If you are in involved in a car accident, be it that a third party driver runs into and hits you or if you have the unfortunate mishap of crashing into another vehicle, then here are the necessary steps which should be taken immediately after the accident:
The cardinal rule for all car accidents is that you should never leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the scene of an accident, particularly where someone has sustained injuries or was killed, you can face serious criminal penalties for being a “hit-and-run” driver.
CHECK ON ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS Before assessing the damage, check to make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is okay. Get medical attention for anyone who may need it. If a person is unconscious or complains of neck or back pain, it is best not to move them until qualified medical personnel arrive. In some situations and through your own evaluation of the situation you may feel that you have no choice but to move them. If you are in that type of situation, try to move them as steadily and slowly as possible while supporting their back and neck.
CALL THE GARDAI. It’s vital to call the Gardai especially if the accident involves significant property damage, physical injury, or death, you must call the Gardai. If and when the Gardai arrive, ensure to obtain the Guards name and badge number together with details of their respective Station. The Gardai may contact you after the accident for the purposes of providing a statement and it is imperative that you furnish them with full details and always ensure to tell the truth.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION. Talk to the drivers of all other vehicles involved in the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information. If there are passengers in any of the vehicles, obtain their names, telephone numbers, and addresses as well. TALK TO WITNESSES. Ask every witness what he or she saw. Get their names, telephone numbers or addresses, if possible.
Inform your Insurance Company as soon as possible, tell them that you have been involved in an accident. Ensure to tell the truth about what happened and confirm details of your injuries.
Take photographs if at all possible of all angles and vehicles involved. If you do not have a camera with you then ensure to take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. It may also be useful to draw a sketch of the positioning of the vehicle on the road at the time of the accident.
Note any doctors, specialists, physiotherapists or any other medical professionals that you receive treatment from and ensure to note the dates you attended them on. If you or a loved one are involved in a personal injury case, following are some “do’s and don’ts” to help you protect your right to a legal remedy for harm suffered.
Irish law states that all drivers must have insurance but if you were injured by an uninsured or untraceable road user, a claim may still be possible. You can make a road accident claim as a driver, passenger, cyclist, pedestrian or any vehicle for work. We can help you bring a Road Accident Claim on a No Win No Fee* basis.
Got a question about Starting a Claim for Personal Injury or Medical Negligence?
Contact us 7 days a week by phone, email or fill out the callback form and a solicitor will contact you without delay. We are Here to Help.
01 453 7890
info@lawline.ie
Road Traffic Accidents – What Cyclists need to know
