Accident Advice

What to do if your Vehicle is involved in an accident:

  • Stop, take some deep breaths, this will help you calm down, so that you can ensure that you record all information needed from this point on accurately.

  • Make sure you and all others are safe. If you can’t get out of your vehicle, or it is not safe to try - keep your seat belt fastened, turn on your hazard lights and call 112 or 999 if possible, and wait for help to arrive. If you can drive your car and are in an unsafe spot or are blocking traffic, find a safe and legal place to park the vehicle.

  • Turn off the ignitions of the vehicles involved.

  • Keep your vehicle insurance details in the glove compartment, including a pre-printed form allowing you to provide the particulars of any accident, it is also a great idea to keep a disposable camera in the glove compartment so that you can photograph the scene if possible.

  • Stay at the scene of the accident until the Garda Siochana have come and gone, making sure you have the name or number of any Garda in attendance.

  • Exchange names, addresses, driver's license details, vehicle registration and insurance details including name and address of other drivers insurance company and the number of certificate of insurance with the driver of the other car (see insurance disc on windscreen).

  • Get the name and address of each witness.

  • Date, time and location of accident.

  • Speed of vehicles involved.

  • Debris or marks on the road relevant to the accident.

  • Manner of other drivers driving.

  • Rough sketch of vehicles before and after the accident.

  • Width of road, road markings, state of road surface, weather conditions, visibility.

  • Whether other driver and passengers were wearing seat belts.

  • If you do have a camera, photograph the scene.

  • Review your policy to make sure of your coverage. Make a list of questions and related information you want to know.

  • Report the accident promptly to your insurance company.