Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) Application: Step-by-Step Guide for Car Accidents in Ireland

Summary: The Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) until 2023, handles most car accident injury claims in Ireland. Apply online for €45, include your medical report, and your two-year clock stops. IRB process [1]

Before you apply: the ready-to-lodge checklist

Your IRB application will NOT be valid unless you have everything ready at submission. This is NOT about being thorough for its own sake. Since September 2023, an incomplete application does NOT stop your two-year time limit. [6] That's a hard rule. If you submit without a medical report the day before your deadline, you've missed it.

What you need before you log in

1. A medical report from your treating practitioner. This is non-negotiable. The report must come from a doctor, consultant, or other treating practitioner who has examined you. [6] A sick note or GP letter will NOT work. The Board provides a Form B template, though any substantive medical report covering your injuries, treatment, and prognosis should suffice. We often see delays when GPs are too busy to complete detailed reports. Allow two to four weeks for this.

2. Your PPS Number. The application validates your PPSN against Department of Social Protection records. ⁴ If there's a mismatch, say you're using a married name but your PPSN is registered under your maiden name, the portal will reject it. Check the name matches exactly. If you don't have a PPSN (non-Irish nationals), you can use a passport number or driving licence instead.

3. The correct respondent name. This is where mistakes happen. You need to name the legal entity responsible, not just "the driver." If the at-fault driver was in a company vehicle, you might need to name the employer. If they were uninsured, you'll name the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). You can search company names on the Companies Registration Office website. [8]

4. Payment method. Online costs €45 and requires a debit or credit card. ⁴ If you can't pay online, paper submission is €90.

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The mediation option: what changed in December 2024

Motor mediation is new. It only became available for car accident claims on 12 December 2024. [7] Before that, mediation was limited to employer liability (from December 2023) and public liability (from May 2024). Now it covers all three categories. This is NOT the same as the standard assessment track, and it's important to understand the difference.

When you apply, you'll see a checkbox asking whether you consent to mediation. Ticking yes does NOT commit you to anything binding. It means you're open to sitting down with a neutral mediator and the respondent's insurer to discuss both liability and compensation. [10]

Mediation vs assessment comparison

Source: Citizens Information [5], Dept. of Enterprise announcement [7].

Should you tick the mediation box? A decision framework

Key consideration: Mediation means negotiating directly with experienced insurance adjusters. If you're unsure about your claim's value, get advice before ticking that box. You can NOT un-consent once the process begins.

Should you tick the mediation box? It depends. Mediation can be faster and allows discussion of liability, which the standard assessment does NOT. But you'll be negotiating with experienced insurance adjusters. Without legal advice, you might accept less than your claim is worth. In our experience, people who enter mediation without professional guidance sometimes regret it when they see what similar cases settle for later. See our compensation guide for typical award ranges.

Step-by-step: completing your IRB application

The online portal at form.piab.ie is where most applications happen. The paper Form A still exists, but it costs twice as much (€90) and takes longer to process. ⁴

Portal walkthrough

Step 1: Create an account and log in. You'll need an email address for verification. The portal is separate from any MyGovID account. This is NOT linked to other government services.

Step 2: Enter your personal details. Your name and date of birth must match your PPSN registration exactly. The system validates this against Department records. ⁴ If you get an error, check for spelling differences or old name registrations.

Step 3: Identify the respondent. Name the person or entity you're claiming against. For car accidents, this is usually the at-fault driver. If they were driving for work, consider whether the employer should be named. If the driver was uninsured or fled, name MIBI. [11]

Step 4: Describe the accident. Be factual. Date, time, location, and a brief description of what happened. Don't argue liability or provide excessive detail. The description should match your Garda report if you made one.

Final submission steps

Step 5: Choose whether to opt into mediation. This is the new Section 7 checkbox. [7] Tick yes if you're open to mediation, or leave it blank to proceed directly to assessment. You're NOT locked in either way.

Step 6: Describe your injuries. Use language consistent with the Personal Injuries Guidelines categories where possible. [12] "Minor neck injury" is more useful than "my neck hurts." List all injuries, including psychological effects like anxiety or sleep disturbance. If you leave something out, it may NOT be assessed.

Step 7: Upload your medical report. The portal accepts PDF, JPG, and other common formats. Make sure the file is legible. This step is mandatory. [6]

Step 8: Pay the €45 fee and submit. You'll get an acknowledgement reference. Keep this.

Form A field-by-field: where errors happen

Most rejections stem from the same fields. Here's what the IRB portal validates and how to avoid common errors:

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Common mistakes that cause rejection or delay

We see the same errors repeatedly. Avoiding them can save months. A mistake we often see is submitting without a medical report near the deadline. This typically leads to a statute-barred claim.

1. No medical report at submission. This is the biggest issue since September 2023. Without a report, your application is incomplete. It does NOT stop the clock. [6] If your two-year deadline is approaching, do NOT submit without the report.

2. Wrong respondent name. Naming "John Smith" when you should have named "ABC Logistics Ltd" (his employer) can mean your application doesn't reach the right insurer. Check whether the at-fault driver was on work business. Check the vehicle registration to identify the owner.

3. PPSN mismatch. The portal validates against DSP records. If your name on the form doesn't match exactly, you'll get an error. ⁴ This catches people who've changed their name through marriage but haven't updated their PPSN registration.

4. Missing or inconsistent dates. If your medical report is dated before your accident (obviously an error), or the accident date doesn't match your Garda report, it creates problems. Double-check everything.

5. Incomplete injury description. The IRB assesses what you tell them. If you don't mention psychological injuries like anxiety or PTSD symptoms, they will NOT be assessed. Don't hold back.

6. Waiting too long. The two-year limit from the accident date is strict. We've seen people contact us with days to spare and no medical report ready. At that point, options are limited. See our time limits guide for the exceptions.

If your application is rejected

Application rejection is NOT the end. Here's what happens and how to fix it.

Common rejection reasons

1. No medical report attached. Since September 2023, this is an automatic rejection. Your application is treated as incomplete. The clock does NOT stop. Fix: Obtain your medical report and resubmit immediately. If you're near your deadline, contact a solicitor urgently.

2. PPSN validation failure. The portal couldn't match your details against DSP records. Fix: Verify your name exactly matches your PPSN registration. Contact DSP if unsure. Resubmit with corrected details.

3. Wrong respondent or unidentifiable respondent. You named someone the IRB can't notify or who isn't the correct legal entity. Fix: Research the correct respondent (use CRO for company names, check insurance certificates). Resubmit with corrected information.

4. Claim type not covered. Medical negligence claims, for example, don't go through the IRB. Fix: If your claim is genuinely excluded, you'll need to proceed directly to court. Consult a solicitor.

5. Out of time. Your application was submitted after the 2-year limitation period. Fix: Limited options exist. "Date of knowledge" exceptions may apply in some cases. Seek legal advice immediately.

The resubmission process

If your application is rejected for a correctable reason (missing report, PPSN error, wrong respondent), you can resubmit. Critical: Do this as quickly as possible. If your original submission was within the 2-year limit and you correct and resubmit promptly, the IRB may treat the original submission date as your effective application date. However, this is NOT guaranteed. Don't rely on it. Get it right first time.

A fresh application requires a fresh €45 fee. You do NOT get a refund for a rejected application.

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Real timelines vs official targets

The IRB's statutory target is nine months from application to assessment. ¹ The reality is different. The 2024 Annual Report shows the average assessment took 11.2 months, and 49% of cases exceeded the nine-month target. [2] This is NOT unusual, but it catches people who plan around the official figure.

Historical trend: is it getting better or worse?

Sources: IRB Annual Reports 2022-2024 [2]. 2022-2023 figures are approximate based on published reports.

The trend: Processing times have been increasing year-over-year despite the new Strategic Plan 2025-2029 promising improvements. [3] Application volumes are growing faster than processing capacity. Plan for delays.

Why the gap? Several factors: respondent delays in consenting, requests for additional medical evidence, complexity of injuries, and simply high case volumes. The IRB received over 30,000 applications in 2024. [2]

What this means for you: Don't plan around a nine-month outcome. Budget mentally and financially for a year or more. If liability is disputed, it can stretch longer because the respondent may refuse consent entirely, forcing you to court. For an overview of the entire process, see our claim process guide.

These are experience-based ranges, not guarantees. Your facts and evidence drive timing.

Where the 11.2 months actually goes

Breaking down the average assessment timeline reveals where delays happen:

Based on IRB 2024 Annual Report data [2] combined with practitioner experience. Individual cases vary significantly.

Key insight: The respondent's 90-day decision window and independent medical exam scheduling are the two biggest bottlenecks. You can NOT speed these up, but you can reduce your own preparation time by having everything ready before you apply.

Do you need a solicitor for your IRB application?

No, you do NOT legally need one. The IRB process was designed to allow direct applications. ¹ That said, the vast majority of claimants use solicitors. [2] There are reasons for that, and after handling hundreds of these claims, we understand why.

The case for going alone: Simple claims with clear liability, straightforward injuries, and no disputes can move through the system without legal help. You save on legal fees. The forms aren't complicated if you're organised.

The case for getting help: The stakes are higher than they appear. In our experience, the claims that go wrong often look simple at first. A mistake in your application, an incomplete injury description, or accepting a low assessment can cost you far more than legal fees would have. Insurers have experienced adjusters. You're doing this once. They do it daily.

We've seen clients who self-submitted and were satisfied with the outcome. We've also seen clients who came to us after accepting an assessment, only to learn their injuries were worth significantly more than they received. At that point, options are limited. The assessment you accepted is final.

Forum discussions from people who self-submitted show mixed outcomes. Some were satisfied. Others regretted it when they learned what their injuries were actually worth, or when they hit procedural snags they didn't anticipate. [14] It depends on your comfort level and the complexity of your case.

What happens after you submit

Once your application is complete and paid, the IRB sends you a Section 50 acknowledgement. ¹ This is important. It confirms your application was valid and that the statute of limitations clock has stopped. Keep this document. You do NOT need to wait for the respondent's decision before gathering additional evidence.

What your Section 50 letter contains

The Section 50 acknowledgment is your proof that the clock has stopped. Here's what it includes:

• Your claim reference number (format: typically IRB-XXXX-XXXXX or similar)
• Confirmation your application is valid and complete
• The date the statute of limitations stopped (usually your submission date)
• Name of respondent(s) being notified
• Expected timeline for respondent to decide (90 days)
• IRB contact details for queries
• Next steps explanation

Keep this letter safe. If there's ever a dispute about whether you applied in time, this is your evidence. We recommend scanning it and saving a digital copy as well as keeping the original.

The IRB then notifies the respondent (usually their insurer). The respondent has 90 days to decide whether to consent to assessment, opt for mediation (if you ticked yes), or decline. [5]

The IRB medical examination: what to expect

In many cases, the IRB will arrange an independent medical examination (IME) before issuing an assessment. This is NOT your GP or treating consultant. It's a doctor appointed by the IRB to provide an objective opinion. Here's what to expect:

When it happens: After the respondent consents to assessment, typically 2-4 months into the process. You'll receive a letter with date, time, and location options.

What to bring:

• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• List of current medications
• Details of ongoing treatment
• Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI scans) if you have copies

What happens during the exam: The doctor will review your medical history, ask about your injuries and symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. This typically takes 20-45 minutes. The doctor does NOT provide treatment. They're gathering information for their report.

What NOT to do:

• Do NOT exaggerate your symptoms (this will undermine your credibility)
• Do NOT minimise them either (be honest about your limitations)
• Do NOT be confrontational (the examiner is meant to be neutral)

Can you bring someone? Generally yes. You can bring a family member or friend for support. They usually wait outside during the examination itself but can accompany you to the venue.

The report: The examiner's report goes to the IRB and forms part of the evidence used to calculate your assessment. You're entitled to see it. If you disagree with findings, your solicitor can challenge them or submit additional medical evidence.

If they consent to assessment: The IRB gathers medical evidence, may arrange an independent medical exam, and eventually issues an assessment. You and the respondent can accept or reject it. The assessment is NOT final. You can reject it and proceed to court.

If they consent to mediation: A mediator is appointed. Sessions happen over weeks, not months. The target is resolution within three months. [7]

If they decline or don't respond: After 90 days, the IRB issues an "authorisation" allowing you to take court proceedings. ¹ This does NOT mean you've failed. It just means the IRB route has run its course for now.

When to accept or reject an assessment: a decision framework

You have 28 days under Section 38 to accept or reject an IRB assessment. This is one of the most consequential decisions in your claim. Here's how to think through it:

The maths matter: If the IRB assesses €15,000 and you believe your claim is worth €20,000, court costs and the risk of a lower award might wipe out that €5,000 difference. But if the assessment is €15,000 and Guidelines suggest €35,000, rejecting makes more sense despite the time and stress involved.

Critical rule: Never accept or reject without comparing your assessment to the Personal Injuries Guidelines for your specific injury type. If you're unsure, this is exactly when legal advice pays for itself.

Legal framework: key statutory sections

Understanding which law governs each step helps you know your rights. Here are the key provisions:

Source: PIAB Act 2003, PIRB Act 2022 [9].

Edge cases and exceptions

Claims the IRB will NOT accept

Medical negligence claims: These do NOT go through the IRB. ¹ If your injury resulted from medical treatment rather than an accident, the IRB will NOT accept your application.

Special circumstances

Claims involving minors: A "next friend" (usually a parent or guardian) applies on behalf of the child. ⁴ Court approval is needed for any settlement.

Psychological injuries: The IRB can now assess psychological injuries that previously it might have rejected for being too complex. [9] This change came with the 2022 Act. If your claim is primarily psychological (PTSD, anxiety, depression from the accident), it can proceed through the IRB.

Adding injuries discovered later: You can make a supplemental application under Section 46(3) if new injuries emerge after your initial application. [15] This requires a new medical report.

Withdrawing and reapplying: You can withdraw your application and start again, but watch your time limits. The clock restarts when you withdraw.

Scenarios competitors don't cover

Last-day submissions (day 730): If you're applying on the final day of your two-year limit, understand the risks. The online portal uses Dublin time (GMT/IST). A submission at 23:59 on deadline day counts as valid IF complete. But if the portal has technical issues or your payment fails, you have no buffer. Recommendation: Never plan for last-day submission. Allow minimum 7 days buffer. If you're within days of your deadline without a medical report ready, contact a solicitor immediately.

Multiple respondents: What if two drivers were both at fault? You can name multiple respondents on one application. The fee remains €45 (NOT per respondent). The IRB will assess against each proportionally. Each respondent can consent or decline independently. If one consents and one doesn't, a partial assessment is possible with the remainder proceeding to court. This is complex territory where legal advice is particularly valuable.

Pre-existing conditions: What if you had previous injuries to the same body part? You CAN still claim. The IRB assesses "additional injury" caused by the accident, not your baseline condition. Your medical report must clearly distinguish between your pre-existing state and the accident-related worsening. Insurers will argue about causation. Key: Get a medical report that explicitly attributes specific worsening to this accident with clear "before and after" comparison.

Cross-border accidents: If a Northern Ireland driver causes an accident in the Republic, the IRB still applies because the accident location determines jurisdiction. You may need to trace NI insurance details via the Motor Insurers' Bureau. The reverse situation (ROI driver causes accident in NI) falls under UK jurisdiction and uses their claims portal system. Note: Brexit has NOT changed this framework for motor claims.

Claims against State bodies: If your respondent is a local authority, HSE, hospital, or other State agency, the same IRB process applies. The State Claims Agency typically handles claims on their behalf. Expect potentially longer respondent decision times due to bureaucratic processes. Strategic consideration: State bodies rarely consent to mediation and often defend claims more rigorously.

Respondent insolvency: What if the respondent or their insurer becomes insolvent mid-claim? The Insurance Compensation Fund may apply. For motor claims where the insurer fails, MIBI involvement may be required. This can add 6-12 months to your timeline. Key: Check insurer solvency early via the Central Bank register.

What the courts have said

Irish courts have addressed IRB procedures in several relevant cases. These illustrate how the rules work in practice.

Documents checklist for car accident claims

Have these ready before you start:

• Medical report from treating doctor (mandatory, no exceptions)
• PPS Number or alternative ID (passport, driving licence if no PPSN)
• Respondent details (name, address, insurer if known)
• Garda PULSE reference if you reported the accident
• Photos of injuries, vehicle damage, scene
• Witness contact details
• Receipts for expenses (medical, travel, lost earnings documentation)
• Dashcam footage if available
• €45 payment method (debit/credit card for online)

Online vs postal application: which to choose

Source: IRB Form A [4].

The online portal is the better choice for almost everyone. It's cheaper, faster, and you get immediate confirmation. The only reason to use paper is if you genuinely can't pay by card.

Common myths about IRB applications (debunked)

We hear these misconceptions regularly. Each one can cost you time, money, or your entire claim if you act on bad information.

Common questions about IRB/PIAB applications

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What to consider next

If your claim involves an uninsured driver: The IRB process still applies, but you'll name MIBI as respondent. See our guide on claiming against uninsured drivers.

If you're unsure about your time limit: The standard is two years from the accident, but "date of knowledge" rules can extend this in some cases. Our time limits guide explains the exceptions.

If you want to understand potential compensation: The Personal Injuries Guidelines set the ranges used by the IRB. Our compensation guide breaks down what factors affect awards.

Tax and benefits implications of IRB awards

Are IRB awards taxable? Generally, no. Personal injury compensation for pain and suffering is NOT subject to income tax in Ireland. However, any interest earned on the award after you receive it may be taxable. Revenue does NOT treat the award itself as income.

Effect on social welfare: A significant award may affect means-tested payments such as Disability Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Supplementary Welfare Allowance. The capital value of your award is assessed as means. Consult with your local Intreo office if you're receiving means-tested payments.

Medical card: A large award may affect medical card eligibility, which is also means-tested. You're obliged to report changes in your financial circumstances to the HSE.

Employer notification: You are NOT required to tell your employer about an IRB claim or award unless it relates to a workplace injury against that employer. Your personal injury claim is private.

Correcting errors after submission

Made a mistake on your application? Here's how corrections work:

Minor corrections (typos, contact details): Contact the IRB directly at [email protected] or 0818 829 121. They can often update minor administrative details.

Adding or changing respondents: This is more complex. You may need to submit a new application or an amended application. Contact the IRB for guidance before proceeding.

Updating injury description: Submit an updated medical report. The IRB will consider the most recent medical evidence when making their assessment.

Adding injuries discovered later: Use the Section 46(3) supplemental application process. [15] This allows you to add injuries that weren't apparent at the time of your original application.

Deadline for amendments: Most corrections should be made before the assessment is issued. Once an assessment is made, your options become more limited.

References

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

1. Injuries Resolution Board, "Making a Claim" (2025)
2. IRB Annual Report 2024
3. IRB Strategic Plan 2025-2029
4. IRB Application Form (Form A), Version 1.3, September 2024
5. Citizens Information, "Injuries Resolution Board" (Updated November 2025)
6. IRB, "Guidance on Medical Reports" (2024)
7. Dept. of Enterprise, "Minister Burke announces commencement of motor mediation", 11 December 2024
8. Companies Registration Office, Company Search
9. Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022
10. A&L Goodbody, "Insurance Regulation December 2024"
11. MIBI, "Making a Claim: Uninsured Vehicles"
12. Judicial Council, Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021, as amended)
13. M.M. Halley & Son Solicitors, "IRB Now Require Mandatory Medical Reports" (2023)
14. Boards.ie Legal Discussion forum threads (various, 2008-2024)
15. Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 (Revised), Section 46(3)
16. Mangan v Dockery [2020] IECA 227
17. IRB, "Changes to Application Process" (2023)
18. IRB Claimant Guide (2024)