Failing to stop and give your details after a road accident in Ireland is a serious criminal offence, regardless of whether the accident was your fault. Gardaí pursue these cases aggressively and the consequences — including imprisonment — are real.
Marcus clipped a parked car while reversing in a Cork city centre car park. The damage was minor. He panicked and drove away. The car park had CCTV and the owner of the damaged car reported it. Gardaí traced his plates within 48 hours. He was now facing a charge of failing to stop and exchange details — a criminal offence carrying potential imprisonment.
Under Sections 106 and 107 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, any person involved in a road accident that causes injury, death, or damage to property must stop immediately and provide their name, address, and vehicle details to anyone with reasonable grounds to require them. Failure to do so — regardless of fault — is a criminal offence.
The offence is treated seriously by Irish courts because it goes to the heart of road safety and accountability. Penalties for a basic failure to stop include fines and potential imprisonment of up to 6 months. Where serious injury or death was involved, the matter is dealt with on indictment and the maximum sentence is significantly higher.
A conviction for this offence goes on your Garda record and may affect employment, insurance, and travel for years. Getting legal advice early — before your court date — gives you the best chance of the best possible outcome.
Marcus's solicitor advised him to contact Gardaí immediately and provide a full account, demonstrating cooperation and genuine remorse. The solicitor argued that the damage was minimal, there was no injury, and Marcus had no prior record. A community service order was substituted for imprisonment. Marcus avoided a custodial sentence.
✓ Imprisonment avoided — community serviceNo obligation. Matched to a specialist solicitor within 24 hours.
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