Road Traffic Accident Solicitors in Limerick

Being injured in a road traffic accident can affect your health, income and everyday life. You may be dealing with treatment, time away from work and uncertainty about who is responsible.

At Hogan Dowling McNamara Solicitors LLP, Thomas Dowling leads our personal injury practice, with over 25 years’ experience in injury claims. We advise people injured in road traffic accidents in Limerick and throughout Ireland.

We can discuss what happened, explain what information is needed and advise on your options without obligation.

Call 061 501100 or request a confidential callback.

Road traffic injury claims we handle

We advise on claims involving:

• Drivers injured in collisions, including rear-end impacts, junction accidents and collisions involving several vehicles.
• Passengers, including people injured in private cars, taxis and other vehicles.
• Motorcyclists, including accidents resulting in serious orthopaedic, head or spinal injuries.
• Pedestrians and cyclists, including collisions at crossings, junctions and other road locations.
• Uninsured or unidentified drivers, where the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland may have a role.
• People driving for work, including accidents involving commercial vehicles.
• Children injured in road accidents, where their future needs require particular consideration.

We also advise on serious injury claims involving long-term disability, rehabilitation and care needs.

Understanding who was responsible

Responsibility is not always agreed after a collision. Drivers may give different accounts, or several parties may have contributed to what happened.

We examine the available evidence, which may include photographs, witness accounts, dashcam footage, vehicle damage and relevant Garda records. Where necessary, expert evidence may help establish how the accident occurred.

Tell us what you remember, including anything you are uncertain about. You do not need to establish who was responsible before seeking advice.

What should you do after a road traffic accident?

Your immediate priority is safety and any necessary medical attention. Contact the emergency services where needed and attend hospital or other medical services as appropriate.

When it is safe and practical:

• Record the registration numbers and the drivers’ contact and insurance details.
• Obtain contact details for witnesses.
• Photograph the vehicles, damage and surrounding road layout.
• Preserve relevant dashcam footage before it is overwritten.
• Keep details of any Garda attendance or report.
• Notify your insurer promptly in accordance with your policy.
• Keep records of medical treatment, expenses and time away from work.

Do not put yourself or others at risk to collect evidence. If you do not have all this information, you can still contact us.

Considering the full effect of your injuries

The consequences of a road accident may extend beyond the initial treatment. Pain, restricted movement or psychological symptoms may affect your work, family responsibilities and independence.

We investigate the losses relevant to your circumstances, which may include:

• Past and future loss of earnings.
• Reduced ability to continue in your occupation.
• Loss of career opportunities or pension benefits.
• Medical treatment, therapy and rehabilitation expenses.
• Care and assistance needs.
• Equipment, vehicle adaptations or changes to accommodation.
• Other expenses arising from the injury.

Medical evidence helps establish the nature of the injury and the likely outlook. In more serious cases, other expert evidence may be needed to understand future employment, care and accommodation requirements.

A decision about settlement should be informed by the available evidence about those consequences.

How HDM can help

An initial discussion

We listen to your account of the accident, ask about your injuries and identify any urgent issues, without any obligation on you to instruct us.

Clear advice on the next steps

We explain what further information is needed, the applicable claims process and how legal costs and outlays would be handled.

Investigation and preparation

If instructed, we obtain relevant records, arrange appropriate expert evidence and investigate responsibility and the effect of your injuries.

Advice throughout your claim

We explain developments and any proposals for resolving the case, helping you make informed decisions as it progresses.

Questions about road traffic accident claims

Can I seek advice if I was a passenger?

Yes. Tell us which vehicle you were travelling in and what you know about the accident. We can investigate the circumstances and advise on who may be responsible.

What if the other driver denies responsibility?

A denial does not, by itself, resolve the question. We can examine the evidence and advise on the strengths, uncertainties and possible next steps in your case.

What if the driver was uninsured or left the scene?

You may still have an avenue for seeking compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland. Specific conditions and procedures apply, so seek advice promptly and preserve any information that could identify the vehicle or driver.

What if I may have been partly responsible?

Explain the circumstances fully. Your own actions may affect the assessment of a claim, but you should not assume the position without advice.

Should I accept an offer from an insurer?

Before deciding, consider whether you have sufficient information about your injuries, recovery and financial losses. We can review an offer and explain its implications, including whether further evidence is needed.

Will I have to go to court?

That depends on how the claim progresses and whether the relevant issues can be resolved. We will explain the available routes and advise if court proceedings become necessary. We cannot promise at the outset that a hearing will be avoided, but we will bear that in mind in trying to work towards a resolution.

How much will it cost?

Before you instruct us, we will explain our proposed fees, potential outlays and the possible costs consequences of bringing a claim.

We will consider whether we will fund the costs of your medical reports and whether we will defer our professional fee. We will explain any payments that may be required and when, so you can consider the position before proceeding.

How long do I have to take action?

Legal time limits apply, and the relevant deadline depends on the circumstances. Seek advice promptly rather than waiting for treatment to finish or assuming that it is too late.

Early advice can also help preserve witness evidence, CCTV and dashcam footage.

Speak with Thomas Dowling