Expert guidance for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and nationwide
Author: Gary Matthews, Solicitor (Law Society S8178)
Updated 14 August 2025
I have advised on road traffic injury claims across Ireland for over twenty years. Early reporting, prompt medical assessment and tidy evidence usually make the biggest difference to outcomes.
A car accident claim is a legal claim for compensation when you're injured in a road traffic accident that wasn't your fault. Most motor injury cases begin with the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly known as PIAB or Personal Injuries Assessment Board), sometimes known as IRB.
The Board uses the Judicial Council Personal Injuries Guidelines to value general damages. If settlement does not occur through the Injuries Board, an authorization issues so court proceedings can start.
A rear-end collision on the N7 with short-lived neck and back symptoms settled after an IRB assessment within seven months. The client recovered treatment costs and a modest general damages figure reflecting fast recovery.
Time limit: Two years minus one day from the accident or the date you realised the injury was linked to it. The IRB filing pauses the clock.
Even though you have two years, it's crucial to act quickly. Evidence can be lost, CCTV footage may be deleted, and witnesses' memories fade. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
Following the correct procedure from the outset maximizes your chances of a successful claim:
Report the accident to An Garda Síochána and take a note of the Garda reference number. This creates an official record and can be crucial evidence for your claim.
Attend a medical assessment as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries don't show symptoms immediately. Keep all receipts for medical expenses.
Confirm the other driver's insurer details and exchange information. Prepare your IRB papers with all relevant documentation.
File with the IRB to pause the limitation period. We handle all the paperwork and correspondence on your behalf.
A city centre cyclist in Cork with soft tissue injuries and dental damage gathered CCTV within three days. The evidence shortened disputes and supported a prompt offer aligned with the Guidelines.
We represent clients in all types of road traffic accident claims across Ireland:
If you were driving and injured due to another driver's negligence, you can claim for:
Can passengers make claims? Yes. Passengers injured in Irish road accidents often have a strong basis for compensation, regardless of which driver was at fault.
If you're a passenger involved in a car crash—whether in a private vehicle, taxi, or public transport—you are typically considered an innocent party. That means your compensation claim can proceed against the at-fault driver's insurer, which may be the driver of the car you were in or another vehicle.
Medical assessment is essential, even for passengers who feel okay initially. Whiplash, back injuries, and shock are common but sometimes delayed in onset. Always attend a GP or A&E after the incident.
A Limerick passenger with wrist sprain and short physiotherapy recovered treatment costs and a proportionate general damages figure after one medical review, avoiding court.
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on Irish roads. We represent cyclists injured in accidents involving:
Pedestrians injured by vehicles have strong claims for compensation including:
Motorcyclists face heightened risks and often suffer more serious injuries. We handle claims for:
MIBI route: Uninsured or hit and run cases usually proceed through the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). Report early and preserve CCTV or dashcam footage.
The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland is a compensation body that handles claims where:
MIBI claims follow a different process than standard insurance claims:
Report the accident to An Garda Síochána immediately. Keep the incident reference number. This is essential for MIBI claims.
CCTV often overwrites within days. Request footage immediately from businesses, traffic cameras, or nearby properties.
Attend medical assessment promptly and link symptoms and timeline clearly in medical reports.
Keep copies of all correspondence with MIBI and respond to requests promptly. Delays can jeopardize your claim.
MIBI claims can be more complex and time-consuming than standard claims. Having experienced legal representation is crucial to navigate the process successfully.
Compensation figures depend on medical evidence, duration and impact, with general damages guided by the Judicial Council Personal Injuries Guidelines. Out of pocket losses are claimed separately as special damages.
General Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. Assessed using the Judicial Council Guidelines based on the severity and duration of your injuries.
Special Damages: Compensation for financial losses including medical expenses, lost earnings, travel costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
| Injury Example | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor whiplash with full recovery under 1 year | About €8,200 | Short duration symptoms and brief time off work |
| Moderate back injury needing physiotherapy | €20,000 - €28,000 | Clinical findings and therapy length influence value |
| Serious shoulder injury with lasting pain | €45,000 - €60,000 | Function limits and future treatment are key factors |
| Psychological trauma after severe collision | €18,000 - €30,000 | Diagnosis, therapy and daily life impact matter |
| Pedestrian accident with moderate soft tissue injury | €15,000 - €35,000 | Crossing point, visibility and lasting symptoms affect value |
| Cyclist collision with soft tissue and dental damage | €10,000 - €18,000 | Dentistry costs and recovery time are key drivers |
These figures are general guidelines only. Your actual compensation depends on your specific circumstances, medical evidence, and financial losses.
Effect on payout: Your award is reduced by your share of responsibility. This is called contributory negligence.
Irish law recognizes that sometimes both parties share responsibility for an accident. If you're found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced proportionately.
Evidence: Garda reports, photos, dashcam footage, and expert opinions help apportion liability fairly.
Even if you were partly at fault, you can still make a claim and receive compensation. The courts assess each party's level of responsibility and reduce your award accordingly.
Typical path: Garda report and medicals, IRB assessment, acceptance or authorisation, then settlement or court. Timelines depend on liability and recovery.
Practical tip: Keep documents tidy and attend reviews on time. This helps move your claim along efficiently.
Strong evidence is crucial for a successful claim. Gather as much as possible at the accident scene or immediately after:
Act fast: CCTV often overwrites within 7-14 days!
Each major Irish city has specific considerations for road traffic accident claims:
Collisions on the M50 and city centre streets are often covered by public and private CCTV. Act quickly to request copies from:
Patrick Street and South Link incidents sometimes have strong shopfront CCTV. Ask about retention windows. Cork City Council may have traffic camera footage for major routes.
Eyre Square and Headford Road routes can have multiple witnesses. Record details at the scene where safe. Tourist areas often have good CCTV coverage.
Dock Road and Childers Road claims benefit from early engineering photos due to layout and traffic patterns. The tunnel and major junctions have camera coverage.
Road traffic accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-changing:
Over 20 years of experience handling road traffic accident claims across Ireland. We understand the complexities of Irish road traffic law.
We act quickly to secure CCTV, dashcam footage, and witness statements before evidence is lost. Our proactive approach strengthens your claim.
Access expert legal representation with no upfront costs and no financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful.
We fight to secure the highest possible compensation for your injuries, covering all medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Car accidents don't happen during office hours. Contact us any time, day or night, 7 days a week including bank holidays.
Specialist knowledge of Motor Insurers' Bureau claims for uninsured and untraced drivers.
Not always, but it helps significantly. Report the collision and keep the reference number. A Garda report provides independent verification of the accident and can be crucial evidence, especially in disputed liability cases.
Two years minus one day from the date of the accident. The clock is paused while the Injuries Board assesses your case. However, don't delay – evidence can be lost quickly.
Claims usually go through the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). Preserve CCTV and dashcam footage, report promptly to Gardaí, and seek legal advice immediately. MIBI claims have specific requirements and deadlines.
Yes. Expect a reduction that matches your share of responsibility (contributory negligence). For example, if you're found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. Even with partial fault, you can still recover substantial compensation.
It varies. Clear liability and short recovery often resolve faster (6-12 months) than disputed cases or serious injuries (2-4 years). We work efficiently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible.
Guided by the Judicial Council tables, typically around €8,200 for minor whiplash with full recovery under one year. More severe or longer-lasting whiplash injuries can attract higher compensation. Your medical evidence and duration of symptoms are key factors.
This is common. Adrenaline and shock can mask injuries initially. Many car accident injuries, especially whiplash and soft tissue damage, don't show symptoms for hours or even days. Always get a medical assessment promptly after an accident, even if you feel fine.
Yes. Passengers can claim against the driver of the vehicle they were in (even a family member) or against another driver who caused the accident. Your relationship to the driver doesn't affect your right to compensation.
Gary Matthews Solicitors is conveniently located in Dublin city centre. We offer free consultations for car accident claims and operate on a No Win No Fee* basis.
Address: Personal injury and medical negligence solicitors division, Ormond Building, Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 7, Ireland
Phone: 01 9036407
Email: thomas@4sdmarketing.com
Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
This guide is general information for Ireland only. It is not legal advice. Get advice for your specific circumstances from a qualified solicitor.
If you've been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn't your fault, you deserve compensation. Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us now on 01 9036407 or contact us online. Available 24/7 including weekends and bank holidays.
Free consultation. No win, no fee*. Specialist road traffic claims team. Available 24/7.