IrelandI was injured in a road accident. How do I claim compensation?
To claim compensation for a road accident injury in Ireland, you must prove the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injury — this is set out in the Civil Liability Act 1961. You must also file your claim within two years of the accident.
What the Law Says
The Civil Liability Act 1961 is the main law governing personal injury claims in Ireland, including those arising from road accidents. It establishes the principle that a person who suffers injury due to another’s wrongful act may seek compensation.
Under Irish law, to succeed in a road accident compensation claim, you must show that the other driver (or party) owed you a duty of care, breached that duty (e.g., by driving carelessly), and that this breach directly caused your injury.
The Civil Liability Act 1961 does not define negligence itself — that comes from common law — but it provides the statutory foundation for holding people legally responsible for injuries caused by their actions or omissions.
Importantly, the Act supports the right to claim damages for personal injury, loss, or damage resulting from another’s civil wrong — including road traffic collisions.
Statutory TextEvery person has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which he can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure his neighbour.
— Civil Liability Act 1961, s. 2 — Duty of care
What to Do
Seek medical attention and keep all records of treatment and diagnosis.
Report the accident to the Gardaí if serious injury or damage occurred.
Gather evidence: photos, witness contact details, dashcam footage, and notes on what happened.
Notify your insurer (if applicable) and the other driver’s insurer within a reasonable time.
Either apply to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) first — or, if PIAB assessment is declined or unsatisfactory — issue court proceedings within 2 years of the accident.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.