Pedestrian Motor Claims Surge in Ireland

Pedestrian motor claims in Ireland have seen a notable rise, as revealed by a recent report from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB). The data indicates a 15% increase in such claims during 2024, with pedestrians facing a significantly higher risk of fatalities in road accidents compared to other road users.

Analysis and Trends

Conducted in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory, the report examines motor liability accidents and claims across a six-year span from 2019 to 2024. During this period, 76,535 claims related to road accidents were lodged with the IRB. Although there was a 4% rise in total motor claims last year, overall claims were down 30% from 2019 levels, despite a resurgence in traffic volumes following the pandemic.

Notably, claims linked to fatal motor accidents have surged by 7% since 2023 and by 20% compared to 2022.

Identifying High-Risk Groups

Besides pedestrians, the report identifies younger adults, specifically those aged 20 to 24, as a high-risk demographic. They constitute 6% of the population but are involved in 13% of fatal incidents. Additionally, adults over 65, who make up 15% of the population, accounted for one-quarter of fatal incidents from 2019 to 2024. Motorcyclists, while representing only 2% of personal injury claims, are involved in 10% of fatal claims.

Data shows that for each road-related death, the IRB receives 68 claims for non-fatal injuries.

Financial Implications

The total value of awards for 2024 reached €105.8 million, marking a 5% increase from 2023 but a 41% drop from 2019’s motor liability awards. Over the six years, over €370 million was awarded to car drivers for injuries, followed by €160 million to car passengers, €55 million to pedestrians, €53 million to cyclists, and €24 million to motorcyclists.

Importantly, the report suggests that resolving claims through the IRB, rather than litigation, saved approximately €284 million in legal fees.

Developing Road-Safety Strategies

Dr Lauren Swan, head of research and policy at the IRB, expressed hope that the report would guide the formulation of targeted road safety strategies to protect vulnerable groups more effectively. Rosalind Carroll, the board’s chief executive, highlighted the impact of motor accidents on children and young adults, noting that 36% of claims from car passengers involved individuals aged 0-18.