Key Services In Car Accident Claims
- Accidents Caused By Mud On The Road
- Car Accidents Involving Children
- Car Accidents On Motorways
- Car Crashes On Bends In The Road
- Car Crashes With Animals
- Car Crashes With Emergency Services
- Car Passenger Injury Claims
- Company Car Accident Claims
- Crashes Caused By Ice and Snow
More Services
- Crashes With Foreign Vehicles
- Crashes With Uninsured Drivers
- Drink Driving Car Accident Claims
- Fatal Car Accident Claims
- Faulty Traffic Light Accidents
- Hit and Run Claims
- Lorry and HGV Accident Claims
- Merging Lanes Accidents
- Roundabout Accident Claims
- T-Bone Accidents
- Taxi Accident Claims
- Whiplash Claims
Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but you may be entitled to compensation if another party was at fault.
To make a successful car accident claim, you will need to collect evidence such as photographs of the scene, contact details of any witnesses, and copies of police reports. You should also inform your insurer and ensure the accident is reported to the police where required.
Car accident claims can be complex, so working with a specialist personal injury solicitor, such as ourselves here at Legal Expert, can make the process easier and help you secure the maximum compensation available.
If you’d like to check if you can claim compensation after a car crash, why not take advantage of our free consultation? Click below and get free advice on your situation today.
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Meet Our Car Accident Lawyers
Chris Woodburn
Car Accident Lawyer
Kerrie Deryn-Level
Car accident lawyer
Can I Make 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.
What Types Of Car Accidents Can You Claim For?
Car accidents can happen in many different ways. There are head-on smashes which can write off a vehicle and inflict life-changing injuries.
There are also simple rear-end collisions, which may not seem like much at the time, but can cause injuries too.
To give you an idea of the types of car accidents you can claim compensation for, we’ve put together this helpful infographic:
4.8 (466 reviews) How Much Compensation Could I Get For My Car Accident Claim?
he 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.
| 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 |
The top line in this above 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.
To learn more about car accident injury payouts, head here to read our dedicated guide.
Our Car Accident Claim Case Studies
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.
Make A No Win No Fee 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.
4.8 (466 reviews) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some common questions on car accident compensation claims.
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.
Can I Make A Car Accident Claim On Someone Else’s Behalf?
It is also possible to make a car accident 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.
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. This focuses on financial losses caused by car accident injuries, such as an impact on your earning capacity, or a loss of your pension.
What Else Can A Car Accident Compensation Payout Include?
As well as receiving money for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle, you can also claim for:
- 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.
How Do I Prove Fault In A Car Accident 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.
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.
We can help with MIB claims too. Reach out to us today to find out more.
How Long Does A Car Accident Claim Take?
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.
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.
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.
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. Reach out to us today to see if we can help you.
