Do I have to go through PIAB before I can sue for a road accident injury in Ireland?
Yes. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is a mandatory first step for most personal injury claims in Ireland, including road traffic accidents. You must apply to PIAB before you can bring a court action. The respondent then has 90 days to consent to the assessment.
What should I do at the scene of a road traffic accident in Ireland?
Exchange insurance details, names, and addresses with the other driver as required under section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, and any injuries. Note witness names and contact details. Report the accident to An Garda Síochána if there is injury, significant damage, or a dispute about fault.
What is the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland and when does it apply?
The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. If the driver who caused your accident cannot be identified or has no insurance, you can make a claim directly to the MIBI under its Agreement with the Minister for Transport. You must still apply to PIAB first in most cases.
How long do I have to make a road accident injury claim in Ireland?
The Statute of Limitations Act 1957 gives you two years from the date of the accident — or the date you became aware of the injury — to make a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar your claim entirely, so submit your PIAB application well before the two years expire.
What medical records do I need for a PIAB road accident application?
You will need a completed medical report from your treating doctor or specialist, detailing your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. PIAB uses the Book of Quantum to assess common injuries such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and fractures. Keep all GP, hospital, physiotherapy, and specialist receipts.
How does PIAB assess whiplash and soft tissue injuries?
PIAB uses the Book of Quantum, which sets out compensation guidelines for common injuries by severity and duration of symptoms. The Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 and subsequent legislation require claimants to be honest in describing their injuries, and medical evidence must support the claim.
What happens after PIAB assesses my road accident claim?
If both parties accept the PIAB assessment, it becomes legally binding and is issued as an order to pay. If either party rejects the assessment, PIAB issues an authorisation allowing you to proceed to court. The entire PIAB process typically takes 9 to 15 months from the date of application.
Do I need to notify my own insurer about a road accident even if I was not at fault?
Yes. Your insurance policy almost certainly contains a condition requiring you to report any accident promptly, regardless of fault. Failure to notify your insurer can jeopardise your own cover. Notification does not mean admitting liability.
Can I claim for vehicle damage separately from personal injury through PIAB?
PIAB only deals with personal injury claims, not property damage. You should pursue vehicle damage directly with your insurer or the at-fault driver's insurer. These two processes run in parallel and do not affect each other.
How does uplaw.ai help with a road traffic accident claim in Ireland?
Describe your accident in the chat — what happened, your injuries, and who was involved. uplaw.ai will identify the correct PIAB application process, help you gather the right documentation, and guide you through each step from the initial Garda report through to the PIAB assessment.
Free to start
Injured in a road accident? Tell uplaw.ai what happened.
No account required. uplaw.ai guides you through the PIAB application process and helps you gather the right documents.