Statistically most road traffic accidents happen on routes where drivers are most familiar and doing everyday tasks such as going to work, collecting your shopping or collecting the children from school. Should you (or one of your family be they a minor) be unfortunate enough to be injured as a result of a car accident here is a step by step checklist of what you should do to assist any future injury claim. (Please note that one of your children can move a personal injury action using their parent as their next friend.)

• Firstly make sure you are okay and if there are any injuries request an ambulance, DO NOT leave the scene if injured without notifying the Gardai or an ambulance
• Make sure you immediately note the registration, make and model of the other vehicle. ( In the event that they leave the scene at least you will have these details)
• Get the name and address of the other driver involved
• Acquire the policy number and insurance company details of the other vehicle
• Immediately contact the Gardai
  • Should the other party attempt to leave the scene
  • If the other party has no insurance or admits to driving a stolen vehicle
  • If you are injured
• Photograph the accident with your phone or camera
• DO NOT admit liability at the scene of the accident
• Acquire the names addresses and phone number of any witnesses to the accident and request that they might be prepared to write an account of what they saw while it is fresh in their mind
• Write your account of what happened in the accident and draw a sketch of the road and how the accident occurred while it is fresh in your mind
• Take notes of the area or street names of where the accident occurred, the time and flow of traffic

• Monitor your progress following an accident, sometimes an injury will not manifest itself until afterwards and make sure you attend your GP if it does
• Keep a record and receipts of all expenses incurred as a result of the accident

Click here to download a PDF version of this checklist for your glovebox.