If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a road traffic accident there are certain things you need to do and refrain from doing. The list below is a useful guide and can be reviewed if you ever need it.

1. DO obtain the registration number of the other vehicle and the driver details including name and address.
2. DO obtain insurance details of the third party. If the third party will not volunteer their insurance details to you, you should be able to record those details from the insurance disc which they are obliged to display on the windscreen of their vehicle.
3. DO report the matter to the Gardaí if necessary and wait for them to arrive at the scene of the accident. On occasion the Gardaí will take measurements and produce a sketch of the scene of the accident which may be of assistance to you at a later date in Court.
4. DO take a photograph of the position of the vehicles if possible.
5. DO identify any witnesses and obtain their contact details as they may be necessary at a later date in any Court proceedings which may be instituted by either the Gardaí or the parties to the accident, to include yourself.
6. DON’T leave the scene of an accident until you have given your name, insurance details and registration details to the third party and that you have agreed whether or not it is a requirement for the Gardaí to attend. If the Gardaí are attending at the scene of an accident please remain there until such time as the Gardaí attend and provide them with your details.
7. Don’t admit liability at the scene as this will affect your insurance cover
8. Do ring your insurance company after the scene of the accident and report the accident to them
9. Contact your solicitor in Limerick for further advice.

In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement, nor is it our practice to do so.

This article is general in nature and cannot be regarded as legal advice. It is general commentary only. You should not rely on the contents of this article without consulting one of our Solicitors. If you would like advice regarding how the law applies to your individual circumstances, then please contact Roisin O’Connell Solicitors.