Press Release Motor Liability Report 2019 - 2024

Press Release

Injuries Resolution Board awards over €700m in compensation for injuries sustained in almost 40,000 motor accidents over six years.
New report shows an increased risk of fatality among younger and older age groups

May 20th, 2025: The Injuries Resolution Board has today released a comprehensive research report in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory, reviewing motor liability accidents and claims in Ireland over a six-year timeframe (2019 to 2024) The report shows that over 70,000 claims relating to road traffic accidents were submitted in that time. The report also shows that over €284 million was saved in avoided legal fees by claims being resolved through the Injuries Resolution Board process rather than through litigation during this period.

The report highlights the risks faced by some of the country’s most vulnerable road users, with data showing a 15% annual increase in claims among pedestrians in 2024 alone, with this group experiencing a five-fold higher risk of fatality in road traffic accidents. Other high-risk groups include younger adults, aged between 20-24 years, who make up 6% of the population but double the proportion of fatal incidents (13%) and adults aged over 65 years, who represent 15% of the Irish population but accounted for one in four fatal incidents between 2019 and 2024. Overall claims relating to fatal motor accidents have increased by 7% since 2023 and 20% when compared to 2022.
While 175 road deaths were reported in 2024, our data shows that for every one tragic death there are 68 claims made to the Board for non-fatal motor related injuries. This report provides valuable insights into claim volumes and the demographic characteristics of those most at risk on our roads:

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There was a 4% increase in motor claims on last year, but overall motor claims are down 30% from 2019 despite a return to pre-pandemic traffic volumes
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Motorcyclists account for just 2% of personal injury claims overall but represent one in ten fatal claims.
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Across 2022 and 2024, the Board awarded over €500,000 for fatal or serious incidents resulting from head-on motor vehicle collisions.
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From 2019 to 2024, over €370 million was awarded for injuries sustained by car drivers, followed by car passengers (€160 million), pedestrians (€55 million), cyclists (€53 million), and motorcyclists (€24 million).

Welcoming the report, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, 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.

The data is clear that there has been a substantial reduction of 30% in respect of motor injury claims and 41% in respect of awards values in the 6 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.”

Other findings
The Injuries Resolution Board’s Motor Liability Personal Injury Claims & Awards report examines the incidence of road traffic accidents over a 6-year period, offering insights into the demographic characteristics of road users most at risk of injury. Between 2019 and 2024, 76,535 personal injury claims related to road traffic accidents, termed Motor Liability claims, were submitted to the Board.
Some further key findings from the report show:

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Motor Liability Claims: Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 76,535 personal injury claims related to road traffic accidents were submitted to the Board. In 2024 alone, over 12,000 claims were submitted, marking a 4% increase from 2023 but a 30% decrease from 2019.
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Demographic Insights: The report identifies a significant reduction in claim volumes among younger age groups (under 44 years old) from 2019 to 2024. Conversely, claims among individuals aged 45 and older increased, with those aged 65 and older accounting for 8% of motor liability claims in 2024, up from 6% during 2019-2022.
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Regional Trends: Dublin and Limerick account for a higher number of motor liability claims relative to their population. Dublin, with 28% of the population and 25% of national driving licences, accounts for 32% of claims. Limerick, with 4% of the population, accounts for 7% of claims.
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Fatal Road Traffic Accidents: Over 300 claims related to fatal road traffic accidents were submitted between 2019 and 2024. The number of fatal claims increased steadily from 50 in 2022 to 60 in 2024. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and motorcycle users, face a significantly higher risk of fatal accidents.
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Injury Trends: Neck and back injuries were the most common injuries sustained in 58% of motor liability awards in 2024. Psychiatric damage injuries accounted for 16% of awards, with car passengers being the most affected group.

Speaking on the report, 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% 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 said:“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% of claims from car passengers coming from the youngest age group (0-18) with 1 in 4 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 5 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.”

The Injuries Resolution Board’s latest Motor Liability report is available to view here: Motor Liability Report

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