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Ireland is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and welcoming people. However, accidents can happen anywhere, and it’s important to know what steps to take if you find yourself involved in one while visiting the Emerald Isle.

Here are some practical tips for overseas visitors who have been involved in an accident.

What to do after an accident while on holidays in Ireland:

Make sure everyone is safe
Your health is your wealth and should be your first priority. Immediately after an accident, take a moment to assess yourself to determine if you have any injuries. Then check if any passengers or anybody else involved in the accident need medical attention.

Call emergency services
If you or anyone else involved has sustained a serious injury, contact an ambulance to attend the scene. Dial 112 or 999 to reach emergency services in Ireland. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured, and police presence if the accident is severe.

Seek medical attention
Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but could have long-term effects. In this case it is always better to be safe than sorry and advisable to go to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) or a local doctor to be checked out.

Citizens Information explains the public health services you can access in Ireland as a visitor. Your entitlement to free or subsidised health services will depend on your circumstances.

Gather evidence
Document as much information as you can about the accident. Where possible, take photos and/or videos of the scene and your injuries, and record details like the location, weather conditions, and any visible damages or injuries.

Collect contact information of witnesses and others involved in the accident, including the any emergency personnel who attended the scene. Note down vehicle registration and insurance details if it’s a road traffic accident.

Report the incident
If the police (called Gardai in Ireland) do not attend the scene of the accident, visit the nearest police station (Garda station) as soon as is practical to report the accident, and get a copy of the police report. This will be essential for any compensation claims.

Notify your insurance company
If your accident occurred in a rental car, inform the rental company as soon as possible. Similarly, if your own car was involved in the accident, call your insurance company in your home country to notify them straight away. If you have travel insurance, contact your travel insurance provider, and tell them about what happened. They can guide you on immediate steps and documentation required for claims.

Contact TouristSOS
TouristSOS is a free nationwide support service dedicated to international visitors who experience an accident, crime or other distressing incident. They provide practical support to help you get back on track after your accident.

Can I make a compensation claim if I’m a tourist in Ireland?

Yes, tourists can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related costs, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. The law is the same for overseas visitors as it is for residents.

A personal injury solicitor that specialises in tourist accidents can help you to make a claim. They will provide expert advice and handle the legal process on your behalf.

Your solicitor will file a personal injury claim* with the Injuries Resolution Board, the statutory body that handles personal injury claims in Ireland. Your solicitor will manage this process to get the best possible outcome for you.

Do I need to be in Ireland to make the claim?

You do not need to be in Ireland to make the personal injury claim; we can contact you over email or phone when you’re back in your home country. However, you may need to have some medical evaluations completed in Ireland. We will always let you know what is needed in advance and we will work with you throughout the process and try not to cause any inconvenience.

Many personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if an agreement cannot be reached, your solicitor may take the case to court to secure fair compensation.

If your case does go to court, you may need to fly back to Ireland to be present for the hearing of your case. So keep this in mind when considering making a claim.

What about language barriers?

At Tracey Solicitors LLP, we have a dedicated multi-lingual team and provide our clients with the option of speaking with a member of staff in their preferred language, including English, Polish, Portuguese, Croatian, Lithuanian, or French.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Typically, you have two years minus one day from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Ireland. This is called the statute of limitations. However, starting the process as soon as possible is advisable to ensure all evidence and witness statements are fresh.

Practical tips for tourists

• Travel insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers accidents and medical emergencies.
• Health documentation: Carry copies of your health records and insurance policy details.
• Stay informed: Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.

While an accident can be a traumatic experience, knowing the steps to take can make the process of claiming compensation easier. As specialists in personal injury cases, we can take care of your legal concerns so you can focus on your recovery from your accident.

If you find yourself in such a situation, contact us and tell us about your case. Our team will be happy to help.

* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award of settlement.