What should I do after a truck accident in Ireland?

Report to Gardaí, seek medical attention, document the incident, and contact a solicitor.

Can tourists claim compensation for a truck crash in Ireland?

Yes, non-residents can file personal injury claims under Irish law with a local correspondence address.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

You generally have two years minus one day from the date of the accident or date of knowledge.

Truck Accident Lawyer Ireland

Last Reviewed: 18 August 2025 · Reviewed quarterly for relevance

Quick Answer: In Ireland, you generally have two years minus one day from the accident or date of knowledge to start a truck accident claim. ^[1] Filing with the Injuries Resolution Board pauses this deadline. ^[2]

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Speakable Summary

In the aftermath of a truck accident in Ireland, you’re usually entitled to file a claim within two years. Report the incident, get medical help, collect evidence, and consult a solicitor. We help you navigate timeframes, fees, and compensation options nationwide.

Served nationwide—from Dublin to Galway, Cork to Limerick—Gary Matthews Solicitors guide clients through evidence gathering, timelines, legal costs, and compensation expectations.

What are the time limits?

Two years minus one day applies from the date of the accident or the “date of knowledge.” Filing with PIAB pauses that deadline; minors have special rules based on discovery date. ^[1]

Claim process overview

Most cases begin with PIAB and resolve within about 9 months. ^[2] If unresolved, they proceed to court, which can take 1–3 years depending on complexity.

Compensation ranges

The current cap on general damages is €550,000. A proposed 16.7% uplift could bring it to about €642,000 in 2025. ^[3]

Special issues after a truck accident

PTSD and psychological injuries may increase compensation. ^[4]
Medical incidents like fatigue or hypoglycaemia can affect contributory negligence.
Gardaí use MIBI-linked systems to quickly identify uninsured trucks. ^[5]
Repeat offenders or fleet negligence introduce liability complexity.

Tourists & professional drivers

Non-residents and international truck drivers can claim under Irish law. Employer or rental insurance may support the claim. Processes may vary slightly between rural and urban Garda reporting. ^[6]

Driver Fatalities and Serious Injuries: National Overview (2019–2023)

RSA data reveals:

HGV drivers made up a small share of injuries: 6 in single-vehicle crashes, 28 in multi-vehicle ones.
Rural roads saw 85% of driver fatalities and 73% of serious injuries.
Peak hours: Noon–8pm. August had the highest rate (10%).
Straight roads saw 66% of fatalities and 68% of serious injuries. ^[7]

Interactive timeline

Day 0–2: Report incident to Gardaí. Record the reference.

Week 1: Get a medical assessment.

Weeks 1–3: Collect photos, dashcam footage, witness contacts.

Weeks 2–6: File PIAB claim with documentation and fee.

Months 3–12: Await PIAB decision (~9 months).

Post-PIAB: Accept award or proceed via court.

Checklist

Open checklist or download PDF

Report the incident to Gardaí — always note the reference.

Attend a medical assessment within 48 hours.

Take photos, get dashcam or witness evidence.

Save receipts for medical bills, repairs, and lost income.

Legal costs explained

Avoid confusion about “No Win, No Fee.” Always request an itemised cost sheet with:

Signed solicitor cost agreement
Outlays listed (PIAB fees, expert reports, etc.)
Breakdown of recoverable vs non-recoverable costs

2025 Policy Updates

Both the Judicial Council and PIAB now support digital-first claims and new compensation guidelines. Results should be faster and more predictable. ^[3]

Frequently asked questions

What should I do right after a truck accident?

Report to Gardaí, see a doctor, gather evidence, and contact a solicitor.

Does PTSD increase my compensation?

Yes. PTSD and related psychological trauma are covered in judicial guidelines. ^[4]

What if the truck was uninsured or fled?

The MIBI can compensate you if the crash is reported promptly. ^[5]

How long does the claims process take?

PIAB averages 9 months. Litigation can extend it to 1–3 years. ^[2]

Do I need dashcam footage to win?

Not required but helpful. Witnesses and medical reports often suffice.

Can tourists make a claim in Ireland?

Yes. Non-residents can claim under Irish law with a local correspondence address.

Glossary

HGV: Heavy Goods Vehicle (typically 3.5+ tonnes).
PIAB (IRB): Injuries Resolution Board — handles pre-court claims. ^[2]
MIBI: Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland — pays where the liable truck is uninsured or untraced. ^[5]
Special damages: Reimbursed financial losses (medical, repairs, income).
General damages: Compensation for pain, trauma, and quality-of-life loss.

Case snapshots (anonymised)

Dublin: Delivery van crash → PIAB settlement €46,500 + €5k special damages (10 months)

Cork: PTSD after rear-end collision → €28,000 via MIBI (14 months)

Galway: HGV crash on rural road → €33,000 PIAB assessment (12 months)

Limerick: Hit-and-run by foreign truck → €19,000 MIBI award with Garda support

About the author

Gary Matthews, Principal Solicitor (PC No: S8178)
Gary Matthews Solicitors, Ormond Building, Dublin
Regulated by the Law Society of Ireland

References

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.

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