Every year, thousands of people are injured in road traffic accidents, leaving them to deal with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, being involved in a collision can be a life-changing experience. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a road traffic accident claim and recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
What Is a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
A road traffic accident claim is a type of personal injury claim brought by someone who has been injured as a result of another road user’s negligence. Accidents can occur for many reasons, including speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic signals, drink or drug driving, dangerous overtaking, or poor vehicle maintenance.
A successful claim may allow you to recover compensation for your injuries, loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses arising from the accident.
What Should You Do After a Road Traffic Accident?
The steps you take immediately after a road traffic accident can be important for both your recovery and any future legal claim.
First, ensure everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention if required. Even if your injuries appear minor, it is advisable to undergo a medical assessment, as injuries such as whiplash or soft tissue damage may not become apparent until later.
If it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and the accident scene. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses.
You should also report the accident to your insurer and, where appropriate, to the Gardaí.
Common Injuries Following Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
Whiplash injuries.
Neck and back injuries.
Broken bones.
Head and brain injuries.
Spinal injuries.
Psychological trauma.
Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries.
The severity of these injuries can vary considerably and, in some cases, may require ongoing treatment or long-term rehabilitation.
Who Can Make a Claim?
If another person was wholly or partly responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to bring a road traffic accident compensation claim. Claims may be made by:
Drivers.
Passengers.
Motorcyclists.
Cyclists.
Pedestrians.
Children injured in road traffic accidents.
Even where liability is disputed or shared, it may still be possible to recover compensation depending on the circumstances of the case.
What Compensation Can Be Claimed?
Compensation is intended to place you, as far as possible, in the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred.
General Damages
General damages compensate you for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, including:
Pain and suffering.
Special Damages
Special damages cover financial losses arising from the accident, including:
Loss of earnings.
Medical treatment expenses.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation costs.
Travel expenses.
Care and assistance provided by family members or professionals.
Future financial losses where injuries have lasting effects.
Every claim is assessed individually based on the evidence, the severity of the injuries, and the financial losses suffered.
Why Instruct a Road Traffic Accident Solicitor?
Although some claims appear straightforward, the legal process can become complex where liability is disputed or injuries are serious. An experienced personal injury solicitor will gather evidence, obtain medical reports, negotiate with insurers, and represent your interests throughout the claims process.
Obtaining legal advice at an early stage can also help preserve important evidence and ensure that your claim is progressed as efficiently as possible.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
Strict legal time limits generally apply to road traffic accident claims. Delaying legal advice may make it more difficult to gather evidence or pursue your claim successfully.
Certain exceptions may apply, particularly where children or protected parties are involved, so it is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, our experienced road traffic accident solicitor is here to help. We provide clear, practical legal advice and support clients throughout every stage of the personal injury claims process.
We can assess your circumstances, explain your legal options, and guide you through the road traffic accident claims process with clear, practical advice. Contact us today on 091 820630, through our website at kerrigansolicitors.ie, or by email m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie to arrange a confidential consultation and find out whether you may be entitled to pursue a road traffic accident compensation claim.