Car accidents still happen on Irish roads despite advancements; in vehicle technology with safety features such as adaptive headlights, backup cameras, and so on.
Accidents are mostly unprecedented, and they are caused by various factors, which include drunk driving, over speeding, fatigue, poor weather condition, etc.
When a car crash occurs, it can lead to loss of wages, permanent disabilities, financial instability, and even inflict pain on the victims, especially when severe. And not all Irish drivers are lucky enough to escape these aftermaths.
If you ever wonder what should be your top priority in the event of a car accident on Irish roads, we have the answers, and you’ll need to read on to find out for yourself.
This guide will help you prioritize your decision making when in a car accident, whether you are at fault or not.
Record As Much Information As You Can
As an Irish driver, one of the things to do when involved in an accident is to try to stay calm and assess the extent of the damage. If you are not hurt, then you can also check on other passengers in your car to ensure that they are uninjured.
Your next priority should be to get enough evidence, such as the contacts and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. As you could need it when you want to make a claim to your car insurance company.
Also, take out your Smartphone and do a video recording capturing the vehicles, property, and individuals affected. Preferably, take very clear pictures as proof of the car accident.
If there was severe damage caused to another car or property, take note of as much information about the individuals involved especially their names and contact addresses.
Bonus
We recommend that you should avoid discussing whether you are at fault or not when documenting the facts/personal information of the other driver(s), as this is crucial for your car insurance policy.
Other Information to Take Note Of
While at the accident scene, you should also take cognizance of the below information:
- The location of the accident
- The full name and contact information of individuals involved
- Drivers license and license plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
With this information, you stand a higher chance of presenting a good report when the need arises.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider
Earlier, we emphasized the need for images of the car accident scene because that way, you will have enough evidence to present to your insurer; to back up your claims.
Also, you need to inform your insurer about the accident and damages caused early enough. In fact, you do not have to leave the accident scene before putting a call through.
By doing so, your insurance provider could tell you the precise information that they will need from the accident scene to enable them to start your claims process.
Furthermore, you can expect to receive an accident report form from your insurer, and you’ll need to fill it with the required information before returning it to your insurance company within 48hours from when the accident occurred.
By carrying your insurance company along this way, there will be no need for delays in processing your claims, and your vehicle can be back on the Irish roads as soon as possible.
- Inform the Garda Siochana
In a car accident situation where there is a major collision and anyone gets injured in the process, the Irish law demands that you report the case to the Gardai.
You’ll need to present evidence of the accident to the police station as well. Hence, while taking photos, ensure that you capture the surrounding areas of the accident, the vehicles involved, and damages sustained.
After contacting the Gardai, if they are unable to come to the scene of the accident to take the report, then you will have to locate the nearest police station to fill out an accident report and document the scene.
Having a police report will also support your claims process, should your insurer demand a copy.
Conclusion
As a driver in Ireland, with these you are better prepared; to know what to do in the event of a car accident. While most drivers will look confused and uncertain about the right steps to take, with this guide, you can be sure to make the best decision in the heat of the moment.
Car crashes are almost unavoidable, be it minor or severe, and if you ever find yourself in one while driving on the Irish roads, you can be sure it would be a walkover because you now know what your priorities should be.
Problem solver. Incurable bacon specialist. Falls down a lot. Coffee maven. Communicator.
