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What to do if you were Involved in a Car Accident

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Involved in a car accident? Here’s our list of best steps to take after the accident

If you are in involved in a car accident, be it that a third party driver runs into and hits you or if you have the unfortunate mishap of crashing into another vehicle, then here are the necessary steps which should be taken immediately after the accident:

Do…

  • Seek medical attention before doing anything else.
  • Summon the Gardaí
  • Cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency personnel who respond to the scene.
  • Get the license plate numbers of all other vehicles involved in car accidents and the drivers’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information.
    Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all potential witnesses to an accident.
  • Ensure to contact your insurance company.
  • Take photographs of all of the following, as applicable, as soon as possible after the accident: The scene of the accident, from all angles. The surrounding area. The product or animal that caused your injuries. Your injuries. Any property damage.

Don’t…

  • Move your vehicle after the car crash unless necessary for safety.
  • Subject yourself to further injury by standing or waiting in an area of traffic or other safety hazards.
  • Leave the scene of a road traffic accident until the police tell you it is okay to do so.
  • Agree to settlement terms without contacting your attorney.

Stay at the scene of the Accident

The cardinal rule for all car accidents is that you should never leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the scene of an accident, particularly where someone has sustained injuries or was killed, you can face serious criminal penalties for being a “hit-and-run” driver.

If possible, check on everyone involved in the Accident

CHECK ON ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS Before assessing the damage, check to make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is okay. Get medical attention for anyone who may need it. If a person is unconscious or complains of neck or back pain, it is best not to move them until qualified medical personnel arrive. In some situations and through your own evaluation of the situation you may feel that you have no choice but to move them. If you are in that type of situation, try to move them as steadily and slowly as possible while supporting their back and neck.

Gardai need to take record of the Accident scene

CALL THE GARDAI. It’s vital to call the Gardai­ especially if the accident involves significant property damage, physical injury, or death, you must call the Gardai­. If and when the Gardai­ arrive, ensure to obtain the Guards name and badge number together with details of their respective Station. The Gardai­ may contact you after the accident for the purposes of providing a statement and it is imperative that you furnish them with full details and always ensure to tell the truth.

Get details of any Witnesses and Parties involved in the Accident

EXCHANGE INFORMATION. Talk to the drivers of all other vehicles involved in the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information. If there are passengers in any of the vehicles, obtain their names, telephone numbers, and addresses as well. TALK TO WITNESSES. Ask every witness what he or she saw. Get their names, telephone numbers or addresses, if possible.

Talk to your Insurance Company

Inform your Insurance Company as soon as possible, tell them that you have been involved in an accident. Ensure to tell the truth about what happened and confirm details of your injuries.

Take photographs of the Scene of the Accident

Take photographs if at all possible of all angles and vehicles involved. If you do not have a camera with you then ensure to take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. It may also be useful to draw a sketch of the positioning of the vehicle on the road at the time of the accident.

Keep a Record of any Medical Treatments

Note any doctors, specialists, physiotherapists or any other medical professionals that you receive treatment from and ensure to note the dates you attended them on. If you or a loved one are involved in a personal injury case, following are some “do’s and don’ts” to help you protect your right to a legal remedy for harm suffered.

Irish law states that all drivers must have insurance but if you were injured by an uninsured or untraceable road user, a claim may still be possible. You can make a road accident claim as a driver, passenger, cyclist, pedestrian or any vehicle for work. We can help you bring a Road Accident Claim on a No Win No Fee* basis.

Read More – Types of Road Injury Claims

Road Traffic Injury Claims – All you Need to Know >
Have you been in a Road Traffic Accident as a Cyclist? >
Uninsured Driver Accident Claims – Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland >
Been in a Road Accident Abroad? You may be Entitled to Claim >

FAQs on Claiming for Road Traffic Accident Injuries…

Got a question about Starting a Claim for Personal Injury or Medical Negligence?

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