage, independent witnesses and Garda reports are often central to proving liability. We guide clients through gathering this evidence and presenting it effectively.
E-bikes and e-scooters are now part of everyday traffic, but many riders and road users are still unsure of the laws and responsibilities. Accidents may involve potholes, faulty devices, reckless driving or a lack of cycle infrastructure. We help clients who were struck while riding, or who were injured by riders behaving dangerously. These claims are evolving quickly, and we stay up to date with the legal and insurance changes.
Being hit by an uninsured driver can be worrying, but it does not mean you are left without options. The MIBI handles claims where the at-fault vehicle is not insured. We help clients complete the application, notify authorities, and establish evidence of the other driver’s fault. It is important to act quickly in these situations to avoid delays or missed deadlines under the MIBI scheme.
Motorcyclists are at high risk for serious injury due to limited protection. Claims often arise from cars failing to yield, turning across motorbikes, or poor road surfaces. We act for bikers who have suffered broken bones, head injuries or other trauma and work to challenge the bias that often arises in these cases. We also investigate visibility, road signage and helmet use as part of your claim.
Cyclists face risks from careless drivers, potholes, defective bike lanes or opening car doors. If you were hit while cycling, or injured due to poor road conditions, we can help you bring a claim. We focus on gathering strong evidence including photos, helmet cam footage and witness statements. Our aim is to ensure your injuries are taken seriously and your long-term recovery is supported.
Following these very simple steps after a road traffic accident can help ensure that you are in the best possible position to initiate a claim, should you later decide to do so:
The first step in any road traffic accident is to check to see if you, your passengers, and anybody else involved in the accident need medical attention. If medical attention is required, call an ambulance immediately on 999 or 112.
Regardless of how minor or serious the road traffic accident is, you should always call the Gardaí. If you decide not to call them or they decide it is not serious enough for them to attend, it is important that you visit your nearest Garda station as soon possible and request that they take your statement about the accident and provide them with any details they require. If the Gardai have been called, remain there until they arrive.
Regardless of whether or not the Gardaí arrive, if you are able and it is safe for you to do so, collect all the relevant information in connection with your accident, such as:
Always remember that you should not leave the scene of an accident until you have given your name, insurance details and registration details to the other parties.
Taking pictures of the scene from different angles can help your solicitor and other people working on your case understand how and why the accident happened.
If you have suffered an injury due to a road traffic accident, seeking the advice of a professional and experienced *personal injuries solicitor is in your best interests. They will organise medical appointments, submit the relevant applications, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and represent your interests if your case ever goes to court.
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, it’s important that you act quickly and initiate your claim as soon as possible. Generally speaking, you must initiate your claim within 2 years from the date of your accident.
Although it’s important that you act quickly, it’s just as important for you choose a firm that has a proven track record in taking and winning road traffic accident cases. We are that firm. With Crimmins Howard, you can be certain that we have the knowledge, experience, and drive to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
So, if you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, or have suffered any other injury (through no fault of your own), contact Crimmins Howard for a free, no obligation consultation.
