News & Info
High number of road traffic accidents not reported to Gardaí
24th April, 2024
All road collisions, whether involving cyclists, motorists or pedestrians, should be reported to the Gardaí within 48 hours.
The number of people seriously injured in road traffic accidents is almost double the figure previously recorded in recent years according to research1 undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and published in the Irish Independent in April 2024.
Using hospital data as well as Garda figures, it shows that over the period 2014 to 2022, a total of 18,021 casualties were hospitalised with injuries from road traffic collisions.
This is in comparison with the number of seriously injured casualties recorded by An Garda Síochána and reported in official statistics by the RSA, which was only 10,687.
These figures prove that a high number of accidents are not being reported to Gardaí, particularly among those not involving motor vehicles, such as bicycles or scooters.
Cyclists accounted for 27% of hospitalised casualties but only 18% of Garda-logged serious injuries.
Paul Tracey, Managing Partner at Tracey Solicitors LLP, is an avid cyclist and a passionate advocate for road safety, particularly for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Having been involved in road traffic accident claims for over 35 years, he advises that all road collisions, whether involving cyclists, motorists, or pedestrians, should be reported to the Gardaí within 48 hours.
“It’s crucial that the accident report is on file with the Gardaí,” he explains. “If the accident wasn’t your fault and you subsequently take a personal injury claim, these reports will be vital. If the driver isn’t insured, and the case goes to the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland, an absence of Gardaí reports could jeopardise any case.”
“Even if the Gardaí are not called to the scene of the accident, you should report this to your local Garda station, ideally within 48 hours if possible,” he adds.
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault and would like to discuss making a personal injury claim, contact us to tell us about your case.
1This research was conducted by the RSA in conjunction with the HSE and Trinity College Dublin, following recommendations of the European Commission to all member states to formally report on serious injuries using hospital data, as a complement to police data.
Paul Tracey is the Founder and Managing Partner at Tracey Solicitors LLP. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 1982, so he brings a wealth of expertise to his clients. As a Managing Partner of the firm, Paul is the driving force behind our client centric approach and is absolutely committed to making law accessible to all.