News & Info

The latest An Garda Síochána statistics unfortunately show that, as of December 8^th  2025, there were more road traffic accidents in Ireland this year compared with last year.

With that in mind, it’s important to know what to do if you are involved in an accident.

No matter how minor or serious the impact, a road accident can be an overwhelming experience. It’s normal to feel shocked, confused and/or stressed following a collision, making it difficult to think clearly about what steps to take. Knowing what to do in advance can help you steer clear of some of these common mistakes:

1. Leaving the scene of the accident too soon

If you were involved in a road accident, regardless of the severity, you need to stop your vehicle and remain at the scene for a reasonable amount of time.

Health and safety is always the number one priority, so if you or anyone else is injured, call emergency services to attend the scene. Don’t leave before emergency services arrive, even if you are uninjured – they may need to speak to you.

2. Forgetting to take details

Once it is safe to do so, and if you are able to, make sure to gather as much information as you can. This includes:

• photographs of the damages and location, weather conditions or anything else that may have caused the accident.
• photos of any injuries sustained
• personal and vehicle details of parties involved, including tax disc, registration and contact information,
• names and contact details of witnesses and emergency personnel who attend the scene.

And remember to provide your details to the other parties involved in the accident too.

3. Ignoring minor injuries

Some of the most common injuries from road traffic collisions such as whiplash, back and neck injuries, and soft tissue damage may not be noticeable right away. Shock and adrenaline often mask symptoms in the immediate aftermath of an accident.

Even if you feel completely fine, it is recommended to:

• seek prompt medical attention from a GP or hospital
• follow up on medical advice and attend all appointments
• keep a file of medical reports, receipts, prescriptions, and treatments

We often see injuries that appeared minor initially, progressing into more serious or long-term conditions, when left untreated. If in doubt, go to a doctor or hospital to have your injuries assessed. This will also help down the line if you need to make a claim for a personal injury as medical records form an important part of your case.

4. Failing to report the accident to the Gardaí

Even if the accident is minor, you must report it to the Gardaí as soon as is reasonably practical, ideally within 48 hours. Again, if you decide to take a personal injury case, having an official Garda report of the accident will be vital.

5. Not informing your insurance company of the incident

Some people don’t notify their insurance company of their accident in the hope that they can resolve matters directly with the other party. However, if your injuries progress to be more serious, or if the other party files a claim against you, this can complicate your insurance claim.

Being transparent with your insurance company and contacting them as soon as possible after an accident is always advised.

6. Forgetting to keep track of expenses and losses

If you have suffered injuries as a result of a road traffic accident, you should keep track of any medical expenses, car repairs and travel expenses, as well as any loss of earnings. These records will be useful when making a claim for compensation and help recover these costs.

7. Not getting legal advice

There is a lot of information on the internet from various sources as to how to proceed following a collision. However, as every case is different, this information may not be 100% accurate or appropriate for your own situation.

Getting the right legal advice ensures that you are well informed about your rights and allows you to make informed decisions about what to do next.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a collision, our dedicated team is here to support you and provide clear, practical legal guidance every step of the way. To find out more, call us on 01 649 9900 or email ask@traceysolicitors.ie to tell us about your case.

 

Sources: Roads Policing Fatalities to Date for 2025 – Garda