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.

Our 5-Step Guide To Road Traffic Accidents

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:

Making a Claim

Step 1 – Medical Attention
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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.
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Step 2 – Call the Gardaí

‍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.

Step 3 – Gather Information

‍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:

• Date and time of the accident.
• Location of the accident.
• Registration number of the other vehicle(s).
• Insurance information of the other vehicle(s).
• Name and address of the other driver(s) / people involved.
• Name of any Gardaí that arrive at the scene.
• Contact details of any witnesses to the accident.

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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.

Step 4 – Take Photos

‍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.

Step 5 – Contact a Solicitor

‍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.

Get in touch

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), call Crimmins Howard for a free, no obligation consultation.