Last Updated 22nd July 2025. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on making a car accident claim. Road traffic accidents are a regular occurrence in the UK, as we discuss further in this guide. The impact they can have ranges from minor property damage to significant injuries that can affect a person for a long time. Read on for clear guidance on when and how you can claim compensation for the effects of a car accident.
We answer a number of commonly asked questions about road traffic accident claims, including:
- Can I claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?
- How much compensation could I receive?
- What do I do if the other driver had no insurance or didn’t stop?
You can also learn about the work our expert personal injury solicitors do throughout the claims process and how they could help you claim on a No Win No Fee basis.
As well as providing this detailed summary of car accident claims, we also provide a free consultation service. Learn more about anything in this guide and have your potential case evaluated by a helpful advisor by choosing one of these options:
Select A Section
- What Is A Car Accident Claim?
- Can I Make A Car Accident Claim?
- Our Case Studies On Car Accident Claims
- Can I Claim For A Car Accident That Was Partly My Fault?
- How Long Do I Have To Claim Car Accident Compensation?
- Can I Make A Car Accident Claim On Someone Else’s Behalf?
- How Is Compensation For Whiplash Calculated?
- Can I Claim For The Long Term Impact Of Car Accidents?
- How Much Compensation Could You Get For Car Accident Injuries?
- What Do I Need To Make A Car Accident Injury Claim?
- Can I Make A Claim Against An Uninsured Driver?
- How Long Does A Car Accident Claim Take?
- Why Choose Legal Expert To Help With My Car Accident Claim?
- Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of No Win No Fee
- More Resources About Claiming For A Road Traffic Accident
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) On Car Accident Claims
What Is A Car Accident Claim?
Car accidents can happen for many different reasons, but a personal injury claim after a car accident is only possible when someone else’s negligence was at least partially the reason it happened.
Road users must travel in a way that prevents themselves and others from being involved in an accident. The best way to uphold this duty of care is to follow the rules and guidance found in the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) and the Highway Code.
It is possible to make a personal injury claim for car accident compensation if you can show that:
- Another road user owed you a duty of care.
- They did not follow the RTA and the Highway Code, breaching this duty as a result. For example, they may have driven at excessive speed. We discuss examples of a breach in the next section.
- This led to a road traffic accident where you suffered physical and/or psychological harm.
You don’t have to guess whether you’re able to make a car accident injury claim. Here at Legal Expert, we provide a bespoke claim evaluation service that is completely free. All you need to do is call us or open the live chat service, share a few details, and let an advisor assess your potential case.
To give you an idea of the types of car accident claims we can help with, check out our helpful infographic below:
Can I Make A Car Accident Claim?
You might be wondering what situations typically lead to car crash claims. These scenarios are all examples of car accidents where an injured party was not at fault and could sue another road user:
- Another driver comes out of a junction when you have right of way, causing a T-bone accident that leaves you with crush injuries.
- A drunk driver causes a crash on the motorway that leads to you suffering serious injuries.
- Because of careless driving by a person who is looking at their phone and not the road, you suffer whiplash when they do not stop and hit your car in a rear-end collision.
- Another road user greatly exceeds the legal speed limit and loses control. They collide with your vehicle. The injuries sustained include minor head injuries and a back injury.
You may be able to make a claim for injuries suffered in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. Call today for a straightforward consultation where there’s no obligation to claim, even if you have a valid case.
Our Case Studies On Car Accident Claims
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of people claim compensation for injuries suffered in a car crash. Below, you can find some of our case studies. Please note, names and details have been anonymised to protect confidentiality.
Rear-End Collision on the Motorway – £18,500 Compensation Awarded
Mr. A was driving home on the M6 when he slowed down in traffic, only to be struck from behind by another car that failed to brake in time. He suffered whiplash, lower back pain, and severe concussion. Unsure of his legal rights, Mr. A contacted Legal Expert.
We guided him through gathering medical evidence and witness statements. Legal Expert negotiated with the at-fault driver’s insurer, securing £18,500 in compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of earnings.
Side-Impact Accident at a Roundabout – £12,000 Compensation Awarded
Ms. B was navigating a roundabout in London when another driver abruptly changed lanes, sideswiping her car. She experienced a fractured wrist and soft tissue injuries to her shoulder.
Legal Expert advised Ms. B on her claim, arranged an independent medical assessment, and helped her document repair costs and medical expenses. The team secured a settlement of £12,000 to cover her injuries, rehabilitation, and loss of workdays.
Passenger Injured in Head-On Collision – £22,000 Compensation Awarded
Ms. D was a passenger when her friend’s car was hit head-on by another vehicle overtaking recklessly on a rural road. Ms. D suffered a fractured collarbone, cuts requiring stitches, and anxiety following the crash.
We worked closely with her to build the claim against the at-fault driver, helping her secure £22,000, including compensation for psychological trauma.
Work-Related HGV Accident – £35,000 Compensation Awarded
Mr. E, a delivery driver, was injured when another lorry merged into his lane on the motorway, causing a collision. He sustained a back injury requiring several months off work.
We guided Mr. E through the claims process, liaised with his employer and the third-party insurer, and arranged expert medical evidence. The claim settled for £35,000, covering his injuries, lost earnings, and future physiotherapy.
Can I Claim For A Car Accident That Was Partly My Fault?
A car accident might not be entirely someone else’s fault. Claiming car accident compensation is still possible in these situations. You could make a split liability claim, which is where both parties admit that they were partially at fault and claim a percentage of the compensation typically awarded for injuries. How much compensation you receive in such cases depends on how responsible you are for the injuries you suffered.
In such cases, it may help to have an experienced road accident claim solicitor on your side to argue for the best possible settlement. By calling today, you can find out if one of our solicitors could represent you in a split liability case.
How Long Do I Have To Claim Car Accident Compensation?
The general time limit for a personal injury claim, as set out by The Limitation Act 1980, is three years from the accident date. This means that your car accident claim must begin within three years of the incident occurring.
An exception might be granted by the courts in certain cases. For example:
- Someone without the mental capacity to handle their own affairs has an indefinitely paused limitation period. The typical three-year limit only comes into effect from their recovery date, if they are able to recover.
- A minor under the age of 18 cannot claim for themselves. They can start a claim once they turn 18, but the time limit expires on their 21st birthday.
Our advisors can help you identify the likely limitation period for your road traffic accident claim. All you need to do is call or use our live chat service and provide a few simple details.
Can I Make A Car Accident Claim On Someone Else’s Behalf?
So far we have discussed personal injury compensation claims you might make for injuries you’ve suffered yourself. However, it is also possible to claim on behalf of someone else. There are two reasons why you might do this:
- You are the executor of a loved one’s estate and are claiming for a fatal accident they suffered on the road.
- You are acting as a litigation friend, meaning a trusted person appointed by the courts to handle a claim on another person’s behalf.
In the previous section, we highlighted that minors and people without the mental faculty to claim have their time limit paused. During that pause, a litigation friend can step in to handle proceedings for them, meaning that they do not need to wait until their window to claim opens.
Typically, a litigation friend will be a friend or a family member. However, anyone can be appointed if they can make fair, competent decisions about the case and do not have a conflict of interest with the claimant.
If you’re thinking about being a litigation friend for someone, call today for free and useful guidance on what steps you should take.
How Is Compensation For Whiplash Calculated?
If you’re suffering persistent neck pain after a car accident, then you may be suffering from whiplash injuries.
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden head movement and may cause symptoms for a few months, although some experience its effects for longer.
Previously, you could claim compensation for whiplash the same way as any other injury. However, that changed with the introduction of the Whiplash Reform Programme in 2021.
Since then, when claiming for whiplash injuries and other injuries that together total less than £5,000, you need to claim in a different way. The whiplash injury amounts now come from a tariff that was introduced as part of the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
If you have any questions about the Whiplash Reform Programme and how claiming compensation works, simply call our free helpline today.
How Much Compensation Could You Get For Car Accident Injuries?
The compensation calculated for your road traffic accident injuries will be affected by a number of factors. As well as judging the value of whiplash injuries, those involved in figuring out a payout need to take into account:
- The nature and extent of your injuries. Alternatively, they may need to consider how much a pre-existing injury got worse after the car accident.
- How much treatment you’ll need.
- The ongoing impact on your quality of life.
These considerations contribute to the award of general damages, which account for the physical pain and emotional harm inflicted by injuries that a car accident caused.
You will see a table below featuring different injuries and a set of compensation brackets. These figures are a guideline provided by the Judicial College (JCG), a document that those working out your car accident claim payout might review when coming to a decision.
However, each case is decided on its own individual circumstances, so the JCG only offers an estimate. Therefore, the table below could be used as an alternative to a car accident compensation claim calculator, or just as a general guide.
Compensation Table
The top line in this table is not from the JCG. Additionally, the bottom two lines are fixed sums taken from the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 tariff. Apart from that, all entries are made up of JCG figures.
| INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries And Significant Financial Losses | Serious | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia | £396,140 to £493,000 |
| Brain Damage | Moderately Severe | £267,340 to £344,150 |
| Leg | Above-Knee Amputation of One Leg | £127,930 to £167,760 |
| Back | Severe (ii) | £90,510 to £107,910 |
| Arm | (b) Injuries Resulting in Permanent and Substantial Disablement | £47,810 to £73,050 |
| Foot | Serious | £30,500 to £47,840 |
| Neck | Moderate (i) | £30,500 to £46,970 |
| Chest Injuries | d) Relatively Simple Injury Causing Some Permanent Damage To Tissue | £15,370 to £21,920 |
| Whiplash - Physical And Psychological Injuries | Lasting More Than 18 Months But Not More Than 2 Years | £4,345 |
| Whiplash - Physical And Psychological Injuries | Lasting More Than 15 Months But Not More Than 18 Months | £3,700 |
Can I Claim For The Long Term Impact Of Car Accidents?
In many cases, people recover from their injuries or at least adapt to life with them, but are faced with a financial impact that carries on long after the pain fades. Car accident compensation payouts can address this with a payment for special damages. As a potential second head of loss, this focuses on financial losses caused by car accident injuries.
Such out of pocket expenses might include:
- Lost income from missing work. A payment for a loss of earnings could also account for things like missed bonuses or overtime, or a devalued pension.
- Medical expenses, including bills or prescription fees.
- Home adaptation costs.
- Domestic care invoices.
- Travel charges.
By calling today, you can ask our advisors questions like: “How are car accident claims valued?” or “What could I claim for after my accident?” and much more.
What Do I Need To Make A Car Accident Injury Claim?
In order to have a successful car accident claim, you need to be able to show how your case meets the eligibility criteria we discussed at the start of this guide. For that, you should collect as much valid evidence as possible, including:
- Footage of the car accident. If the crash was caught on a dashcam, you could submit the footage as evidence.
- Images of anything relevant such as road signs, skid marks on the road, or visible injuries you suffered.
- Medical reports showing your injuries and treatment. You can request a copy from your GP.
- Witness contact information.
- A police report, if the police attended the scene.
- Proof of financial loss. Special damages are not automatically included in a payout, so you should present any payslips, statements or bills that show that you suffered financially.
You may be asked to attend a medical exam during the claim process. An independent medical professional would look at your injuries and their assessment would be submitted into evidence.
If you’re working with a solicitor, you can instruct them to help you gather evidence for your case. Our advisors can fill you in on all the other tasks our expert car accident solicitors can help with.
Can I Make A Claim Against An Uninsured Driver?
Usually, after a car accident, the people involved will stop and share information. This is a legal requirement under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 if anyone is hurt or property is damaged. However, what if you learn that the driver is uninsured, or they don’t stop at all and can’t be traced?
If it isn’t possible to claim for a car accident through the other driver’s insurance company, then you could take your case to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB can provide compensation when someone has valid grounds to make a car accident claim for an incident caused by an unidentified or uninsured driver.
If a solicitor is supporting you, then they can submit a claim for a car crash to the MIB on your behalf. The MIB will require evidence of the incident and the other driver’s liability, so it is still important to gather as much proof as possible. Contact our advisors for free today to learn more about car accident claims involving the MIB.
How Long Does A Car Accident Claim Take?
One of the reasons evidence is so helpful is that it can cut down the amount of time a case takes, especially if it leads the defendant to accept fault.
There is no minimum or maximum time that a claim can take. More straightforward cases will take only a few months, while contentious or complex ones will likely take longer.
The length of the case will naturally increase if court proceedings are needed. However, most car accident claims are resolved outside of court.
A solicitor can help keep the process as streamlined as possible. In certain cases, they may also be able to arrange interim payments to help you pay for medical care while negotiations continue. Learn more about how a personal injury solicitor can help you by calling us for free guidance.
Why Choose Legal Expert To Help With My Car Accident Claim?
We understand that this may be an extremely difficult and distressing time for you. You shouldn’t have to suffer, nor navigate the car crash claims process, alone, especially if another road user was liable for the accident.
You should choose to work with one of our specialist car accident injury claim solicitors because:
- Our No Win No Fee agreement means that our solicitors’ work is completely free, up until compensation is won.
- We have already won over £90 million in compensation for our clients.
- Our solicitors have decades of experience combined in winning personal injury claims, and have won countless car crash claims in the past.
- Our solicitors have received the highest level of legal training and education.
- Wherever you live in the country, we have someone who can help you.
- Our solicitors are ready to help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to today.
- You will receive the best level of client service out there.
So, if you want to make a car accident claim enquiry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at any time. Our contact services are completely free to use, and there is no obligation to proceed once you’ve made an enquiry.
Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of No Win No Fee
Our solicitors handle car crash claims on a No Win No Fee basis. Therefore, through a Conditional Fee Agreement, you would not need to pay fees for your solicitor’s representation:
- Before your car accident claim starts
- While the claim is ongoing
- If you do not receive car accident compensation
If your claim is successful, you must pay a proportion of the compensation awarded to cover your solicitor for their work. This is referred to as a success fee and the percentage taken is legally capped to ensure that you take home most of your compensation.
In addition to the No Win No Fee service, our solicitors can also help you by:
- Corresponding with the defending party on your behalf
- Checking that your claim meets the legal time limit
- Assisting with the collection of evidence required to support your case
- Negotiating the amount of compensation that the defendant must pay to you
- Explaining any complicated legal processes and legal jargon that you do not understand
If you are still hesitant, contact one of our advisors today! They can resolve any queries you may have and potentially pass your claim on to an experienced solicitor.
Contact Us 24/7 For Free To See If You Can Claim For A Car Accident
Whether you’re thinking about claiming for a car accident or simply want to know more about the personal injury claims process, we’re here to help. Our advisors offer a service that’s comprehensive, confidential, and most importantly free of charge. You could even be connected to a solicitor if an advisor evaluates your claim and finds you have good reason to seek compensation.
Our support lines are open 24/7, so use any of these options at your convenience:
More Resources About Claiming For A Road Traffic Accident
Here are some further road traffic accident claim guides from our collection:
- What to do if you were hurt in a pedestrian accident and want to claim.
- When you can claim if faulty traffic lights cause a crash.
You may also find these sites interesting:
- Some advice for road users from the road safety charity Think!
- NHS advice on when to call 999 after an accident.
We hope this has helped you get a better understanding about how claims work. Call today to discuss making a car accident claim and an advisor will be on hand to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) On Car Accident Claims
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on car accident claims:
Can I Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing A Seatbelt?
Wearing a seatbelt is a legal requirement. Many people think that if they weren’t wearing one, they can’t claim. But this isn’t true– You can still claim if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, so long as you can prove that negligence occurred.
In this case, you could make a contributory negligence claim. This means that you contributed to your injuries, but the accident itself was not your fault.
Contact our team of advisors today to find out if you could make a contributory negligence claim with one of our solicitors.
What Types Of Injuries Could I Claim For After A Car Crash?
There are a number of different injuries that you could sustain as a car accident passenger, including:
- Head injuries and brain damage
- Whiplash, including minor shoulder and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fracture injuries
- Muscle, soft tissue and ligament damage
- Permanent scarring
- Sprains and strains
Physical injuries aren’t the only things you can claim for after a car accident. Oftentimes, a car accident can cause you to develop mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
What Types Of Car Accidents Could I Get Compensated For?
It’s possible to claim for a variety of car accidents. Succeeding in a claim will depend on the nature of the crash and what the cause was. Here’s a helpful breakdown on the different types of car crashes you can claim compensation for:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side swipes
- Hit and runs
- Head-on collisions
- Car crashes on the motorway, such as when changing or merging lanes
- Car accidents on roundabouts
- Accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), lorries or vans
- Crashes with emergency service vehicles
This is by no means an exhaustive list, so if you don’t see your case described above, don’t worry. Get in touch with us today and we’ll check to see if we can help.
Can I Make A Car Accident Claim If I’m Uninsured?
Yes, you can make a car accident claim if you were uninsured at the time of the crash. This will enable you to claim compensation for your injuries, especially if they’re serious. However, driving without insurance is a criminal offence, so if you admit this openly you may run into problems with the police.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Left the Scene?
If the other driver was uninsured or left the scene of the crash, then it’s still possible to make a claim. In both situations, a claim can be made against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates injured people when such incidents occur.
Can I Claim Compensation if I Was a Passenger in the Car Accident?
Yes, if you sustained injuries as a passenger in a car accident, then you can claim compensation either from the driver of the vehicle you were in or another driver—whoever was at fault. Head here to read our dedicated guide on our service
Will I Need to Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim?
There is a strong chance that you won’t need to go to court. Around 95% of all claims resolve without a court hearing.
Can I Claim for a Car Accident at Work or During Work Travel?
Yes, you can make a claim for a car accident at work or if you were injured while traveling for work. Who you claim against depends on the circumstances of the crash. For example, if it was the fault of another driver, you would claim against them. If the crash was caused by a defect on the vehicle you were driving and your employer was responsible for its upkeep, then you could claim against them. We can help with all types of cases, so why not get in touch to see if we can help?
Can I Get Interim Payments While My Car Accident Claim Is Ongoing?
Yes, in cases involving serious injuries and where the defendant accepts they were at fault, it’s possible to apply for an interim payment. This is an advance on your final compensation award, which can be used to cover immediate expenses, like rent or mortgage payments. It can prove a welcome relief, especially if you have suffered life-changing or serious injuries and require a prolonged period of recovery.
Remember, if you need any help making a car accident claim, our trusted and dedicated solicitors are here to help you.
Can I Claim If A Loved One Died In A Car Accident?
Yes, if you have sadly lost a loved one or a family member died in a car crash, it’s possible to claim compensation on behalf of the estate, as well as claim for things like a Statutory Bereavement Award.
