Car Accident Evidence Checklist Ireland: What to Collect and When

Summary: The evidence you gather after a car accident in Ireland directly shapes your claim's strength. Some evidence disappears within days—CCTV footage is typically overwritten after 28–30 days, so you've got roughly 7 days to act. Other evidence needs careful documentation before injuries heal or memories fade. This checklist organises everything by when you need to act, not just what to collect. For the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)—formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) until 2023—your application isn't "deemed complete" under Section 50 of the PIAB Act 2003 [1] until you've submitted a medical report with a prognosis. Missing that detail is one of the most common stall points we see.

Why timing matters more than most checklists tell you

Generic evidence checklists say "take photos" and "get witness details." That's true, but it misses the point. Some evidence has a shelf life measured in days, not months. CCTV footage, bruising patterns, skid marks on wet roads—these disappear. Other evidence only becomes valuable once you understand what the IRB and courts actually weight when assessing claims.

A common mistake we see is people gathering mountains of evidence that doesn't help while missing the one piece that would've made the difference. The other driver's verbal admission at the scene? That's low on the evidence hierarchy. Independent CCTV showing them run the red light? That's at the top. This checklist prioritises evidence by both when it expires and how much weight it carries.

For reference: the IRB received 20,837 applications in 2024 and made 8,598 assessments, with 58% of applications being motor liability claims and a median award of €13,100. The average assessment time was 11.2 months, though the new IRB mediation option [6] (introduced late 2024) is resolving cases in roughly 3 months for those who opt in. Source: IRB Annual Report 2024 [7].

At the scene: immediate evidence ACT NOW

The moments after a collision are chaotic, but what you capture now may be impossible to recreate later. If you're physically able, prioritise these in order.

Photographs (before moving vehicles if safe)

Take wide shots showing the full scene—road layout, lane markings, traffic lights, and the final position of all vehicles. A close-up of a dented bumper tells a court very little about how the collision happened. The resting positions of the vehicles, relative to road markings and infrastructure, allow reconstruction of the impact geometry.

The 20-photo checklist

Work through this list systematically. Miss nothing.

1. Wide shot of entire scene from your direction of travel
2. Wide shot from the other driver's direction of travel
3. Wide shot from each side of the road
4. Your vehicle's front damage
5. Your vehicle's rear
6. Your vehicle's left side
7. Your vehicle's right side
8. Other vehicle's front damage
9. Other vehicle's rear
10. Other vehicle's left and right sides
11. All registration plates (yours and theirs)
12. Other driver's insurance disc in windscreen
13. Skid marks with scale reference (coin, pen, water bottle)
14. Debris field—glass, plastic, fluid on road
15. Road markings, lane lines, junction layout
16. Traffic lights, signs, speed limit signs
17. Weather and visibility conditions (sky, wet road, fog)
18. Any road defects (potholes, obscured signs, faded markings)
19. Nearby CCTV cameras (note locations for later requests)
20. Screenshot of your phone's GPS location and time

Exchange of details (Section 106 obligations)

Under Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 [8], drivers must exchange information at the scene. Collect:

• Full name and address of the other driver
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance company and policy number (photograph the disc)
• Contact phone number
• Ask specifically: "Are you the registered owner?" If not, get the owner's name and address too—they're often the policyholder

This is not the same as admitting fault. You can exchange details while saying "I'll let the insurers sort out what happened."

Witness details

Independent witnesses—pedestrians, other drivers, shop staff—carry far more weight than passengers who are friends or family. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses. If someone's reluctant, ask if you can note their vehicle registration. In serious liability disputes, this can later be traced.

Tip: If a witness is willing, ask them to voice-record a 30-second account on your phone, or send you a text describing what they saw. This "locks in" their version before memory fades or they're dissuaded from getting involved.

Multi-vehicle collisions: documenting the sequence

In pile-ups or chain-reaction crashes, who hit whom first determines liability allocation. The driver at the back isn't always at fault—each link in the chain may share responsibility.

• Sketch the positions: Draw a rough diagram showing where each vehicle ended up, numbered in order (Vehicle 1, Vehicle 2, etc.)
• Document each impact point: Your car may have damage to front and rear. Photograph each separately and note which was the first impact you felt.
• Get details from all drivers: Not just the one you think hit you—the cause may be two vehicles back.
• Note the sequence if you can: "I was stationary when Vehicle 2 hit me from behind, which pushed me into Vehicle 1 in front."

This matters because liability may be split between multiple parties. Your evidence about the chain of events affects how damages are apportioned.

What if you left without collecting evidence?

Many people arrive at this page having already left the accident scene—no photos, no witness details, maybe not even the other driver's information. Don't panic. Here's what you can still do:

• Return to the scene: Go back within 24 hours and photograph the road layout, junction, traffic lights, speed limits, and any CCTV cameras you can see. The road won't have changed.
• Request Garda scene photos: If Gardaí attended and took photos, you can request these through the PULSE system once you have your incident number.
• CCTV becomes critical: With no scene photos of your own, third-party footage is your best hope. Send those requests immediately—don't wait.
• Check your phone: Did you call anyone from the scene? Your call log proves you were there at that time. Any texts you sent describing what happened are contemporaneous evidence.
• Focus on what you can control: Medical records, injury photos, the Garda report, ongoing documentation. A claim can succeed without scene photos if other evidence is strong.

Within 24 hours: critical early steps 24H

↑ Back to top

Report to Gardaí

You must report any collision involving injury or significant damage to the Gardaí. Even if Gardaí didn't attend the scene (common for minor collisions), report at the nearest station to the crash location. Ask for and record the PULSE incident number—this is your receipt and key to all future Garda data. See Garda guidance [9].

For MIBI claims (uninsured or untraced driver), the deadline is stricter: report within 2 days or as soon as reasonably possible. Late reporting without good reason can defeat your claim. Source: MIBI Agreement 3.13 [5].

The PULSE number is not the same as the Garda Abstract (a formal summary requested later for court proceedings). You don't need the Abstract to start your IRB application. Waiting for it can waste months.

Seek medical attention

Visit your GP or A&E. This creates a medical record linking the accident to your injuries—crucial for causation. Even if symptoms seem minor, document them. Many injuries (whiplash, soft tissue damage) worsen over subsequent days, and late-appearing symptoms without early documentation face scepticism.

Tell the doctor:

• Exactly how the accident happened
• Which body parts hurt and how the pain feels
• Any limitations to movement or daily activities
• Whether symptoms started immediately or developed later

Photograph your injuries

Bruises, cuts, swelling, seatbelt marks, airbag burns—photograph them all. These marks fade within days. Take photos daily as injuries develop, then heal. This visual timeline corroborates your account and counters any suggestion of exaggeration.

Seatbelt marks and airbag burns deserve special attention. Photograph within 24–48 hours while they're still visible. Use a ruler or coin for scale. Seatbelt bruising across the chest/shoulder proves you were wearing a belt—important if contributory negligence is raised. Airbag deployment burns on hands or face show the collision force was significant. These marks fade quickly and can't be recreated later.

Notify your insurer

Most policies require notification within 24–48 hours. Check your policy terms. This is administrative, not the same as deciding whether to claim or accept fault.

The 7-day CCTV window URGENT

CCTV is often the strongest evidence in disputed liability cases—objective, time-stamped, and unbiased. The problem? Most systems automatically overwrite footage on a 28–30 day loop. Some use shorter retention (14 days for smaller businesses). By the time many people think about CCTV, it's gone.

Our rule of thumb: submit your CCTV request within 7 days of the accident. This allows time for the data controller to process your request before retention expires.

How to request CCTV under GDPR

Under GDPR Article 15 (your right of access), you can request footage containing your personal data (images of you and your vehicle). This is called a Subject Access Request (SAR). The data controller must respond within one month. Source: DPC guidance [3].

Your request should include:

• The specific date and time window (e.g., "9 January 2026, 14:30–14:45")
• Exact location (camera address or identifiable landmarks)
• Your vehicle registration and description
• A request to preserve the footage immediately pending processing

Send this by email or recorded post—you need proof of the date you made the request. If they refuse or delay, you can complain to the Data Protection Commission [10].

For Dublin Bus, Luas, or Irish Rail, contact their Data Protection Officer directly (not general customer service). Include the route number, direction, and time.

Dash-cam footage

If you have a dash-cam, the footage may have already been overwritten if you've driven for hours since the accident. Dash-cams record on a loop—sometimes just a few hours. Remove the SD card immediately. Don't rely on the "lock" button.

Also check: is your dash-cam set to Irish time (GMT/IST)? Incorrect timestamps undermine credibility. And be aware that dash-cams record audio inside the cabin. What you said immediately after the collision is part of the evidence—exclamations like "I didn't see them" or aggressive swearing become discoverable.

Preserving dash-cam metadata

The footage file itself isn't enough—you need to preserve the metadata that proves when and where it was recorded:

• Don't edit or convert the file: Keep the original MP4/AVI format. Re-encoding strips EXIF data.
• Verify timestamp accuracy: Compare the dash-cam time to your phone's time. Note any offset (e.g., "dash-cam shows 14:32, actual time 14:35").
• Preserve GPS coordinates: If your dash-cam records location, export the GPX/GPS track file separately.
• Copy to two locations: SD card can corrupt. Copy to cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud) and a local hard drive within 24 hours.
• Screenshot the file properties: Right-click → Properties → Details shows creation date, duration, and device info. Screenshot this before anything changes.

↑ Back to top

Ongoing documentation throughout your claim ONGOING

Medical records and treatment

Keep attending your GP whenever symptoms persist, change, or flare up. A gap in treatment creates an assumption of recovery. If you're in pain but don't tell your doctor, the court assumes you weren't in pain.

Request copies of:

• A&E triage notes and discharge summary
• GP visit notes
• Specialist referral letters
• Physiotherapy records
• Prescriptions and pharmacy dispensing history

Receipts for expenses (special damages)

The rule is simple: vouched or zero. If you can't prove the cost with a document, you can't recover it. Keep receipts for:

• GP visits, consultant fees, physiotherapy
• Medications (ask your pharmacy for a "patient dispensing history" printout)
• Travel to medical appointments (mileage log: date, from, to, km, purpose)
• Childcare costs if appointments required it
• Home help or domestic assistance
• Damaged items (clothing, phone, child car seat—replacement receipts)

Mileage log format: A simple spreadsheet works. Columns: Date | From | To | Kilometres | Purpose (e.g., "GP appointment"). The IRB accepts the Revenue-approved civil service mileage rate as a reasonable basis—currently around 59c per km for the first 1,500km.

Loss of earnings letter: Ask your employer to provide a letter on company letterhead confirming: dates of absence, whether sick leave was paid or unpaid, your normal salary, and any bonus/overtime you missed. Self-employed? Keep Revenue returns, bank statements showing reduced income, and invoices for any locum or replacement staff you had to hire.

Child car seat replacement: Even if the seat looks undamaged, manufacturers recommend replacement after any collision. Keep the receipt—this is a legitimate special damage. Photograph the old seat before disposal.

Pain diary

Not a rant book—a structured record. Note:

• Daily pain levels (0–10 scale)
• Functional limitations: "couldn't lift the kettle," "had to stop driving after 20 minutes"
• Sleep disruption
• Activities you've had to stop
• Medication taken (what, when)

Use timestamped emails to yourself or a notes app. This proves the diary was written contemporaneously.

Telematics and black-box data

If you have a telematics insurance policy (Aviva Drive, AIG black-box, or similar), your insurer holds GPS and driving data that could prove your speed, braking, and location at the time of the crash. This is your data—you can request it.

Submit a Subject Access Request to your insurer citing GDPR Article 15. Ask specifically for:

• GPS coordinates and timestamps for the accident date
• Speed readings before and at impact
• Harsh braking/acceleration events logged
• Any crash alert data transmitted

This data can corroborate your account (e.g., prove you weren't speeding) or reveal the other driver's telematics insurer, who may also hold relevant data.

Evidence sources most people overlook

Beyond the obvious photos and medical records, these lesser-known sources can strengthen your claim:

• Google Maps Timeline: If location history is enabled on your phone, Google stores your movements. Go to timeline.google.com, find the accident date, and screenshot your route—this proves you were at that location at that time.
• Call and text logs: Did you phone someone immediately after? "I've just been in an accident on the N11" sent at 14:32 is timestamped corroboration. Screenshot your call log and any texts.
• Met Éireann historical weather: The weather at the accident time and location is verifiable. Visit met.ie and retrieve the historical data for that date—rainfall, visibility, temperature. Free and official.
• Bank and card transactions: If you stopped at a petrol station or shop minutes before the accident, your transaction timestamp proves your route and timing.
• Local authority records: For road defect claims, councils hold maintenance logs, pothole reports, and inspection schedules. Submit a Freedom of Information request.
• Traffic light sequences: Local authorities can confirm light timing sequences at junctions. Relevant if the dispute is about who had the green light.

What the IRB actually needs to deem your application complete

Under Section 50 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 [1], your application must be "deemed complete" for the two-year limitation period to pause. The clock doesn't stop when you submit Form A—it stops when the IRB has everything required.

What's required:

1. Completed Application Form (Form A) with accident details, injuries, and respondent information
2. Medical Report (Form B) from your treating doctor, including a prognosis—this is the most common stall point
3. Receipts or vouchers for claimed special damages
4. Payment of the €45 fee
5. Proof of Section 8 compliance—your letter of claim to the respondent

The medical report must include diagnosis, treatment received, and a prognosis (expected recovery timeline and any permanent effects). Without prognosis, the IRB can't assess your claim—they'll request it and your application remains incomplete. Source: IRB Claimant Guide [11].

What each type of medical report must contain

For complex injuries, you may need reports from multiple specialists. The IRB can request additional medical evidence if the Form B is insufficient for the injury type claimed.

Section 8 letter deadline: 1 month, not 2

Before applying to the IRB, you must notify the person you're claiming against. Under Section 8 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 [4], this letter must be sent within one month of the accident (or one month of instructing a solicitor). This deadline was amended from two months via Section 13 of the Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Act 2018 [12], effective January 2019. Some older guides still cite the two-month deadline—that's outdated.

Evidence hierarchy when liability is disputed

When the other driver denies fault, or both parties blame each other, the quality of your evidence determines the outcome. Courts and assessors weight evidence by objectivity, not volume. For a deeper look at how liability disputes play out, see our guide on disputed liability claims.

Source: Adapted from Irish civil procedure practice; see also James v Halliday [2024] IEHC 281 on context over position in rear-end cases.

The practical implication? Prioritise evidence from tiers 1–3. An independent witness who saw the accident is worth more than three passengers who are your friends. CCTV showing the light sequence is worth more than both parties' conflicting accounts.

Driver Number: new evidence requirement (2025)

↑ Back to top

From 31 March 2025, insurers must collect your Driver Number (from your driving licence) when you take out or renew motor insurance. This feeds into the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) [13], enabling Gardaí to verify insurance cover roadside and via ANPR.

Evidence implications:

• If the other driver claims to be insured but their Driver Number doesn't match the policy, that's provable
• For uninsured or hit-and-run claims, capturing the registration is now more powerful—Gardaí can cross-reference IMID immediately
• Your own Driver Number should match your policy; discrepancies could complicate your claim

This enforcement has already shown results: in 2024, Gardaí seized 18,676 uninsured vehicles—up 67% on 2023. The proportion of uninsured private vehicles fell from roughly 1 in 12 (8% in 2022, per IMID Report) to about 1 in 25 (2024). Sources: Department of Transport [14]; MIBI seizures data [15]; MIBI Press Release April 2025.

Special situations: MIBI, passengers, and hit-and-run

Uninsured driver (MIBI) claims

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your claim goes through the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) [16]. For the complete process, see our detailed guide on claiming against an uninsured driver. Additional evidence requirements:

• Garda report within 2 days (or ASAP with documented reason for delay)
• Photograph of the other vehicle's registration and insurance disc (or absence of disc)
• Completed MIBI claim form [17]—phone calls don't count as formal notification
• For untraced vehicles (hit-and-run): available for MIBI interview within 30 days of your IRB application

If you were a passenger

As a passenger, you can claim against either driver (or both) depending on fault. Specific evidence needs:

• Driver Number of both vehicles (where possible)
• If in a ride-hail (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow), preserve your booking ID and trip receipt—screenshot within 24 hours as in-app receipts can become harder to access over time
• The ride-hail booking is timestamped, GPS-tracked proof you were in that vehicle at that location—stronger than your word alone
• If liability is shared between drivers, keep evidence separate for each respondent

Hit-and-run (untraced driver)

Evidence priority: anything that could identify the vehicle. Registration (even partial), make/model, colour, direction of travel. CCTV becomes critical. Witness statements describing the vehicle. Report to Gardaí immediately—this goes through MIBI, and late reporting undermines claims.

Claims involving children

When a minor (under 18) is injured, a parent or guardian acts as "next friend" in the claim. The evidence requirements are the same, but you'll need additional documentation:

• School absence records: Request a letter from the school confirming dates missed due to injury—this supports the claim for disruption to education.
• Activity impact diary: Note sports, hobbies, and social activities the child has had to stop or reduce. "Couldn't play GAA for 6 weeks" or "missed school swimming" documents real impact.
• Childcare arrangements: If a parent had to take time off work to care for the injured child, document this as a special damage (loss of earnings or replacement childcare costs).
• Photographs: The same rules apply—injuries, bruises, and healing progression. Just ensure you're photographing for medical/legal purposes with dignity.

Note: Settlements for minors require court approval. The court must be satisfied the settlement is in the child's best interests, so thorough documentation matters even more.

Seatbelt documentation and contributory negligence

Not wearing a seatbelt doesn't bar your claim—but it reduces your award. This falls under contributory negligence rules. Following the Froom v Butcher principle applied in Irish courts:

• 25% reduction if the seatbelt would have prevented your injuries entirely
• 15% reduction if it would have reduced the severity
• No reduction if it would have made no difference

Source: Irish case law applying Froom v Butcher [1976] QB 286; see also practitioner guidance [18].

To prove you were wearing a seatbelt:

• Photograph seatbelt marks across your chest/shoulder (within 24–48 hours while visible)
• Ask your doctor to note seatbelt-pattern bruising in medical records
• A&E triage notes often record seatbelt use—request these

Vehicle evidence before repair

Once your car goes into the garage, the physical evidence of the collision disappears. Before authorising any repairs:

• Get an independent engineer inspection: If liability is disputed or injuries are serious, consider paying for an independent engineer's report before repairs begin. They can assess impact speed, angle, and forces—impossible to determine once the car is fixed.
• Obtain multiple repair estimates: At least two, preferably three. This proves the repair cost is reasonable and strengthens your position if the insurer's estimate is low.
• Photograph damaged parts being removed: Ask the garage if you can photograph (or have them photograph) each damaged component as it's taken off. Bumper, panels, airbag housing, seatbelt tensioner—all of it.
• Keep replaced parts: In serious disputes, the physical parts may be needed for expert analysis. Ask the garage to store them until your claim is settled, or collect them yourself.
• Don't authorise repairs until the other insurer inspects: If the other side wants their engineer to inspect your vehicle, let them—but document everything yourself first. If you must repair urgently (e.g., only vehicle, needed for work), photograph extensively and notify all parties in writing before proceeding.
• Document write-off valuation: If the vehicle is written off, keep the insurer's valuation report and challenge it with comparable sales listings if it's too low.

How to organise your evidence

↑ Back to top

A folder structure that works:

/Car_Accident_[DATE]
├── /01_Scene_Photos
│   ├── Wide_shots/
│   └── Damage_details/
├── /02_Injury_Photos
│   └── [Dated subfolders]
├── /03_Medical
│   ├── AE_records/
│   ├── GP_notes/
│   └── Specialist_reports/
├── /04_Receipts
│   ├── Medical/
│   ├── Travel_mileage/
│   └── Other_expenses/
├── /05_Correspondence
│   ├── Section_8_letter/
│   ├── Insurer/
│   └── CCTV_requests/
├── /06_Witness_Statements
└── /07_Garda_PULSE_Docs

File naming convention: [YYYY-MM-DD]_[Type]_[Description].pdf
Example: 2026-01-09_Receipt_Physio_session1.pdf

Back up to two locations (cloud + local). If you're working with a solicitor, share a folder they can access.

Mistakes that weaken claims

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Consider Next

↑ Back to top

Once you've gathered your initial evidence, these follow-up questions often arise:

References

All sources accessed January 2026 unless otherwise noted. Irish Statute Book citations are to official published versions.

1. Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, Section 50 — Irish Statute Book
2. Making a Claim — Injuries Resolution Board (January 2026)
3. Right of Access (Subject Access Request) — Data Protection Commission
4. Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, Section 8 — Irish Statute Book
5. MIBI Agreement 2009 — Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland
6. Mediation — Injuries Resolution Board (2025)
7. Annual Reports — Injuries Resolution Board
8. Road Traffic Act 1961, Section 106 — Irish Statute Book
9. Road Traffic Collision guidance — An Garda Síochána (2025)
10. Raising a Concern — Data Protection Commission
11. Claimant Guide — Injuries Resolution Board (2025)
12. Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Act 2018, Section 13 — Irish Statute Book
13. IMID Report 2024 — Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland
14. Driver Number legislation — Department of Transport (2025)
15. 2024 seizures data — Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland
16. Uninsured Vehicles — Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland
17. MIBI Claim Form — Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (May 2024)
18. Contributory Negligence guidance — Lacey Solicitors
19. Injuries Resolution Board — Citizens Information

← Back to Car Accident Claims • Evidence Overview • Get Free Assessment