Injuries Resolution Board Documents Checklist: Required for Car Accident Claims Ireland (2026)
Author: Gary Matthews, Principal Solicitor — Law Society of Ireland PC No. S8178 • 3rd Floor, Ormond Building, 31–36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin D07 • 01 903 6408 •
Summary: Since September 2023, the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly PIAB) enforces strict validation rules. Your application must include a compliant Medical Report (Form B) at submission—without it, you don't receive a Section 50 acknowledgement and your two-year limitation clock keeps running. Motor claims represent 58% of IRB applications, yet approximately 22% fail to proceed due to liability disputes or lack of respondent consent, and complaints rose 42% in 2024—often linked to documentation issues (IRB 2024 Annual Report). This checklist covers exactly what to submit, why each document matters, and the car-accident-specific evidence that strengthens your claim.
⚠️ Critical 2026 Rule: Under the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, an application submitted without a compliant medical report is deemed incomplete. An incomplete application does not stop your statute of limitations. If your two-year deadline passes while waiting for documents, your claim becomes statute-barred. Gather everything before you apply.
This is confirmed by combining Section 50 of the 2022 Act (strict validation rules) with IRB guidance notes (medical report required for valid application).
Quick reference: Is this document mandatory?
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form A (application) | ✅ Yes | Must be signed by claimant personally |
| Form B (medical report) | ✅ Yes | From treating doctor; causation + prognosis required |
| PPSN / ID | ✅ Yes | Passport accepted for non-residents |
| Respondent details | ✅ Yes | Driver/owner name + insurer |
| Application fee | ✅ Yes | €45 online / €90 paper |
| Garda Abstract | ❌ No | Strongly recommended for disputed liability |
| Dashcam footage | ❌ No | Supporting evidence; preserve immediately |
| Photographs | ❌ No | Helpful but not required for validity |
| Witness statements | ❌ No | Can be added after submission |
| Receipts | ❌ No | Required only if claiming special damages |
| Loss of earnings cert | ❌ No | Required only if claiming lost income |
Without all ✅ mandatory documents, your application is incomplete and won't stop your limitation clock.
Mandatory documents for a valid IRB application
The Injuries Resolution Board will not process your application—and critically, will not issue a Section 50 acknowledgement to pause your limitation period—unless you submit these core documents together:
| Document | Why required | Car accident specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form A | Legal basis for claim; identifies parties | Name the driver and/or owner correctly—check registration cert or motor tax records |
| Medical Report (Form B) | Proves injury causation and severity; enables assessment under Personal Injuries Guidelines | For whiplash: must include WAD grade (I-IV) and prognosis timeframe |
| PPSN or valid ID | Identity verification (mandatory since Sept 2023) | Non-residents: passport number accepted |
| Respondent details | IRB notifies the at-fault party's insurer | Get insurer name from insurance disc, or check via MIBI database |
| Application fee | Processing cost: €45 online, €90 paper | Pay by card at form.piab.ie |
Tip: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, add MIBI as respondent. If untraced (hit-and-run), additional MIBI rules apply—see our uninsured driver guide.
Document costs at a glance:
| Document | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Form B medical report (GP) | €250–350 |
| Form B medical report (Consultant) | €400–600 |
| Garda Abstract | ~€40 |
| IRB application fee (online) | €45 |
| IRB application fee (paper) | €90 |
| Hospital records (FOI request) | €50–150 |
| Total estimated range | €385–885 |
Costs recoverable as special damages if your claim succeeds. Keep all receipts.
Document freshness: How old is too old?
| Document | Validity window | If expired/stale |
|---|---|---|
| Form B medical report | Within 6 months of submission | IRB may request updated report before assessment |
| Garda Abstract | No expiry | Request promptly—details fade from PULSE system |
| Loss of earnings cert | Must cover period up to submission | Update if claim timeline extends |
| Receipts | No expiry | Ink fades—scan/photograph immediately |
| Dashcam footage | Preserve within 7 days | Auto-overwrite erases evidence permanently |
| CCTV (third-party) | Request within 7–30 days | Most systems overwrite; send DSAR immediately |
The closer your medical report date to submission, the stronger your application. Stale reports suggest injury may have changed.
Time to obtain each document:
| Document | Typical wait | How to expedite |
|---|---|---|
| Form B (GP) | 1–2 weeks | Book appointment specifically for medico-legal report |
| Form B (Consultant) | 2–4 weeks | Private consultation faster than public waiting list |
| Garda Abstract | 2–4 weeks | Visit station in person with PULSE reference number |
| Hospital A&E records | 4–6 weeks | Submit FOI/SAR request immediately post-accident |
| Employer earnings cert | 1–2 weeks | Contact HR/payroll directly; provide template |
Start gathering documents immediately after the accident. Medical reports take longest—book your appointment within the first week.
Medical Report (Form B): The gatekeeper document
The Form B medical report is the single most important document in your application. Since the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, the IRB enforces strict validation: if your report doesn't meet specific content requirements, your application is incomplete and your limitation clock continues running.
What makes a valid Form B for car accident claims
Your treating doctor must complete the official Form B. For the IRB to assess your claim under the Personal Injuries Guidelines, the report must include:
| Required field | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Causation link | Confirms injuries resulted from the accident | Vague statement like "patient reports injury from RTA" without clinical confirmation |
| Dominant injury | Sets the valuation band under Guidelines | Listing multiple injuries without identifying which is most severe |
| WAD grade (whiplash) | Whiplash Associated Disorder grade I-IV determines compensation bracket | Omitting the grade entirely—forces IRB to request clarification, delaying assessment |
| Prognosis with timeframe | Recovery timeline affects award calculation | "Prognosis unknown"—may pause your claim until further report obtained |
| Treatment to date | Evidences injury severity and ongoing care | Missing physiotherapy or specialist referral details |
Cost note: Medical reports typically cost €250–€400. The IRB includes a medical report allowance in your assessment, but this may be less than what you paid. Keep your receipt—the shortfall becomes part of your special damages claim. Source: Law Society Gazette.
Treating practitioner rule
The report must come from a doctor who has actually treated you for accident-related injuries. A medico-legal expert who reviews records but hasn't treated you cannot provide the initial Form B—that comes later if the respondent requests an independent examination. See IRB guidance on medical reports.
Pre-existing conditions: What Form B requires
If the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition (e.g., prior back injury worsened by collision), Form B has specific fields your doctor must complete:
- Causation attribution: Tick boxes indicate what percentage of your current condition is accident-caused (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%)
- Return to baseline: "Will the claimant return to pre-accident state, and if so, when?" — requires explicit answer
- Relevant medical history: Previous accidents, prior treatment for the same body part, and any subsequent injuries must be disclosed
- ICD injury coding: Specific diagnostic codes (e.g., S13.4 for cervical sprain) — your doctor's responsibility, but verify the code matches your dominant injury
Tip: If you have relevant pre-existing conditions, consider providing your doctor with prior GP notes or hospital records. This helps them complete the Form B accurately and avoids delays when the respondent's insurer inevitably requests your medical history.
The Form A has changed significantly since the 2022 Act:
Claimant signature (mandatory since Sept 2023)
Even if a solicitor prepares and files your application, you must personally sign the declaration. This anti-fraud measure under the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 means the claimant verifies all information is accurate. Electronic signatures are accepted for online applications.
PPSN requirement
Your Personal Public Service Number is now a mandatory validation field. If you're a non-resident (e.g., tourist injured in Ireland), provide passport number or national ID card number instead. The IRB application portal accepts alternative ID for non-Irish residents.
Name discrepancies: If your name differs across documents (maiden name on Garda report, married name on Form A, typo in hospital records), note the discrepancy in the "additional information" section of Form A. Unexplained inconsistencies can delay processing or raise fraud flags. Use your legal name as it appears on your PPSN records.
Respondent precision: Name the right party
The IRB does not investigate liability—it assesses compensation. If you name the wrong respondent, you may receive an assessment that's legally worthless against the correct party.
For car accidents:
- Driver vs owner: If different, name both where appropriate
- Company vehicles: Check if the driver was an employee—name the employer company using their registered name from the Companies Registration Office
- Insurance disc: Note the insurer name and policy number if visible
Special damages proof: Receipts & loss of earnings
Special damages are your provable out-of-pocket losses. Unlike general damages (pain and suffering), special damages require exact documentation—the legal term is "vouching." Every euro you claim must have supporting proof.
Loss of earnings documentation
| Employment type | Required documents | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| PAYE employee | Certificate of Loss of Earnings | Employer stamps and signs; shows net loss (awards are tax-free); include lost overtime/bonuses |
| Self-employed | Form 11 returns (3 years), Notice of Assessment, audited accounts | Must show loss of profit not just revenue—fixed costs like rent continue regardless of injury |
| Gig economy worker | Platform earnings statements, bank records, contracts | Show average earnings before accident and nil/reduced earnings during recovery |
Hidden recoverable cost: If you're self-employed and hired replacement labour while injured, those invoices are claimable as special damages. Keep all receipts for cover staff.
Medical and travel expenses
Common special damages for car accident claims include:
- Pharmacy receipts: Must be itemised—a credit card slip showing "€50 at pharmacy" is insufficient; the IRB needs to see "Prescription painkillers - €50"
- Physiotherapy: Invoice plus proof of payment for each session
- Travel to appointments: Create a travel log (date, origin, destination, kilometres). Tip: Use Google Maps timeline to reconstruct if you didn't track in real-time
- Vehicle damage: Repair invoices or write-off valuation (separate from injury claim, but document thoroughly)
Receipts fade: Thermal receipts from pharmacies can become illegible within months. Scan or photograph all receipts immediately after receiving them. A faded receipt is a rejected claim element.
Car accident evidence boosters: Garda reports, dashcam & more
While not always mandatory, these documents significantly strengthen car accident claims—particularly where liability is disputed.
Garda report (Garda Abstract)
If Gardaí attended the scene or you reported the collision at a station, request the Garda Abstract. This official record documents the accident circumstances, parties involved, and any observations about fault.
Apply at your local Garda station. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Fee: approximately €40. See our Garda report guide for details.
Not the same as the PULSE record: The Garda Abstract is the formal document for legal/insurance purposes. A verbal confirmation that "there's a record on PULSE" is not sufficient evidence for your claim.
Dashcam footage
If you have dashcam footage of the accident:
- Save the original file immediately (don't let it overwrite)
- Make multiple backups to different storage locations
- Note the timestamp settings (were date/time accurate?)
- Include in your evidence pack with a brief description
Photographs
Photograph everything at the scene if safely possible:
- Vehicle damage (all angles, close-ups of impact points)
- Road conditions, signage, junction layout
- Weather conditions
- Registration plates of all vehicles involved
- Insurance disc of at-fault vehicle
- Visible injuries (bruising, cuts) in days following
Witness contact details
If witnesses observed the accident, get their name and phone number at the scene. Independent witnesses carry significant weight where liability is disputed. Note: you don't need witness statements for the IRB application, but having contacts available is valuable if the claim proceeds to court.
Mediation documents (RTA claims since December 2024)
Since December 2024, the IRB offers mediation as an alternative to formal assessment for road traffic accident claims. If both parties agree to mediate, additional documents come into play:
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mediation consent form | Both parties agree to attempt resolution | Voluntary—either party can decline |
| Confidentiality agreement | Ensures "without prejudice" protection | Anything said in mediation cannot be used in court if it fails |
| Pre-mediation position statement | Outlines your claim value and priorities | Strategic document—consider solicitor input |
Mediation advantage: IRB mediation is free (no additional fee beyond the €45 application), typically resolves within 3 months, and achieves settlement in approximately 50% of cases that proceed. Source: IRB Mediation Guide.
How to submit: Online vs paper
Online submission (recommended)
Submit via form.piab.ie. Benefits:
- Lower fee: €45 vs €90 for paper
- Instant confirmation of submission
- Upload supporting documents directly
- Track application status online
File upload requirements: The IRB portal accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. Keep each file under 10MB. Avoid special characters in filenames (use "Form-B-Medical-Report.pdf" not "Form B (Dr. O'Brien).pdf"). If your scanned document exceeds the limit, reduce resolution or split into multiple files labelled Part 1, Part 2, etc.
Original vs copy: What format does the IRB accept?
| Document | Online submission | Paper submission |
|---|---|---|
| Form A | Digital with e-signature ✅ | Original wet-ink signature required |
| Form B medical report | Scanned PDF ✅ | Original preferred; certified copy accepted |
| Receipts | Scanned images ✅ | Copies acceptable; retain originals |
| Garda Abstract | Scanned PDF ✅ | Copy acceptable |
| Photos / dashcam | Upload directly ✅ | USB or printed stills |
| Employer earnings cert | Scanned PDF ✅ | Original on company letterhead preferred |
Online submission is simpler—everything can be scanned. For paper submission, always keep copies before posting originals.
Paper submission
Download Form A (PDF), complete manually, and post with:
- Original signed Form A
- Medical Report (Form B) original
- Supporting documents (copies acceptable)
- Fee payment (cheque/postal order payable to "Injuries Resolution Board")
Post to: Injuries Resolution Board, P.O. Box 8, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 YH98.
Postal risk: Use tracked/signed delivery. If documents are lost in post and your limitation period expires, you have no Section 50 protection. Keep copies of everything and proof of postage.
Hidden rejection triggers & how to avoid them
Based on IRB guidance and practitioner experience, 10-15% of motor claim applications are returned as incomplete at initial submission—most commonly for medical report deficiencies. These issues cause applications to be returned without stopping your limitation clock:
| Rejection trigger | Why it happens | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Medical report lacking causation | Report describes injuries but doesn't confirm they resulted from the accident | Ask your doctor to explicitly state injuries are "causally linked to the road traffic accident of [date]" |
| Missing WAD grade (whiplash) | Whiplash claims cannot be assessed without grade classification | Ensure Form B includes "WAD Grade I/II/III/IV" for any neck/soft tissue injury |
| Prognosis stated as "unknown" | IRB needs recovery timeframe to apply Guidelines | If recovery genuinely uncertain, doctor should give "best estimate" or range |
| Wrong respondent named | Company name misspelled; driver named when employer liable | Verify exact legal entity name via CRO or insurance documents |
| Missing PPSN | Mandatory field left blank | Include PPSN or alternative ID for non-residents |
| No claimant signature | Solicitor signed but claimant didn't | Claimant must sign declaration even if solicitor files |
When the IRB route may not be your best option
While the IRB process is mandatory for most personal injury claims under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, some situations may warrant seeking a faster Authorisation to proceed directly to court:
- Complex liability disputes: If the respondent's insurer denies fault entirely, an IRB assessment may be academic—court proceedings may be necessary regardless of the assessment outcome
- Catastrophic injuries: For severe, life-changing injuries that may exceed Personal Injuries Guidelines brackets, court may yield a more appropriate award
- Respondent unlikely to consent: If you anticipate the respondent will decline the IRB process (common in disputed liability cases), you may prefer faster Authorisation to commence court proceedings
- Multiple respondents with different insurers: Complex multi-party claims can be administratively challenging through the IRB
Discuss your specific circumstances with a solicitor to determine the optimal approach for your claim.
What if I don't have a required document?
Missing a key document doesn't always mean you can't proceed. Here are the workarounds:
| Missing document | Alternative solution |
|---|---|
| GP won't complete Form B | Request from consultant who treated you (orthopaedic, A&E), or use medico-legal report service—doctor must have treated you |
| Lost receipt | Bank/card statement showing transaction + brief written explanation of what was purchased |
| Employer won't provide earnings cert | Payslips covering absence period + P60 + written note explaining employer refusal |
| No Garda report filed | Proceed without—not mandatory for IRB. Include sworn statement explaining why (e.g., minor accident, reported late) |
| Witness left scene—no contact details | Note in application that witnesses unknown; provide any partial details (first name, vehicle description) |
| A&E records delayed | Submit application with note stating "hospital records requested [date], to follow." Provide when received |
| Dashcam footage overwritten | Include written statement confirming dashcam existed and was lost; preserve any cloud backup |
| At-fault driver's insurance unknown | Use MIBI database with registration number; if still unknown, name driver + MIBI as respondents |
The key is documentation. If a document is unavailable, explain why in writing and provide the best alternative evidence you have.
Document gathering timeline: From accident to submission
Aim to submit your IRB application within 6-12 months of the accident—this allows time for initial treatment while preserving the bulk of your two-year limitation period.
| Timeframe | Action | Documents to gather |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Report to Gardaí (essential if MIBI involved) | Station name, date, PULSE reference if given |
| Week 1 | Attend GP; photograph injuries; preserve dashcam | Medical record of initial attendance; photos |
| Week 1-4 | Book medical report appointment; request Garda Abstract | Form B appointment confirmed; Abstract application submitted |
| Week 4-12 | Obtain medical report; compile receipts; request loss of earnings cert | Completed Form B; special damages file |
| Month 3-6 | Review all documents; complete Form A; submit to IRB | Full application pack; proof of submission |
Don't wait for full recovery: If your prognosis is uncertain, the 2022 Act allows the IRB to extend the assessment period. It's better to file with "ongoing treatment, further prognosis to follow" than to risk your two-year deadline. See time limits guide.
Interactive document checker
Track your progress gathering IRB application documents. Your selections are saved in your browser.
Free IRB documents checklist
Download our printable checklist and expense tracker:
IRB Documents Checklist 2026 (PDF) — Mandatory and supporting documents with tick boxes
Special Damages Log Template (Excel) — Track medical expenses, travel, and loss of earnings with automatic totals
Official sources
IRB Guidance on Medical Reports (PDF)
How to prepare your IRB application (summary steps)
Estimated effort: 4-8 weeks for document gathering. What you need: GP access, accident details, special damages records.
- Book your medical report with your treating doctor as soon as initial treatment allows. Request Form B completion with causation, prognosis, and (for whiplash) WAD grade. IRB medical guidance
- Compile your evidence pack: Garda Abstract (if available), photos, dashcam footage, witness details, respondent insurance information.
- Prepare special damages file: All receipts, loss of earnings certificate from employer or Revenue documents for self-employed, travel log.
- Complete Form A with accurate respondent details. Remember: you must personally sign even if solicitor files. IRB portal
- Submit online (€45) with all documents attached. Keep confirmation email and reference number.
Related guides
Full IRB claims process explained — Timeline from application to assessment
Time limits for car accident claims — Statute of limitations and exceptions
Compensation amounts for car accidents — Personal Injuries Guidelines brackets
How to get your Garda report — Abstract application process
Common questions about IRB documents
Do I need a solicitor to gather these documents?
No—you can apply to the IRB yourself. However, strict validation rules mean errors can be costly. A rejected application doesn't stop your limitation clock. Many claimants instruct a solicitor precisely to ensure documents meet the IRB's requirements before submission.
Why it matters: A rejected application wastes months while your two-year deadline keeps running. Professional review catches errors before submission.
Next step: IRB Claimant Guide • Free consultation
What if my GP won't complete Form B?
Some GPs prefer not to complete medico-legal reports. Options: ask for referral to a consultant who treated you (orthopaedic, A&E), or engage a medico-legal report service. The key is that the doctor must have treated you for the injuries—a paper review alone is insufficient for the initial application.
Why it matters: Without a valid Form B, your application is incomplete and won't stop your limitation clock. Finding an alternative early avoids deadline pressure.
Next step: IRB medical report guidance • Download Form B
Can I submit without the Garda report?
Yes—the Garda Abstract is supporting evidence, not mandatory for IRB validity. However, for disputed liability cases (especially hit-and-run or where the other driver denies fault), the Abstract significantly strengthens your position. If MIBI is involved, prompt Garda reporting within 2 days is a condition of the MIBI Agreement.
Why it matters: Without Garda documentation, disputed liability claims become "your word against theirs." The Abstract provides independent verification.
Next step: Garda report guide • MIBI claim requirements
What's the difference between Form A and Form B?
Form A is your application form—completed by you (or your solicitor), identifying you, the respondent, and the accident circumstances. Form B is the medical report—completed by your treating doctor, describing your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. Both are mandatory for a valid application.
Why it matters: Confusing the two forms or submitting the wrong one delays your application. Form A is your responsibility; Form B is your doctor's.
Next step: Download Form A • Download Form B
How long does the IRB keep my application valid?
Once accepted as complete, the respondent has 90 days to consent or decline the IRB process. If they consent, assessment typically takes 9 months. If assessment isn't accepted by either party, you receive an Authorisation to proceed to court (valid for 12 months). Your claim remains alive throughout this process.
Why it matters: Understanding the timeline helps you plan. The IRB process protects your claim while assessment proceeds—rushing isn't necessary once accepted.
Next step: Citizens Information IRB overview • Full IRB process explained
What happens if my application is incomplete?
The IRB returns it without issuing a Section 50 acknowledgement. Critically, your two-year limitation period continues running. If the deadline passes while you're fixing documents, your claim becomes statute-barred. This is why gathering all documents before submission is essential.
Why it matters: This is the most dangerous trap in the IRB process. An incomplete application offers no protection—it's as if you never applied.
Next step: Section 50, PIRB Act 2022 • Time limits guide
Can I claim if I'm partly at fault (contributory negligence)?
Yes—contributory negligence reduces but doesn't eliminate your compensation. You should still submit a complete application. The IRB assesses injury severity; liability apportionment is a separate consideration addressed in the assessment or court proceedings. Document everything regardless of fault concerns.
Why it matters: Many claimants wrongly assume partial fault disqualifies them. Even 50% contributory negligence means 50% of your compensation is recoverable.
Next step: Civil Liability Act 1961 • Compensation guide
What if my injuries are still being treated when I need to apply?
Submit with a medical report stating current status and "further prognosis to follow." The IRB can request updated reports and extend assessment timelines where injuries are evolving. It's safer to file with incomplete prognosis than to miss your limitation deadline. The 2022 Act explicitly allows for this.
Why it matters: Waiting for "full recovery" before applying is a common mistake that risks statute-barring your claim. The IRB process accommodates evolving injuries.
Next step: IRB Claimant Guide • Time limits explained
How do I find the at-fault driver's insurance details?
Check the insurance disc displayed on their vehicle (if visible at scene), or use the MIBI Insurance Check with the registration number. For company vehicles, the employer's policy may cover—contact the company directly or check their insurer via the vehicle registration.
Why it matters: Naming the correct insurer ensures your claim reaches the right respondent. Wrong insurer details can delay the process significantly.
Next step: MIBI insurance database • Motor tax records
Is mediation available for all car accident claims?
Since December 2024, IRB mediation is available for road traffic accident claims where both parties consent. It's free, faster (typically 3 months), and confidential. Either party can decline and proceed to formal assessment instead.
Why it matters: Mediation can resolve your claim months faster than traditional assessment—with no additional cost beyond the €45 application fee.
Next step: IRB Mediation • Mediation Guide (PDF)
Can I add documents after submitting my application?
Yes. You can submit supplemental evidence via the IRB portal or by post at any time before assessment. Quote your IRB reference number on all correspondence. Common additions include updated medical reports (if prognosis changes), additional receipts as expenses accumulate, and late-arriving Garda Abstracts.
Why it matters: Your initial application doesn't lock in your evidence. As treatment continues and expenses mount, updating your file strengthens your assessment.
Next step: IRB Portal • Contact IRB
Need help with your car accident claim?
Our team ensures your documents meet IRB requirements before submission—avoiding the rejection risks that can jeopardise your claim. Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors for a free initial consultation.
Phone: 01 903 6408 | Available: 24/7