What to do after a car accident

There are a number of contributing factors that may alter the correct protocol a person must follow if they are involved in a road traffic accident. Firstly, if the accident is more serious in nature, then no vehicle involved should be moved. However, depending on the level of severity, the vehicles may be moved in order to not cause an obstruction on the road. If this does occur, those involved should make every effort to attempt to photograph the incident and the damage that was caused.

Furthermore, the Garda should be contacted immediately in order to have the accident on record and to ensure adequate help is on the scene of the accident if needs be. If the Garda cannot be contacted at the scene, they should be contacted as soon as is reasonably convenient in the circumstances.

If you or anyone you know sustains an injury as a result of a road traffic accident, you should obtain the following information from the other party involved in the incident and any witnesses:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone Number

The rationale behind the latter is to quash any doubt of liability on your behalf and to ensure that the culprit does not flee the scene unidentified. However, even if the driver is unidentified, if you or a passenger sustains an injury, you may be able to bring a claim against the Motor Insurer’s Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). The MIBI provides compensation to those who are unable to trace drivers who damaged their property and injured them.

For more information on road traffic accidents, please review our Road traffic Accidents page.