7 things not to do if you have been involved in a road traffic accident where you have sustained personal injuries*.

Being involved in a road traffic accident can be incredibly stressful and quite traumatic, particularly where you have sustained personal injuries*. Naturally, at the time of the accident, your sole concern is that you, your passengers and the other parties are not badly injured. At the time of the accident, you are often not concerned about, or indeed do not know, who is at fault. However to protect your interests, particularly where you have sustained personal injuries* or could be facing criminal charges, you should do the following:

1. Never admit liability (do not say that the accident was your fault) at the scene of an accident.
2. Never leave the scene of an accident without making sure that everyone is okay, contacting the Gardaí and obtaining the third party’s contact and insurance details.
3. You should never give a statement to the Gardaí without first consulting with a solicitor who specialises in criminal law.
4. Never speak to the third party’s insurance companies. Tell them to contact your solicitor.
5. Never ever enter into settlement negotiations without consulting with a solicitor, who specialises in personal injury*law. In the early aftermath of an accident, it is impossible to know how badly you have been injured or what potential medical treatment you may require. It is therefore inadvisable to settle any personal injury claim you may have at this juncture.
6. Never attend a medical appointment arranged by the third party’s insurers without consulting with a solicitor who specialises in personal injuries*.
7. Never repair your vehicle without consulting with a personal injury* solicitor, as it may be necessary to have the vehicle inspected.

For further information in relation to a road traffic accident* or indeed any aspect of personal injury* or criminal law, please do not hesitate to contact Hanahoe and Hanahoe solicitors on 045 897784 or at info@hanahoeandhanahoe.com.

This article is merely for information purposes and is not, and should not be taken, as legal advice. If you have any queries in relation to this or any other aspect of personal injury* or criminal law, you should consult with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury* or criminal law. No solicitor/client relationship or duty of care or liability of any nature exists between you and Hanahoe and Hanahoe solicitors, until you receive written confirmation that we are acting as solicitors on your behalf.

*In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.