Psychological injuries after a car accident in Ireland
Car Accident Claims · Ireland
PTSD, anxiety and other trauma from a crash can be as disabling as fractures. Irish law recognises that. This guide explains symptoms, delayed onset, treatment routes, time limits, nervous shock rules and how the Injuries Resolution Board process works. Checked November 2025.
Summary
After a crash, many people develop psychological injury. Outcomes include acute stress, PTSD, depression and driving phobia. You can claim even with no physical injury if a recognised psychiatric condition arose from negligence. Bands come from the Judicial Council’s Guidelines Judicial Council (2021). Most claims start with the Injuries Resolution Board Citizens Information (2025).
Quick answers
Can you claim for PTSD without physical injury? Yes, with a clinical diagnosis linked to the crash, and a complete IRB application. See s.17 (revised).
How long do you have? Usually two years from accident or date of knowledge. A complete IRB application pauses time under s.50.
Is PTSD treatable? Yes. Therapy such as CBT or EMDR helps many people. See HSE (2025).
What counts as a psychological injury after a crash
Psychological injury means a recognised mental health condition caused by the accident. Common outcomes are post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, depression, generalised anxiety and driving phobia. Symptom clusters and care routes: HSE (2025).
Applies to all road users. The same legal rules apply whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist in a road traffic collision.
Irish awards reference the Personal Injuries Guidelines. Bands include psychiatric damage generally and PTSD, applied with medical evidence and prognosis. See Judicial Council (2021).
Psychological injury car accident Ireland — what searchers mean
People searching this phrase want two things: proof that psychological-only injuries qualify, and a clear path to start an IRB claim within time. This page answers both with Irish sources and practical steps.
Symptoms and timeline, including delayed onset
Many feel shock first. In days or weeks, nightmares, flashbacks or panic can start. If symptoms last beyond a month and disrupt life, doctors consider PTSD. Delayed onset matters for deadlines. See Citizens Information (2025).
Can you claim in Ireland
You can claim compensation if another party’s negligence caused your recognised psychological injury. Most cases begin with the Injuries Resolution Board.
Important. The 2022 Act expanded the Board’s functions and mediation. Complex psychiatric cases may be authorised for court under s.17 (revised). Government explainer: DETE (2022).
The two-year limit applies in most cases. If symptoms emerge later, you may still be in time via date of knowledge. An IRB application pauses time under s.50 PIAB Act (2003, revised).
Primary and secondary victims
If you were in the collision, you are a primary victim. If you witnessed a loved one harmed, you may be a secondary victim. Courts look at closeness and proximity to the event or its immediate aftermath. Proof must show a recognised psychiatric injury with clear causation.
Nervous shock rules in Irish law
Irish courts apply a well-known test for nervous shock claims by witnesses. In plain terms, you need: a recognisable psychiatric illness, caused by a sudden shocking event, linked to the defendant’s negligence, with proximity in time and relationship, and a duty of care owed.
How treatment works in Ireland
See your GP, discuss symptoms and follow a plan. CBT, EMDR and at times medication are common options. See HSE (2025). Private therapy can bridge waiting lists. Keep invoices for your claim file. This page is legal information, not medical advice.
First steps after the crash if you feel “not okay”
- Tell your GP about nightmares, panic or avoidance.
- Write a short symptom diary with dates.
- Ask a partner or friend to note changes they see.
- Tell your employer if work is affected.
- Keep receipts for therapy, travel and medication.
Related resources
Read the Personal Injuries Guidelines at the Judicial Council (2021). See the Citizens Information IRB page (2025). Background on PTSD: Wikipedia.
Next, read time limits for car accident claims, evidence for car crash claims, how the IRB process works, compensation bands in Ireland, and nervous shock from witnessing a crash.
Get legal help
We can review your timeline, arrange reports and start your IRB application within time. Call 01 9036408 or request a callback. Regulated by the Law Society of Ireland.
FAQs, author credentials and your next steps
Common questions around psychological injury after a car accident
Can I claim if I have no physical injuries?
Yes, if a recognised psychiatric condition is diagnosed and linked to the crash. The Board can assess psychological-only claims. Complex cases may be authorised for court under s.17. Source: PIRB Act 2022.
Why it matters: Eligibility turns on diagnosis and causation, not fractures.
Next step: Get a GP referral and speak to a solicitor about timing and proof.
How long do I have to start?
Usually two years from the accident or your date of knowledge. A complete IRB application pauses time under s.50. Overview: Citizens Information 2025.
Why it matters: Delayed onset PTSD can still be in time.
Next step: File a complete IRB application soon.
What decides the value of a PTSD claim?
Severity, duration, prognosis and impact on life, benchmarked by the Personal Injuries Guidelines. Special damages add provable costs. See Judicial Council 2021.
Why it matters: Bands guide value; evidence sets the bracket.
Next step: Arrange a specialist report and keep receipts.
Do I need therapy before claiming?
No, but early therapy helps recovery and proof. CBT or EMDR are common. Medication can help for a period. See HSE 2025.
Why it matters: Treatment notes show persistence and response.
Next step: Start therapy when advised and save receipts.
What are the rules for nervous shock claims in Ireland?
Witness claims usually follow the Kelly v Hennessy criteria. You need a recognisable psychiatric illness, caused by a sudden shocking event with sufficient proximity, linked to negligence and a duty of care.
Why it matters: These filters decide if witness claims proceed.
Next step: Speak to us about your timeline and relationship to the injured person.
Will an insurer’s doctor believe me?
An IME is independent of you. Be factual and concise. Your expert can respond if needed. Process overview: Citizens Information 2025.
Why it matters: Clear daily impact often decides disputes.
Next step: Prepare a one-page summary for the IME.
Can my child claim after witnessing the accident?
Yes, through a next friend if clinically diagnosed and linked to the event or immediate aftermath. Minor time rules differ. See HSE CAMHS 2025.
Why it matters: Children need tailored clinical and legal steps.
Next step: Start with your GP and record changes at home and school.
What if the driver was uninsured or untraced?
MIBI may compensate where liability and injury are proven. Follow the MIBI route. See MIBI 2025.
Why it matters: This preserves recovery when no insurer is available.
Next step: Request your Garda Abstract and start the MIBI process.
Can I get collision CCTV to support my case?
Yes, you can request footage that identifies you via a DSAR under GDPR Article 15. Guidance: DPC 2025.
Why it matters: Timely footage supports exposure and timeline.
Next step: Send a DSAR now and log responses.
Ready to talk?
We can review your timeline, arrange the right expert report and file a complete IRB application within the time limit. Call 01 9036408 or request a callback on our site. Information here is not legal advice.
Gary Matthews Solicitors
Medical negligence solicitors, Dublin
We help people every day of the week (weekends and bank holidays included) that have either been injured or harmed as a result of an accident or have suffered from negligence or malpractice.
Contact us at our Dublin office to get started with your claim today
