Car Accident Claims in Ireland, explained clearly
Checked November 2025 Legally reviewed: November 2025
By Gary Matthews, Personal Injury Solicitor (20+ years), PC No. S8178.
Reviewed by Gary Matthews, solicitor (PC S8178), November 2025.
Author note: Gary Matthews advises on personal injury matters before the IRB across Ireland.
Most car accident claims in Ireland start with the IRB. You submit forms, a medical report, and proof of expenses. The Board issues an assessment. You can accept the figure or refuse and move forward. If the other driver was uninsured or untraced, the MIBI route may apply.
Official guidance: IRB making a claim, Citizens Information on the IRB.
Source: IRB Award Values Reports 2024 — H1 (PDF), H2 (PDF) (checked November 2025).
Short answer — car accident claims in Ireland: Most cases start with the IRB. Typical timelines range months, not weeks. Accept an assessment when recovery is stable and losses are covered. If the driver is uninsured or untraced, use the MIBI route.
Five steps right after a crash
- Get safe and call 999 if needed.
- Exchange details and note witnesses.
- Photograph vehicles and the scene.
- Report to Gardaí where required.
- See a GP and keep receipts.
See Citizens Information for step details (checked November 2025).
IRB in plain English: you file, the Board checks completeness, gathers medical proofs, and issues an assessment you can accept or refuse. Start here: IRB steps.
When mediation helps: if the assessment feels close but not quite right, mediation can bridge gaps faster. Read IRB mediation.
How to decide on acceptance: accept when recovery is stable and documented losses are covered; hold if treatment continues; refuse where key losses or liability remain disputed. Compare with guidelines (PDF).
This guide is for Irish drivers and passengers after a road traffic accident. It explains each step in clear language and points to official sources, so you can double-check details at any time.
We focus on actions that cut delay: a complete medical report, tidy receipts, and a clean application. Small admin wins early often save weeks later. If severe red-flag symptoms appear, seek urgent help via the HSE.
You will also see common forks. We explain when mediation suits, when an assessment looks fair, and when an uninsured or untraced driver pushes you to MIBI. If in doubt, ask a solicitor early.
How car accident claims work in Ireland
Most claims run through the IRB: submit, get "deemed complete," await the assessment, then accept or refuse. See the IRB process (checked November 2025).
The IRB process is administrative. You file an application, supply a medical report, and list your financial losses. The Board then issues an assessment. Either party may accept or decline. See IRB process and the personal injuries guidelines (PDF).
Guidelines band mapping (examples): match typical injuries to guideline sections, then check your prognosis and specials.
| Common injury | Guidelines section | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor neck (whiplash) | Neck & back — minor | Recovery time and residual symptoms drive banding (Guidelines PDF). |
| Minor back strain | Neck & back — minor | Mechanism + imaging where appropriate. |
| Shoulder soft-tissue | Upper limb — soft tissue | Function limits matter; therapy records help. |
| Adjustment disorder | Psychiatric injury | Clinician's diagnosis and link to crash are key. |
Always compare to the official text (Guidelines; FAQs) (checked November 2025).
For payout context and examples, read our page on car accident compensation ranges. If you are just starting out, see how to claim after a crash.
The IRB, forms and the real timeline
Time depends on injury complexity and how complete your evidence is. Faster files have early GP reports, tidy receipts, and clear contact details. See IRB basics and the IRB H1 2024 report (PDF) (checked November 2025).
First 24 hours: get safe; take photos; exchange details; note witnesses; file a Garda tuairisc (report) if needed; see your GP; keep receipts. See motor accident steps.
What "deemed complete" means
Your file is "deemed complete" when the Board has the required items. That usually means an appropriate medical report, your application, and key receipts. Missing reports stall progress. Check the current list at IRB steps.
Glossary pop-line: Section 50 ("deemed complete") confirms the IRB has what it needs to progress.
Mini timeline estimator
Award trend snapshot (H1 2024)
Resolution speed has improved over time. Share of cases resolved within 6 months rose by H1 2024.
Source: IRB Award Values Report H1 2024 (PDF) (checked November 2025).
"Date of knowledge" — when the clock starts
The limitation clock can run from when you knew you were injured, knew it was caused by the crash, and knew who to sue. See Citizens Information and the Statute Book (checked November 2025).
Worked example: Impact on 12 March 2024; pain seemed minor. GP diagnosed whiplash and related it to the crash on 02 April 2024. You also got the driver's insurer then. Your clock may run from early April 2024.
Should you accept the assessment?
Accept when recovery is stable and the award covers documented losses; hold if treatment continues; refuse if key losses or liability remain in dispute. Check the Judicial Council guidelines (PDF) and Citizens Information overview (checked November 2025).
Accept when recovery is stable, injuries fit the guideline bands, and specials are well supported. Accept when no major diagnostics are pending and the offer covers documented losses with a fair margin (see the guidelines and IRB basics).
Refuse when treatment is ongoing, reports are incomplete, or key losses are missing. Refuse where liability or causation is still disputed. Compare the figure to your receipts, your GP's prognosis, and your time off work before deciding. If unsure, ask for tailored advice.
Still unsure? Our compensation page explains general and special damages, with examples that show how totals are built from evidence.
Acceptance checklist (60-second pre-decision)
Ask yourself: is recovery stable? are all special damages documented? does the offer match the guideline band? are diagnostics finished? is liability clear? If yes to all, you're likely close to acceptance; if no to any, consider holding or refusing and seeking advice. Compare with the Guidelines (PDF) and IRB steps (checked November 2025).
Uninsured or untraced driver claims (MIBI)
If the other driver was uninsured or fled, MIBI may compensate eligible claims; evidence and timing still matter. Start at MIBI Unidentified (official) (checked November 2025).
If the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene, the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland may compensate eligible claims. Personal injury and property damage have different rules and excesses. Start at uninsured and unidentified vehicle pages.
Hit-and-run property damage, key rule: for an unidentified vehicle, MIBI covers property damage only where the crash also caused inpatient hospital care for ≥5 days, and there's a €500 excess. See MIBI Unidentified and Are you entitled?. For general steps, see Citizens Information — motor accidents (checked November 2025).
What if the driver fled? Follow the untraced path. Report to Gardaí promptly and gather any witness names. Keep photos and repair estimates. Check the IRB process: IRB steps.
What about property damage? The MIBI route has excess rules. Costs many people forget include recovery tow, storage, hire car, engineer's report, and child seat replacement—keep dated receipts for each item.
Gather evidence early. Note the time, place, and witnesses. Keep photos of damage and injuries. If Gardaí attended, record the incident number. Clear records help both IRB and MIBI paths.
Build an evidence pack that works
Strong files carry clear medicals, dated receipts, and a simple story of the crash and recovery. See IRB evidence notes (checked November 2025).
Keep medical reports, receipts, mileage, and work letters together. Photos help when taken early. Missing documents often slow the assessment. See IRB evidence notes.
Micro-example: one file stalled because the GP letter lacked a prognosis. A short update resolved it and unlocked acceptance within weeks. See our claim process for sequencing.
Evidence hygiene: use a simple file name pattern (YYYY-MM-DD_item_name.pdf), stick to one email thread with your IRB reference, and keep originals safe.
Data you can request: trip logs and telematics (speed/braking) from your vehicle or insurer, and ride-hail/taxi journey records where relevant. These help prove mechanism, timing, and location. Ask providers for retention windows and request promptly.
Proving loss of earnings
Ask payroll for a signed loss statement and keep sick notes. For self-employed, keep accounts, invoices, and tax proofs. Basics at Citizens Information. For the bigger picture, see our step-by-step claim process.
Proof-of-loss mini-template: "To whom it may concern: [Name] missed work from [date] to [date] due to RTA injuries (gortú). Gross loss €[amount]; net €[amount]. Contact [name, role, phone/email] for confirmation."
| Issue | Why it lowers value | 1-step fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing prognosis | No endpoint for recovery banding | Ask GP for a dated prognosis addendum |
| Incomplete specials | Receipts not linked or dated | Re-scan receipts; add summary sheet |
| Wrong dominant injury | Band mismatch reduces baseline | Map to correct band; justify any uplift |
Cross-check with Guidelines (PDF) and IRB evidence.
CCTV and dashcam footage — act fast
CCTV is often overwritten within days. Ask nearby shops, service stations, local councils, or bus operators quickly. Copy dashcam files to two places and keep the original card safe.
Tip: when requesting CCTV, give the exact time window, location, and a description of vehicles. Ask them to preserve the footage pending your formal request.
Template (short request):
Subject: CCTV preservation request — road traffic collision on [date/time], [location] Dear [Manager/Owner/FOI Office], Please preserve and provide a copy of CCTV covering [location] from [start] to [end] on [date]. The footage relates to a road traffic collision. I am the data subject / affected party. Description: [vehicle(s)/direction/features]. I can supply ID and a storage device if needed. Kind regards, [Name], [Phone], [Email]
If the holder is a public body, check if Freedom of Information rules apply. Always request early—systems auto-delete.
Rear-end collisions: quick evidence pattern
Collect bumper photos, headrest position, and immediate GP notes. Therapy records support short-term whiplash. See IRB process steps and compensation bands.
Photograph both vehicles' rear and front bumpers before repair. Note headrest height relative to the back of your head. Ask your GP to record symptom onset and sleep/drive impacts. Keep therapy receipts tidy and dated.
For a deeper dive, see our upcoming hub on rear-end collision claims.
Forléargas gairid i nGaeilge
Cad atá le déanamh: Fan sábháilte, glac grianghraif, malartaigh sonraí, tabhair tuairisc don Gharda Síochána más gá, agus feic do dhochtúir. Coinnigh admhálacha agus litir leighis.
An próiseas IRB: Cuir isteach foirmeacha, tuarascáil leighis agus costais. Gheobhaidh tú measúnú. Glac leis más cothrom, nó diúltaigh agus lean ar aghaidh. Féach céimeanna IRB.
Leideanna: Déan cinnte go bhfuil doiciméid iomlána agat; seiceáil na treoirlínte (PDF); iarr comhairle nuair is gá.
Psychological injuries after a crash
Fear of driving, panic, or low mood needs clinical notes linked to the crash and recovery outlook. See motor accident steps and IRB process basics (checked November 2025).
Fear of driving, panic, or low mood can follow a collision. These injuries need clinical notes just like physical harm. Therapy records support special damages where reasonable and related.
Ask your clinician to link symptoms to the crash and outline recovery prospects. Keep appointment records and receipts tidy. Citizens Information explains first steps after a crash at motor accidents. Learn the time limits so treatment evidence aligns with deadlines.
Fast facts for Dublin claimants
Report collisions to Gardaí as required, keep your incident number, and use HSE hospitals for care. See Garda and HSE (checked November 2025).
Report significant collisions to An Garda Síochána and seek medical care early. Public hospital contacts are listed via HSE hospitals. For statistics context, check RSA figures. For Garda basics, see collision guidance. For forms and fees, start at the IRB.
Need a Garda report (tuairisc) number for your insurer? Record it as soon as you get it. It helps connect your claim, repairs, and any medical notes later on.
Case examples (editor-verified)
Delaney v PIAB & Ors [2024] IESC 10 (Supreme Court): The Court confirmed the Personal Injuries Guidelines have legal effect. One statutory provision was struck down; guidelines remain in force. Practical point: Boards and courts must have regard to them.
Collins v Parm & Ors [2024] IECA 150 (Court of Appeal): The Court adjusted a High Court award and clarified approach to multiple injuries and dominant injury with uplift, emphasising reasons if departing from the Guidelines. Official judgment PDF: courts.ie (checked November 2025).
Mini case study (anonymised): A claimant accepted an IRB assessment after a one-page GP prognosis addendum and five therapy receipts were added. Before that, the file had stalled and the provisional figure undervalued the dominant injury. Clean evidence fixed it in weeks.
These summaries are to explain principles, not to suggest outcomes.
Common questions around car accident claims
How long does a car accident claim take?
It depends on injury complexity and how complete your evidence is (IRB overview; Citizens Information basics).
- Complete medicals speed assessments.
- Missing receipts add delay.
- Disputes may extend timelines.
Why it matters: Good paperwork can shorten the process and reduce stress.
Next step: Review IRB steps and IRB basics.
What's the time limit to start a claim?
Start quickly. General limits apply, with exceptions for certain cases (Citizens Information; Statute Book).
- Early GP visit helps causation.
- Garda report supports facts.
- Keep all receipts dated.
Why it matters: Waiting risks missing your window.
Next step: Read time limits overview and check the statute.
Do I need a Garda report?
It isn't always mandatory, but it often helps establish facts for insurers and the Board (Garda; Citizens Information).
- Take the incident number.
- Note date, time, location.
- List any witnesses.
Why it matters: Clear facts reduce disputes.
Next step: Follow Garda collision guidance and motor accident steps.
Can I claim if the driver was uninsured or untraced?
Yes. MIBI handles many such claims, with rules and excesses (MIBI; IRB overview).
- Report promptly to Gardaí.
- Keep damage photos.
- Record witness details.
Why it matters: Early evidence protects your position.
Next step: Read MIBI guidance and IRB steps.
Should I accept my IRB assessment?
Accept when recovery is stable and losses are fully covered; refuse if treatment is ongoing (Judicial Council; IRB overview).
- Match injuries to guideline bands.
- Check specials vs receipts.
- Confirm GP prognosis.
Why it matters: The decision sets your next path.
Next step: Compare with guidelines and IRB process.
Can I claim if I was partly at fault in Ireland?
Often yes. Contributory negligence can reduce compensation by a percentage. Evidence and liability facts matter. See Citizens Information and start with the IRB steps.
Common contributory factors include no seatbelt, mobile phone use, or late braking. Reductions vary by facts and evidence quality. Keep witness details and any telematics/CCTV you can preserve.
What if symptoms worsen later?
Update your medical report and note the change in prognosis (IRB overview; Citizens Information).
- Book a follow-up with your GP.
- Keep new receipts.
- Tell the IRB promptly.
Why it matters: New evidence can change outcomes.
Next step: Review IRB steps and what's needed.
Can passengers claim too?
Yes. Each injured passenger can claim with similar proof standards (Citizens Information; IRB overview).
- Collect each person's reports.
- Separate receipts by claimant.
- Avoid mixing documents.
Why it matters: Clean files prevent mix-ups.
Next step: Start with IRB basics and application steps.
What to do after a minor car accident in Ireland?
Stay safe, swap details, photograph the scene, note witnesses, consider a Garda report, and see a GP promptly. Keep receipts. See Citizens Information — motor accidents (checked November 2025).
How long after an accident can you claim in Ireland?
Act as soon as possible. Limitation rules apply with "date of knowledge" factors. Check Citizens Information and the Statute Book (checked November 2025).
Additional resources and dataset
Official sources: IRB making a claim, IRB mediation, MIBI unidentified.
| Item | Why it matters | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Medical report | Core injury proof | — |
| Receipts | Special damages | — |
| Work letters | Loss of earnings | — |
| Photos | Mechanism & impact | — |
More data: IRB H1 2024 (PDF), H2 2024 (PDF) (checked November 2025).
Expand your knowledge
See the Citizens Information guide to motor accidents for first steps and reporting. It offers neutral, practical context.
Review national trends at the RSA statistics hub. Data helps set expectations on collision types and injury patterns.
If you need hospital contacts or referral routes, use the HSE hospital directory. Keep discharge letters and appointment notes tidy.
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
