Luas Accident Claims*

Involved in an Accident on the Luas?

Being involved in a Luas accident, regardless of how serious the accident was, can be a traumatic experience – especially if you have sustained any injuries. In cases where you are involved in a public transport accident that was not your fault, there may be a legal remedy. This legal remedy you can seek by way of a Luas accident claim.

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Common Luas Accident Claims*

The Luas is a popular means of transport in Dublin and an easy way to get around the city. It is used by thousands of people throughout the country on a daily basis. With the number of people using the Luas growing and with the new cross-city Luas it is important to be aware that accidents can happen. Luas accidents do not just involve passengers but also pedestrians and other road users. As a result of this, it can be difficult to determine who is liable for the cause of the accident.

Transdev is the public transport operator which operates the Luas. They work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers on the Luas in relation to both the Luas and the tracks. A common cause of an accident could be a failure to maintain the Luas tracks or the actual carriages of the Luas. This could lead to an electrical fault or broken chairs on the Luas which is a potential hazard which could lead to injuries being sustained. They have a responsibility to maintain all transport infrastructures used by the Luas and should be carrying out frequent assessments of electrical equipment and overhead wires so that an accident does not occur. They may be found liable if an accident occurs as a result of poor maintenance or broken or faulty equipment.

The most common Luas accident claims are:

• Rear-end Collision Claims*
• Hit and Run Claims*
• Passenger Injury Claims*
• Uninsured Driver Claims*
• Accident with an Intoxicated Driver Claims*
• Accident with a foreign registered car claims*
• Side Impact Collision Claims*
• Minor Impact Road Traffic Accident Claims*

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What do I do if I'm involved in a Luas accident?

Following a Luas accident, there are a number of steps you should follow:

1. Seek medical attention

   Your health is your wealth and should be your first priority. Immediately after a Luas accident, take a second to assess yourself to determine if you have any injuries. Then check if anybody else involved in the accident need medical attention. If you or anyone else involved has sustained a serious injury ensure that you contact an ambulance to attend the scene.

   For minor injuries, you must remember that minor injuries where you ‘feel fine’ could progress to a more serious injury in the future. In this case it is always better to be safe than sorry and advisable that you go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) or local GP to be checked out.

2. Gather all relevant information at the scene

   It is important that you collect all the relevant information in connection with your accident:

   • Details of the Luas number, the route you were on, the line you were on and the closest Luas Stop.
   • If Details of another driver(s) / people involved: name, address, contact information, vehicle registration number and vehicle insurance information. You can also offer your own information to the others involved in the accident.
   • Name and contact details of any emergency service workers at the scene – paramedic/Gardai.
   • Take a picture of the scene, from different angles; this will help your solicitor understand how the accident happened.
   • If there are any CCTV recordings of the accident, such as CCTV cameras in a nearby shop, for example, you should try to obtain this footage.
   • Record the time and date of the accident.
   • Weather conditions at the time.

3. Report the incident to the Gardaí

   Regardless of how minor or serious the Luas accident was, it is important that you call the Gardaí to report the accident immediately.

   For minor accidents, the Gardaí may tell you that they will not be attending the scene. It may be a case where you can settle the issue yourself. In this scenario, the appropriate information should be exchanged. In these cases, it is also important that you visit your nearest Garda station to request that they take details of the accident and to take your statement about the accident.

   For more serious Luas accidents, where an ambulance has been called, the Gardaí may arrive at the scene to assess, take statements from the people involved and any witnesses.

4. Contact Transdev

   If you are the driver of the vehicle involved in a Luas accident or a passenger onboard it is important to inform Transdev so they have a record.

5. Speak to a Luas accident claims solicitor

   If you are considering moving forward with a Luas accident claim for any personal injuries sustained it is advisable that you speak with a Luas accident claims solicitor as soon as possible. If you are proceeding with a claim, the first step will be submitting your claim to the Injuries Board for assessment. A Luas accident solicitor can help you in preparing your application to the Injuries Board and ensure that you follow the process in the correct format, meaning that you can move forward with your claim quickly without unnecessary delays.

   It is important to remember to keep copies of any expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident. It is also imperative to retain copies of medical reports or Garda reports, where possible as you will need them when making a claim.