Car Accident Claims

If you’ve been in a car accident, life can suddenly feel very unsettled. You might be dealing with injuries, car damage, time off work—or just the shock of it all. In moments like these, it helps to know there’s someone local you can trust. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been helping people in Tallaght and across Dublin for over 20 years. We’re not a big, faceless firm—you’ll speak directly with a solicitor who knows the area, understands your concerns, and takes the time to guide you every step of the way.

Our team is here to make things clearer and less stressful. Whether you’re unsure about what to do next or worried about how to start a claim, we’ll take the pressure off. We’re thorough, experienced, and always in your corner—ready to protect your interests and help you get what you’re entitled to.

When you contact us, you’ll be speaking with someone who genuinely cares. Someone who knows how roads in Tallaght work, who’s walked the same streets, and who knows how to deal with the insurers and get results. You won’t be passed around—you’ll get sound advice and solid support, straight from John O’Leary and the team.

If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen. Reach out to John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today—we’re here to help you find your footing and move forward with confidence.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Ireland: A Practical Checklist

Being involved in a car accident—whether it’s a low-speed tip or a more serious collision—can be deeply unsettling. In those first few minutes, it’s hard to think clearly. But taking the right steps can help protect your health and your ability to make a claim down the line.

Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services

Your safety and that of others always comes first. Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If there are injuries, call 999 or 112 immediately. Even if no one seems seriously hurt, don’t brush it off—adrenaline can mask symptoms like whiplash or concussion.

Write Down What Happened—While It’s Fresh

As soon as you’re home and calm, jot down a quick summary of what happened. Include what direction you were travelling, how the crash occurred, weather conditions, and how you felt afterward. These notes are a powerful tool down the line if you’re asked to recall details months later.

Visit Your GP Even if You Feel Fine

After the initial shock, aches and pains often begin to set in. Whiplash, muscle strain, and joint pain might not show up until later that day—or even the following week. Visiting your GP ensures your injuries are documented early. This can support both your recovery and any potential legal claim.

Report the Accident to the Gardaí

If it’s a serious crash, Gardaí will usually attend the scene. But even if they don’t, you still need to report the accident at your local Garda station—ideally the same day. For anyone in the Dublin 24 area, this usually means Tallaght Garda Station. Ask for the incident to be officially recorded. It’s an important part of the evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

Don’t Admit Fault

You might feel like apologising or trying to smooth things over at the scene. But even a simple “I didn’t see you” could later be interpreted as an admission of liability. Instead, stay calm, exchange details, and wait to speak with a solicitor who can guide you through what to say and how to proceed.

Let John O’Leary Solicitors Handle the Rest

Once you’ve handled the immediate essentials, your next step is legal advice. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we help people across Tallaght and Dublin understand their options without pressure. You don’t need to have everything figured out—we’ll take it from here and walk you through what’s needed.

Collect Useful Details at the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, gather the following:

  • Name, phone number, address, and insurance details of all drivers involved
  • Vehicle registration numbers and car make/models
  • Photos of the vehicles, damage, debris, skid marks, road layout, signage, and lighting
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Date, time, and exact location of the accident

Photos from different angles, close-ups of damage, and wide shots of the scene can make a big difference later. Don’t rely on memory alone.

Car Accident Injuries That Affect Daily Life

Even after the shock of a crash wears off, many people underestimate the physical and emotional toll it can take. Injuries from a car accident don’t always show themselves immediately—and when they do, they can affect your work, family life, sleep, or general mobility in very real ways.

Physical Injuries

The most common injuries include:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue damage – These may sound minor, but they often result in weeks of discomfort, limited movement, and disrupted sleep. Many clients report struggling with everyday tasks like driving, working at a desk, or even getting in and out of bed.
  • Back and neck pain – Spinal strain, disc problems or muscular injuries can have long-term impacts. You may find yourself needing physiotherapy or restricted in lifting, sitting, or standing for long periods.
  • Fractures and broken bones – Obvious at the time, but often underappreciated is the recovery journey. Casts, surgeries, or metal plates can mean time off work, rehabilitation, and added transport difficulties.
  • Head injuries – Even if you didn’t lose consciousness, head trauma can result in concussion symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, blurred thinking or nausea. These can linger for weeks and affect your confidence and concentration.

Importantly, many of these injuries worsen over time if not promptly addressed. That’s why early medical attention is essential—not just for your health, but also for documenting your condition should you decide to pursue a claim.

Psychological Effects

It’s not just the body that takes a knock. Car accidents can be deeply unsettling emotionally:

  • Anxiety while driving – Many people find they become nervous or hyper-alert behind the wheel following an accident. Some may avoid driving altogether.
  • Sleep disturbance – It’s common to experience nightmares, restless sleep, or waking up feeling tense and on edge.
  • Mood swings or low mood – The stress of dealing with the aftermath of an accident, even a minor one, can affect your emotional balance. Some clients describe feeling irritable, withdrawn or unusually tearful.
  • Panic or flashbacks – In more serious cases, individuals may relive the event or have sudden panic attacks triggered by loud noises or fast traffic.

Psychological injuries matter just as much as physical ones—and they are fully recognised under Irish law when it comes to accident claims. Even if you’re unsure whether your mental health has been affected, it’s worth talking to your GP. If treatment is needed, it can be included in your case.

Everyday Disruption

When your ability to work, care for family, or simply go about your day is affected, it’s not “just whiplash.” You deserve the space and support to recover properly. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand how these seemingly small injuries can have a big impact—and we’re here to make sure your claim reflects the full picture of what you’ve been through.

Proving Fault When No One Agrees

In many car accidents, one party clearly caused the crash. But sometimes, things aren’t so straightforward. You might be certain you weren’t at fault, yet the other driver insists the same. Or you may not remember exactly what happened due to the shock of the incident. This is where evidence—and expert legal help—can make all the difference.

When Liability Is Disputed

Disagreements over fault are common, especially at:

  • Roundabouts where drivers misjudge who has the right of way
  • T-junctions where visibility is poor or one party claims they were “flashed on”
  • Multi-car pile-ups where you’re hit from behind and pushed into the car in front

In these situations, it’s important not to panic. Disputes happen—and the outcome often depends on the strength of the evidence, not just what each driver says.

Expert Support: Road Traffic Engineers

In complex or high-value claims, your solicitor may recommend a forensic road traffic engineer. These experts review damage patterns, tyre marks, and road conditions to assess what likely happened. Their reports can be very persuasive when liability is contested.

Types of Useful Evidence

If you’re ever involved in a car accident and fault is being questioned, the following evidence can help prove your side of the story:

  • Photos and videos – Pictures taken immediately after the accident can capture damage, road position, weather, and road signs. Dashcam footage is incredibly useful if available.
  • Witness statements – Independent witnesses who weren’t involved in the crash can provide strong, impartial accounts. This can be particularly valuable at busy intersections or when both drivers insist the other is to blame.
  • Garda Abstract Reports – Even if Gardaí didn’t attend the scene, reporting the accident ensures an official record exists. If they did attend, their report and any scene sketch can help confirm what happened.

CCTV footage – Local shops, garages or even traffic light systems may have cameras that captured the incident. Time is critical here, as footage is often overwritten within days.

Understanding Contributory Negligence

Sometimes, both parties may share some level of responsibility. For example:

  • You weren’t wearing a seatbelt
  • Your brake lights weren’t working
  • You pulled out of a junction too quickly, even though the other driver was speeding

This is called contributory negligence. You can still make a claim—but your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault. If the court decides you were 20% responsible, your award may be reduced by 20%.

These situations are not black-and-white, and they’re not something you need to handle alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped countless clients across Tallaght and Dublin deal with tricky fault disputes. We’ll gather the right evidence, speak to the right people, and build a strong case on your behalf.

So if you’re feeling unsure about who’s to blame or what to do next, don’t second-guess yourself. We’ll help you sort it out, step by step.

Can I Claim If I Was a Passenger, Pedestrian or Cyclist?

Absolutely—car accident claims aren’t limited to drivers. If you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be entitled to make a claim just the same. In fact, these types of claims can often be more straightforward, since you’re clearly not the person in control of any vehicle involved.

Claims as a Passenger

If you were a passenger in any vehicle—whether it was driven by a friend, family member, taxi driver or anyone else—and you suffered an injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

It’s natural to feel uneasy about bringing a claim if someone you know was driving. But it’s important to understand that claims are made against insurance policies, not against individuals personally. The process is handled professionally and privately, and it’s about securing support for your recovery—not blaming someone unnecessarily.

Injured as a Pedestrian

Whether you were crossing at a junction, walking through a car park, or on the footpath when hit, pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries. You’re especially vulnerable, and the law recognises that.

These claims often involve more significant medical treatment and longer recovery times, which is why having a solicitor involved early is so important. We’ll help ensure every aspect—from initial hospital visits to follow-up physiotherapy—is documented and accounted for.

Claims as a Cyclist

Cyclists face unique dangers on Irish roads—particularly in urban areas like Tallaght where roundabouts, shared lanes, and fast traffic can create hazards. If you were knocked off your bike due to another driver’s negligence, you’re entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, damaged bike, and any gear or clothing affected.

We’ve helped cyclists who’ve been hit at junctions, sideswiped on narrow roads, or knocked over by turning vehicles. Even if you didn’t collide directly with a car—say, if a driver’s actions forced you to brake hard or swerve—you may still have a claim worth pursuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim if the other driver wasn’t insured?

Yes. If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may be able to make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). It’s a separate process, but we handle it on your behalf.

What if the other driver gave false contact or insurance details?

This is more common than you’d think. We can help trace their identity using vehicle registration, CCTV, and Garda reports. If they remain untraceable, an MIBI claim may still be possible.

Can I make a claim even if the Gardaí didn’t attend the scene?

Yes. While Garda attendance is useful, it’s not essential. As long as you report the incident at your local station soon after, your solicitor can still build a strong case with other evidence.

Will making a claim affect my relationship with the other driver if I know them?

It doesn’t have to. Claims are handled through insurers, not personally. Many people claim after accidents involving friends, family, or colleagues—it’s about covering your losses, not causing conflict.

Can I claim if my injury made an existing condition worse?

Yes. If the accident aggravated a pre-existing injury or condition, that still counts. Medical reports can confirm the extent of the worsening, which is factored into your claim.

What happens if both cars are written off and there's no clear CCTV?

We gather other types of evidence—Garda reports, witness accounts, vehicle inspections, and sometimes expert engineer input—to establish liability and support your claim even without camera footage.

Will my case go to court?

Most car accident claims in Ireland are resolved through the Injuries Resolution Board or settled before court. Only a small percentage go to trial—and if yours does, we’ll fully prepare and support you.

Can I claim if the driver who hit me was using a foreign-registered vehicle?

Yes. These claims can be more complex, especially if the insurer is based abroad, but they’re still valid under Irish law. We’ll handle the international communication and paperwork for you.

What if I was partly at fault but still suffered serious injuries?

Even if you contributed to the accident, you can still recover compensation. The amount may be reduced, but serious injuries still justify a claim—and we’ll argue for the fairest possible outcome.

Is there a difference between claiming through the Injuries Resolution Board and going to court?

Yes. Most claims start with the Injuries Resolution Board, which makes non-binding recommendations. If either party rejects the award, the claim can proceed to court. We’ll advise you on the best route.

Can I still claim if I was using a work vehicle or company car?

Yes. If you were injured while driving for work and the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim. These cases can involve both personal injury and employer obligations.

What if I had no insurance at the time, but the crash wasn’t my fault?

You can still claim for injuries—though you may face penalties for driving uninsured, your injury compensation rights remain. It’s a complex situation, but worth discussing with your solicitor.

Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, John O’Leary Solicitors LLP is here to help. Our team offers clear, local legal guidance with no pressure and full confidentiality. Call or email today to speak with an experienced solicitor who’ll support you every step of the way.