Road Traffic Victims

Many road traffic incidents are the result of criminal offences such as dangerous driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When someone intentionally breaks the law and causes harm, the consequences are not accidental, a crime has been committed.

Preventable harm can also arise where those responsible for road safety such as public authorities and their contractors fail to address known or foreseeable hazards. Under Irish law, when such failures amount to gross negligence and a serious risk to life is disregarded, the resulting harm may give rise to criminal liability.

A road traffic incident can happen suddenly and without warning. You had no time to prepare, and life can feel completely changed in an instant.

You may be dealing with challenges that others don’t always understand, such as:

• The shock and suddenness of what happened
• Coming to terms with the fact that someone’s reckless action or a failure to meet road safety obligations caused your harm
• Your case not being treated with the seriousness it deserves
• Frustration and uncertainty surrounding the investigation
• Justice and accountability feeling out of reach due to the nature of the incident or the complexity of responsibility
• Feeling dismissed when others call it “just an accident”
• The stress of managing insurance, legal issues, medical care, and support — all at once

Some collisions are unavoidable accidents. Others happen because someone made an unlawful or reckless choice such as speeding, driving while impaired, or failing to stop. Harm can also result from failures to repair, maintain, or design roads to the standards required to keep road users safe. Where those responsible for road safety ignore foreseeable risks and gross negligence is found, Irish law recognises that criminal liability may arise.

Calling a crime an “accident” can minimise your experience. It can also affect how you’re treated by insurance companies, the justice system, and other institutions — sometimes making it harder to get the help and accountability you deserve.

Recognising that what happened to you may have been a result of reckless conduct or gross negligence — whether by a driver or those responsible for road safety — is an important step toward justice, healing, and the support you need.

The Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting those who have been bereaved or injured in road traffic collisions. They advocate for the rights, recognition, and fair treatment of road crash victims, while working to promote road safety and prevent further tragedies on Irish roads.