No one expects to be in a car accident — but it can happen to anyone, at any time. Whether it’s a minor bump or a serious collision, staying calm and knowing what to do immediately after the incident is crucial for your safety, insurance, and legal protection.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Ireland, including when to call a tow truck and how to handle insurance claims properly.

1. Stop Immediately and Stay Calm

By law, you must stop at the scene of any accident involving injury or damage to property. Turn on your hazard lights, stop safely, and take a few deep breaths before doing anything else.

📍 Tip: Never leave the scene, even for minor accidents — it’s a criminal offence in Ireland.

🔗 Learn about your legal obligations from Citizens Information.

2. Check for Injuries

Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If anyone is hurt, call 999 or 112 immediately for emergency services.

If the accident is minor and everyone is okay, move vehicles off the road if safe to do so. If not, stay inside the car with seatbelts fastened until help arrives.

3. Make the Area Safe

If possible, use a reflective triangle or warning lights to alert other drivers. Ireland’s roads can be narrow and fast-moving, so safety comes first.

4. Exchange Details

Swap the following information with the other driver(s):

• Full name, address, and contact number
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance details (company name & policy number)
• Driver’s licence number

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details too.

5. Take Photos and Notes

Document the scene before vehicles are moved. Take pictures of:

• Vehicle positions and damage
• Road signs or skid marks
• Weather and lighting conditions

Write down what happened as soon as you can while it’s still fresh in your mind.

6. Contact the Gardaí

You must report the accident to the Gardaí if:

• Someone is injured
• The other driver refuses to give details
• There’s major damage to vehicles or property

Even for minor accidents, it’s good practice to visit your local Garda station within 24 hours.

7. Call a Tow Truck (if your car is unsafe)

If your vehicle can’t be driven safely — due to damage, leaks, or airbag deployment — call a professional towing service immediately.

At QuickTow.ie, we provide 24/7 breakdown recovery and accident towing across Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow. Our team responds fast, ensuring your vehicle is moved securely to your home, garage, or repair centre.

📞 Need emergency towing right now? Call QuickTow on [INSERT PHONE NUMBER].

🔗 See roadside safety advice on RSA.ie.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Provide photos, Garda report details, and the other driver’s information.

Most insurance companies will send an assessor to inspect the damage before approving repairs or replacement.

9. Keep All Documentation

Keep copies of everything: photos, receipts, repair invoices, and correspondence with insurance or Gardaí. This helps with claims and protects you legally if disputes arise.

10. Arrange Repairs

Once your car is towed and the claim approved, you can arrange for repairs at your chosen garage. If you used QuickTow, we can deliver your vehicle straight to your mechanic of choice.

Stay Calm, Stay Safe

Accidents are stressful — but by staying calm and following these steps, you’ll protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.

If you ever find yourself stranded after a crash or breakdown, QuickTow.ie is just a call away — 24 hours a day.

📞 Contact QuickTow today for reliable towing and recovery services across Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow.