A road traffic accident can leave you facing more than the immediate shock of a collision. If your car has been damaged through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to recover the reasonable costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as certain additional losses. Understanding how car damage claims in Ireland work can help you protect your position following an accident.
What is a car damage claim?
A car damage claim, sometimes referred to as a material damage claim, is a claim for financial losses arising from damage to your vehicle or other property following a road traffic accident. Depending on the circumstances, this may include the cost of repairing your car, the value of a vehicle that is beyond economic repair, towing and storage costs, and reasonable car hire or loss-of-use expenses.
If another driver was responsible for the accident, their motor insurer may be liable for your losses. Establishing liability is therefore an important part of any car accident claim.
What can you claim for?
The losses recoverable will depend on the circumstances of your accident and the evidence available. A vehicle damage claim in Ireland may potentially include:
- The reasonable cost of repairing your vehicle
- The pre-accident value of a vehicle that is written off
- Towing and storage charges
- Reasonable car hire or loss of use
- Depreciation in the value of your vehicle following repairs
- Damage to personal property inside the vehicle
- Other reasonable financial losses arising directly from the accident
Where a vehicle is considered a write-off, it does not necessarily mean it cannot physically be repaired. In some cases, a vehicle may be deemed beyond economic repair because the estimated repair cost is disproportionate to its value.
What should you do after an accident?
Taking practical steps immediately after an accident can help preserve important evidence for your car insurance claim or legal claim. Where it is safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, the damage, the road layout and the accident scene. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and obtain witness details where possible.
You should also retain repair estimates, invoices, receipts, insurance correspondence and any other documents relating to your losses. If dashcam or CCTV footage may be available, it can also be important evidence.
If you have suffered an injury as well as vehicle damage, you should seek appropriate medical attention and obtain legal advice about your potential road traffic accident claim.
How can a solicitor help with car damage claims?
Dealing with an insurer following an accident can be stressful, particularly where there is disagreement about liability, repair costs or the value of your vehicle. A car accident solicitor in Ireland can assess the circumstances of your case, advise you about the evidence required and communicate with insurers on your behalf.
At Kerrigan Solicitors, we understand that a road traffic accident can create significant practical and financial difficulties. Our experienced road traffic accident solicitor can advise you on your legal options and help you understand the steps involved in pursuing a claim.
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident that was not your fault, obtaining early legal advice can help you understand whether you may be entitled to recover your losses.
We meet clients throughout Ireland, including in Galway, Clare, Limerick, Roscommon, Mayo and other counties.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you have suffered vehicle damage in an accident that was not your fault, contact Kerrigan Solicitors to discuss your circumstances and obtain professional legal advice about your car damage claim in Ireland.
Telephone: 091 820630
Website: kerrigansolicitors.ie
Email: m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie