Car & Road Traffic Accident Claim

Have you been involved in a road traffic accident? Want to know what to look out for when claiming for compensation? In this guide, you will find answers to the most important questions about the compensation process. If you are interested in a specific issue, please use the table of contents to navigate to it.

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Do you have other questions or require assistance in obtaining compensation? Please complete the Contact Us form above and a member of our  team will be in touch. Alternatively please telephone us for a free initial consultation.

Please see below a useful guide on road traffic accident claims.

Table of Contents

• What to do after a road traffic accident
  • Accident report and evidence
  • Medical visit
  • What if the at-fault driver flees the scene?
• Who is entitled to compensation
  • Limitation period for a claim
  • Minimum amount
  • Leaving the UK
• What is the maximum amount of compensation?
• How long does the procedure take?
• Costs of handling the case
• Summary

What to do after a road traffic accident?

Accident report and evidence

Immediately after the accident, try to remain calm and gather as much evidence as possible including:

• the at-fault party's details (name, surname, address, phone number);
• information about the at-fault party's vehicle (registration number, make, model, colour);
• their insurer's details along with the policy number;
• contact details of any witnesses to the incident.

Draw a sketch of how the accident happened or take photos of the scene, your car, and the at-fault party's vehicle.

Medical visit

After the incident, we would recommend visiting your GP or local A&E / Walk in Centre. The doctor will determine the extent of your personal injury and may prescribe you with medication. We would recommend describing all of your injuries, even the least noticeable ones.

What if the at-fault driver fled the scene?

In such situations, the matter is handled by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. This institution also helps when the at-fault party did not have a valid insurance policy.

Who is entitled to compensation?

Every participant in an accident who was not at fault has the right to compensation. Passengers will always receive compensation – even if the driver of their vehicle was at fault.

Compensation can be obtained by, among others:

• drivers injured by other road users;
• passengers of private and public vehicles;
• pedestrians hit by a vehicle;
• cyclists and motorcyclists;
• the family of a person who died in an accident.

Limitation period for a claim

You have a maximum of 3 years from the date of the accident to start a compensation claim. After this time, recovering the money is practically impossible. However, it is always advisable to initiate your claim as soon after the accident as possible.

What is the maximum amount of compensation?

The amount depends on the type of injuries and the recovery time. Injuries are classified as minor, moderate, serious, or severe. Each category has its own compensation brackets.

To determine the amount of the benefit, a medical report and a summary of all financial losses, such as lost earnings, treatment expenses, or travel costs, are needed.

Compensation includes, among other things:

• damages for physical and psychological injuries;
• costs of treatment and rehabilitation;
• lost income;
• costs of vehicle repair;
• other material damages;
• cases and assistance;
• future losses.

How long does the procedure take?

The timescale depends on the complexity of the case. Simple cases can be concluded within a few months, while more complex ones can last longer. 

The length of the procedure is also influenced by the recovery period – the longer it is, the more time the case may take.

Costs of handling the case

We operate on a No Win No Fee basis. You pay nothing until compensation is successfully recovered.

Summary

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, you have the right to claim for personal injury and reimbursement of incurred costs. The amount of compensation depends on the type of injuries and the period of treatment.

You can start the compensation process immediately – you do not have to wait until your treatment is finished.

Need help? Contact us to use our free initial telephone consultation process. We will assess your case and advise on the claims process.