We know that after the stress of being in an accident making a claim can feel like a daunting prospect*. This is why our road traffic accident solicitors make it their top priority to ensure that all of our clients feel supported, informed and confident at each step when making a road traffic accident claim. We have a dedicated experienced team offering all the support and assistance you need along with answers to all of your questions.
Types of Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents are among the most common reasons for claims to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. If you have been involved in such an accident, you may be entitled to claim for personal injuries and/or expenses. We take you through the different kinds of road traffic accidents and how to make a claim if you have been injured in one.
Types of Road Traffic Accident
Six Things You Should Do After Being Involved In A Road Traffic Accident
- Notify the Gardai immediately
- Call emergency services
- Swap and share your insurance details. Obtain as much information about the other party as possible. Inform your own insurance company of the incident.
- Take photographs of the accident scene if possible
- Gather the names and contact details of any witnesses
- Contact HOMS Assist who will offer you advice on what to do next
What To About Damage To Your Vehicle After An Accident
Our team provide garages and their customers with a dedicated service which ensuring that both the garage and its customer are not inconvenienced with any delay in resolving the vehicle damage claim*. We aim to provide a stress-free service to get you back on the road in the fastest possible time.
HOMS Assist vehicle damage unit was launched in 2009 as a result of the ever-growing need for speedy resolution of vehicle damage claims. Robert Bourke, partner-in-charge of HOMS Assist, has over 30 years legal experience in the area and saw the need for a claims management service to take the hassle out of car damage claims.
We are an award winning, client-oriented team operating nationwide, with offices in Dublin, Limerick and Cork.
How do we achieve this?
- On receipt of instruction a team member will immediately deal with the claim.
- A motor assessor will be engaged and the third party insurers contacted.
- We will arrange car hire if it is required through the garage.
- We will agree commencement of repairs in the fastest possible timeframe and ensure payment is made to the garage on completion of repairs, whilst we continue to deal with the claim against the third party insurer.
- We will negotiate with the insurer to obtain a speedy and efficient result for you and your customer.
Types Of Injuries Related to Road Traffic Accidents
Some injuries can be pin pointed as the ones most frequently associated with road traffic accidents. While this is not an exhaustive list, and other types of injuries can also lead to legal claims, these are the road traffic accident injuries which are most common.
Whiplash
Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) often arise in road traffic accidents. Whiplash can develop over time following a road traffic accident and can have lasting and serious effects, including (but not limited to) chronic pain. It is called ‘whiplash’ as it involves the sudden jolting of the neck forwards (hyperflexion) or backwards (hyperextension), much like the cracking of a whip. Even low-speed accidents in car parks can jolt the body in such a way and cause soft tissue damage. Typical symptoms of whiplash (also called ‘neck sprain’ or ‘neck strain’) include headaches, neck pain and stiffness. Symptoms of whiplash usually come on within 24 hours of the accident. It is very important to get an immediate diagnosis to aid in treatment and your medical attendant will be able to rule out other injuries such as tissue damage or fractured bones.
Soft tissue damage injuries
It is not unusual for road traffic accident victims to suffer soft tissue injuries. These include damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Some types of soft tissue injuries include bruises (contusions), muscle strain, joint and ligament sprains. Damage to tissue can lead to other symptoms such as swelling, stiffness and soreness. Often in road traffic accidents the suddenness of the impact, whether at high or low velocity, may cause soft tissue injuries such as ligament or tendon tears, or disc damage.
Soft tissue damages are described at three levels, mild, moderate or severe:-
- A mild soft tissue injury may result in discomfort and a minor tissue tear and can clear up in a few weeks or months. It does not leave any long-term implications.
- Moderate soft tissue damage will involve more long-term pain and swelling and could take months to resolve.
- A severe soft tissue injury can cause severe pain over a long time period which may not fully resolve for months or years depending on their severity.
For further advice on personal injury* claims and the process involved in bringing a claim contact HOMS Assist today.
Damages
There are two types of damages for personal injury claims which are related to road accidents:-
General damages
General damage compensation is related to the pain and suffering and/or physical and emotional injuries, stress and trauma obtained following the injury received as a result of a road traffic accident.
Special damages
Special damages compensation refers to your out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the road traffic injury. These include hospital and doctors’ fees, car damage claim, loss of earnings, travel expenses, treatment costs for physiotherapy or any other treatment, travel expenses, X-rays, scans etc.
When assessing damages, the court may take into account the effect the injury has had on your day-to-day life, your loss of current and future earnings, medical costs to date and into the future, psychological injuries, the future costs of any aids and appliances that you may need, house adaptations etc. Expert reports are usually put before the court for consideration in these cases.
Statute of limitations (personal injury claim time limit)
The legal time limits or statutory time period within which to bring an injury claim depend on the type of accident. Generally, the claim for compensation has to be made within two years from the date of the accident or date of knowledge of the accident.
Safer Journeys
You can make safer decisions to help avoid becoming involved in a road traffic accident.
