Accident with Bus Eireann Bus

Hi, apologies if this is answered in another thread, couldn't find an exact equivalent

My wife's car was crashed into by a Bus Eireann bus yesterday. Thankfully no one hurt. It's a narrow road, Bus was going slowly enough but was over on her side, she was more or less in the ditch and it looks like the bus just misjudged the clearance and caught my wife's car low on the front right wheel arch. Bus driver said he has cctv, so should be straightforward to clear up.

We've told our insurance company and the Guards. I have to wait til Monday to assess extent of damage, but the car can't be driven and may be a write off. So we only have third party fire and theft, and what I'm wondering is am I supposed to contact Bus Eireann myself, or their insurance company, or should I use a solicitor to go look for the cost of the damage? I figured I'd just contact them myself, but the website is all geared to passengers so I figure it's a waste of time contacting some Customer Services email

I would suggest engaging a solicitor that specialises in pursuing these matters. Hussey Frasier offer this type of service. No connection - they are just the crowd we use in our place.

I was hit by a Dublin Bus which removed my mirror. Damage approx. €250. Bus driver got out and gave me a number to ring. I rang and they said send in the quote. I did and got a cheque by return. Might be worth contacting them before involving solicitors.

I'd give them a ring first and asked to be put through to their insurance claims dept. My daughter had a similar encounter (she was stationary at the time) and in fairness Bus Eireann were very quick to settle; the car was deemed a write-off, their insurance offered the full book value without any messing around, and she had a cheque within a fortnight. You may not need to engage a solicitor if it's a cut and dried case and they make a reasonable offer; up to you.

Edit: post crossed with TryingHard's.

That's brilliant advice - thanks all. I only want the book value of the write off, which is only about 4-5 K. Doctor says she's fine so I'll try giving them a shout first.

You might also want some degree of car hire covered while you're looking for a replacement.