The State body, previously known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), today published a comprehensive research report in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory, reviewing motor liability accidents and claims in Ireland from 2019 to 2024.

Over 70,000 claims relating to road traffic accidents were submitted during the six-year period, with over €284 million saved in legal fees by claims being resolved through the Board process instead of through litigation.

Overall claims relating to fatal motor accidents have increased by seven per cent since 2023 and 20 per cent when compared to 2022.

There was a four per cent increase in motor claims on last year, but overall motor claims are down 30 per cent from 2019 despite a return to pre-pandemic traffic volumes.

Enterprise, tourism and employment minister Peter Burke said: “A key pillar of the establishment of the Injuries Resolution Board, along with the introduction of mediation, was its new statutory function of research and reporting.

“The Injuries Resolution Board is uniquely placed to report on personal injuries in the State and in so doing provide valuable insights for claimants, policy makers and the insurance market.

“Today’s report on motor liability claims and awards brings into sharp focus the tragic accidents occurring on our roads and delivers useful information to assist with road safety, hopefully leading to a reduction in future accidents.”

He added: “The data is clear that there has been a substantial reduction of 30 per cent in respect of motor injury claims and 41 per cent in respect of awards values in the six-year review period covered in the report, which included the introduction of the Personal Injuries Guidelines in 2021.

“We now need to see those savings arising from these reduced injury claims and costs reflected in insurance premia.

“I will continue to work with the Injuries Resolution Board and my colleagues across government on the insurance reform agenda to ensure that we have a cost-effective and efficient claims resolution system which should bring certainty and consistency contributing to our overall competitiveness.”

Dr Lauren Swan, head of research and policy at the Injuries Resolution Board, said: “Today’s report represents our most comprehensive public release of data to date, providing crucial insights into over 76,000 road traffic accident claims over the last six years.

“Our findings highlight the increased vulnerability of specific groups on our roads, such as older adults aged over 65 years, who have seen a 38 per cent rise in road traffic accident claims over the past two years.

“The data also underscores the elevated risk of serious and fatal injuries faced by pedestrians and motorcyclists, with both groups experiencing a fivefold higher rate of fatal injury claims.

“It is hoped that today’s report will inform the development of targeted road safety strategies aimed at better protecting these vulnerable groups.”
 
Injuries Resolution Board CEO Rosalind Carroll added: “Today’s report gives us really important insights that can support and help Ireland in its work on road safety.

“Our report shows the impacts motor accidents are having on children and young adults, with 36 per cent of claims from car passengers coming from the youngest age group (0-18) with one in four sustaining psychological injuries in road traffic accidents.

“The report also highlights the significantly higher rates of severe and fatal injury among vulnerable road users, with pedestrians and motor cyclist at a five times higher risk of fatal injury.

“The report also highlights the role that we, in the Injuries Resolution Board can have in supporting people resolve claims in these difficult circumstances, which can allow people resolve claims without the added stress and extended time involved in litigation and at a much reduced cost for all.”