Car Accidents Solicitors
Claiming for Car Accidents
Unfortunately, road traffic accidents and specifically car accidents are very common and when they do happen, they can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.
While some car accidents on the road are the results of environmental factors, the majority of cases are due to human error, whether it’s because of a lack of judgement or because of intoxication.
At Gibson & Associates, we have a huge amount of experience in securing compensation for clients involved in road traffic accidents. To find out how we can help you, complete an Online Enquiry now or call us on +353 1 264 5555
Car Accidents
There are two things the law requires you to do if you are involved in a road traffic accident:
- Stop at the scene and exchange insurance details (If the offending party doesn’t stop, the car accident could be classed as a hit and run, which is a criminal offence.)
- Call the Gardaí, if necessary.
- Call for any medical assistance needed
After the accident, it’s important that you speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. This is because if someone else is to blame for any injuries you have incurred, you will be considered the innocent victim of personal injury*. This means that you will be entitled to take legal action, which, if successful, will ensure you are properly compensated for any injuries.
Preventing Motorway Accidents With Road Safety
Motorways can be dangerous places if road users fail to drive with the utmost care and attention. Because of the risks involved, the police make the following recommendations, designed to ensure you avoid becoming involved in, or causing, a motorway accident.
- Adjust your driving according to weather conditions, for instance slow down in heavy rain or fog, or icy roads
- Ensure there is at least a two second gap between you and the vehicle in front
- If you are feeling tired or unwell, pull into the next motorway service station and take a break
- Do not use a mobile phone, or distract yourself in any other way, for instance by playing music at an excessively loud volume or wearing headphones
- Obey the speed limit at all times
- Keep left, except when overtaking
Motorway Accident Injuries
Despite these guidelines, motorway accidents unfortunately happen all too often and due to the high speeds involved, when motorway accidents do occur, they are amongst the most serious. It is not uncommon for motorway accidents to lead to fatalities, or to injuries of a devastating nature.
These can include:
- Bone fractures
- Brain/Head injuries – (see our guide on acquired brain injury here)
- Severe whiplash
- Spinal injuries
Injuries such as these have the potential to leave you unable to work or seriously debilitated for a lengthy period of time, resulting in a significant loss of earnings, not to mention a hefty medical bill.
If this has happened to you, you need to speak to a solicitor about the options available, as you could be entitled to make an accident claim.
Irish Motorway Accidents – Am I Eligible to Claim Compensation?
If so, you will be in a position to claim financial redress. A solicitor who deals in personal injury* claims will be able to offer you expert legal advice, recommending whether you are eligible to claim motorway accident compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Many pedestrians do not realise that they are able to claim financial compensation for their injuries and sometimes feel that the accident may have been their fault, but accident claims are rarely that straightforward.
How to Claim Compensation for a Car Accident
To give your claim the best chance of success, it will help if you have been able to:
- Take pictures of the accident scene from all different angles, as this will help your car accident solicitor assess how events have unfolded
- Write down the details of the other person(s) involved in the car accident
- The time of the road accident
- The weather conditions
- Names and numbers of any emergency servicemen at the scene
- Any other important information such as if the other party were using indicators correctly, or if they were on their mobile phone at the time of the road accident.
It’s also important that you seek medical assistance for the road accident injury sustained, as well as recording any injuries suffered by other parties involved. This will help your solicitor link your accident to your injuries.
However, don’t panic if you haven’t been able to obtain this information – you will still be able make a claim. The most important thing to do is contact a solicitor as soon as possible with as much information as possible.
Bicycle Accidents
If you are a cyclist who has sustained a serious injury as a result of a road accident that wasn’t your fault, whether a negligent driver or a poorly maintained road surface caused it, there are many options available to you when it comes to claiming compensation.
I’m a cyclist – am I eligible to make an injury* claim?
When a motorist is injured, or their car is damaged in a road traffic accident, they are protected by insurance companies. Cyclists, on the other hand, rarely have the same legal protection and are often left to fend for themselves following a road accident that leaves them injured and in need of medical treatment.
However, if another party was responsible for your accident and subsequent injuries, you could be eligible to make a cycle claim. Compensation awarded in such cases can help you cover the cost of medical fees resulting from your injuries and repairs to your bike, accessories, as well as any loss of earnings resulting from a period spent out of work.
How will my cycle claim be handled?
Our solicitors will use all their expertise to ensure you receive the cycle compensation you deserve. We can help with situations in which:
- You have been injured by a vehicle that leaves the scene of the accident or is uninsured
- We will follow up your bicycle accident compensation claim with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
- You are injured due to an unidentified spillage,
- Your accident is caused by a pothole or a defective road surface
- We will pursue a claim against the Roads Service on your behalf – If the local authority responsible knew of the defect and did not repair it, or was not carrying out regular inspections of the road, you could be eligible make a successful cycle compensation claim.
How can you be involved in an accident as a pedestrian?
Pedestrian accidents are, sadly, commonplace. And because pedestrians have no form of protection, they are in an extremely vulnerable position when crossing or even walking alongside a road. Because of this, pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, which, amongst others, can include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head/Brain Injuries (see our guide on acquired brain injury here)
- Severe mental distress
- Temporary or permanent incapacitation
Who is to blame for a pedestrian accident?
If you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need to establish who was to blame.
Many pedestrians believe their actions in some way contributed towards the incident, however, it is important to remember that car drivers and other road users have a duty of care towards pedestrians, and must therefore drive in a safe and reasonable manner at all times. In addition, motorists must give pedestrians right of way. All too often road users fail to respect this obligation, causing a pedestrian to suffer harm.
Claiming compensation for an accident as a pedestrian?
If a driver fails to drive with due care and attention and you are consequently involved in an accident as a pedestrian, you need to seek expert legal assistance. This is because it is very likely that you will be legally entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have wrongfully experienced. Even if you stepped out into the path of an oncoming vehicle, or the driver at fault fled from the scene, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the injuries you received.
A solicitor who specialises in personal injury* will be able to suggest whether you are able to claim for your pedestrian accident. If so, you could stand to receive financial compensation for your damages. Due to the often-devastating nature of pedestrian accident injuries, this financial redress will undoubtedly be needed and will help to cover the medical fees, rehabilitation costs and bills incurred during a period spent out of work
Bus Accidents
Accidents on or with public transport can be extremely distressing. If you have been injured in a bus accident, either as:
- A passenger on a bus
- A driver involved in a road accident involving a bus
- A result of negligent behaviour on the part of a bus driver
You may be able to claim financial compensation for any loss of earnings, medical fees or rehabilitation costs you have incurred as a result of your injuries.
Am I eligible to claim for an accident?
When passengers travel on public transport and suffer an injury, many do not realise that they may be eligible to claim compensation for their injuries.
Bus operators in Ireland have a duty of care to their passengers, and are therefore required to ensure their safety. If a bus operator fails in their duty, you may be able to make a claim in respect of a bus accident, regardless of the situation, which caused your injury. Common situations that cause injury include:
- Descending the stairs or waiting to alight when the bus driver was forced to slam on his or her brakes
- The bus you were travelling on had an accident with a third party vehicle
- Your bus driver pulled away from the bus stop too quickly and you fell,
- You sustained injuries which required hospital care or time off work
- Injuries caused because the bus on which you are travelling was involved in a road traffic accident with a third party vehicle
If you unsure whether or not you are eligible to make a bus accident claim, or you would simply like further professional advice, speak to our expert road traffic solicitors today. We will be able to advise you whether or not your accident with a bus occurred for negligent reasons – if you have been the innocent victim of a bus or bus car accident, we will pursue a compensation claim on your behalf.
Motorway accident claims
Motorway accidents are not only incredibly distressing but they can also be very expensive. The costs of medical bills, finances lost during a period spent out of work and damages to your vehicle can add up quickly, but if the accident wasn’t your fault you may be able to claim compensation.
At Gibson & Associates Solicitors, we help clients claim compensation for accidents caused by the negligent driving of others. This includes anyone who has been wrongfully injured during a motorway accident.
Taxi Accidents
If you have been injured in an accident with a taxi, it is important that you contact a solicitor to discuss a potential compensation claim. At Gibson & Associates Solicitors, we make successful taxi accident claims on behalf of innocent individuals who have suffered serious and debilitating injuries following a taxi-related accident.
What to do when you are involved in an accident with a taxi?
When you are involved in an accident with a taxi, it is a good idea to write down the following information:
- The name and address of the driver of your taxi
- The name and telephone number of the taxi company and the registration number of the taxi itself
- The name and address of all other drivers involved in the taxi accident and their vehicle registration number
- Photos of the scene
- The names and addresses of any witnesses to the taxi cab accident
Even if you are unable to collect these details, whether this is due to the severity of your injuries or other outside circumstances, do not worry. The most important thing to do is to speak to a solicitor about your accident with a taxi as soon as possible.
Compensation for your taxi cab accident
After gaining a broad outline of your case, a good solicitor will be able to suggest whether you are able to make an accident claim. Unless you were in some way responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you will be eligible to make a compensation claim. This will compensate you for any loss of earnings, medical fees and rehabilitation costs incurred as a direct result of your taxi accident.
How will my road traffic accident be handled at Gibson & Associates LLP?
At Gibson & Associates, we make sure our clients receive the maximum amount of financial compensation for injuries suffered in any type of road accident. Our experienced solicitors will conduct a full investigation of your case and represent you throughout the claims process, ensuring the party at fault is identified and an appropriate amount of financial compensation is awarded.
Our experienced and dedicated team will be delighted to advice you with any type of road accident claim. It’s easy to get in touch – just complete an Online Enquiry or call us on+353 (0)1 872 3143 and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
Road Traffic Accident FAQS
What is a road traffic accident?
The law defines a road traffic accident or car accident as a collision involving a vehicle on a road or in a public area that has caused damage or injury to a person, animal, another vehicle or property. You can be the victim of a road accident whether you were driving, a passenger, on foot, riding a bicycle, taxi or Luas when you sustained the injury. And you can seek legal advice on your personal injury case.
What to do after a car accident?
- Check yourself for injuries. If you’re injured, call Garda or ask someone else to do so.
- Check on the well-being of your passengers.
- Check to see if anyone is injured
- Get to safety.
- Exchange information.
- Document the accident, take pictures and important proof to provide to your personal injury claim solicitor for best possible outcome.
- And seek legal advice to start your personal injury claim process.
How do I claim for an accident on the road?
To qualify for a road traffic accident compensation claim, you must have been hurt within the last two years. The accident must also have been all or partly someone’s else’s fault.
If you were 18 or over when the traffic accident happened, you’ve got two years to make a personal injury claim from the date of the accident. For further legal advise on road accident personal injury reach out to our expert personal Injury legal team.
What counts as a car accident?
If you’ve been injured in a road accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you might be wondering if you can make a personal injury claim.
The answer is yes: you can make a personal injury claim for compensation if the accident was your fault or another driver’s fault.
What should I do if I am in a car accident?
- Decide whether to move the cars: If the collision is serious, do not move the cars.
- Warn other drivers: Try to warn oncoming traffic of the accident.
- Call for help: If someone is injured, call the Gardaí (telephone 999 or 112) and, if necessary, ambulance services.
For further information on how best to deal when in a road traffic accidents CLICK HERE.
Do I need to make a road traffic accident claim within a certain period of time?
Yes. Under the Civil Liabilities and Courts Act 2004, claims for compensation following road accidents should be made within two years of the accident, or of the injury developing. However, it is very important that you notify the person you hold responsible for your injury within 1 month of the accident. There are limited exceptions to that rule, however, so if in doubt consult our legal team as soon as possible for the possible outcome.
What does "no win no fee" mean?
The concept of ‘no win no fee’ also known as no foal no fee is common practice amongst solicitors in Ireland. Some Irish solicitors provide fee agreements known as no win no fee solicitors’ agreements.
Under this type of agreement, the solicitor will take on your personal injury or any other type of case under a no win no fee basis. If you don’t win, they don’t charge. The successful resolution can also come about by settling outside of Court or in Court and the legal fees would then apply.
The sole purpose of a ‘no win no fee’ or ‘no foal no fee’ is to give you the legal power to pursue a claim regardless of how your financial state or legal experience is, ‘no win no fee’ or ‘no foal no fee’ are a well-known term in the litigation services should you have the need to make a claim or defend yourself against one.
What is the role of PIAB?
The PIAB is an independent body that provides an assessment of personal injury claims for compensation following road traffic, workplace or public liability accidents. You can read more about Making a Claim and Responding to a Claim on PIAB’s website.
How long does most car accident settlements take?
This depends on the facts of your road traffic accident case, but in general, anywhere between 9-18 months.
Our team of solicitors is here to help you no matter where in Ireland you’re based.
Our experienced solicitors will identify this and help you source the expert medical reports required. We will support you each step of the way.
Call us now on +353 1 264 5555 to speak to a member of our team.
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Step 1. Meeting To Discuss Your Case
To get a better understanding of your case and the injuries you’ve suffered, we’ll organise a consultation with you and the personal injury solicitor best suited to your needs. We can do this over the phone, at our offices or even by video call. We will explain terms such as ‘no win no fee’ and how an injury claim works.
Step 2. Arrange the medical report
Once we’ve assessed your case, we’ll send for your medical reports to be collected from a medical professional.
Step 3. Present the case to the Injury Board
Our highly experienced personal injury* solicitors will put together a detailed and strategic case designed to get you the claim you deserve. We’ll then present this case to the Injury Board.
Step 4. The Injury Board assesses your case
After we’ve presented your case, the Injury Board will assess how much of a *claim you’re likely to win.
Step 5. Decide to accept or reject the offer
As soon as you receive an offer from the injury board, our solicitors will give an honest assessment into how fair they think it is. This will help you decide whether or not to accept it.
Step 6. You receive your *Claim / Go to court
If you choose to accept the offer, an “order to pay” will be sent to the other party and you’ll receive your *claim. If you choose not to accept the offer, our personal injury* team will prepare your case for court.