If you want to find out all there is to know about personal injury claims for vehicle incidents, our compensation after car accident guide can help. By choosing to claim with Legal Expert, you’ll receive the highest care. Our solicitors will be there every step of the way, from communicating with parties to negotiating the best compensation settlement for your claim.
Wondering if you can claim? In order to claim, the following must have happened:
- A road user owed you a duty of care.
- This duty of care was breached, causing you an injury.
All road users must navigate in such a way as to avoid injury and harm to uphold their duty. To do this, they must abide by the rules and regulations laid out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. If a road user breaches their duty of care, leading to you suffering harm, you can likely claim.
It’s easy to see if you can claim. With the help of expert solicitors, our advisors can offer a free initial consultation about eligibility or anything else discussed in this guide. All you need to do is select a contact method to get started:
- Select the live chat box.
- Use our online contact us form.
- Call our helpline on 0800 073 8804.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Amount Of Compensation After A Car Accident I Could Get
- How Car Accident Compensation Amounts Are Determined
- Examples Of Special Damages I May Be Entitled To After A Car Accident
- What Else Could Affect The Amount Of Car Accident Compensation I Get?
- Will The Evidence I Have Impact The Amount Of Compensation After A Car Accident?
- How Can I Fund My Car Accident Compensation Claim?
- More Information
The Amount Of Compensation After A Car Accident I Could Get
The amount of compensation after a car accident that you could be awarded will be determined by the nature of your injuries and any related expenses.
For example, between £344,150 and £493,000 could be awarded for severe brain injuries after a car accident, per the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The JCG is a legal document containing general damages compensation figures (general damages is a head of claim that considers your physical suffering and emotional damage following an accident), which you can find out more about later in our guide.
The figures in the tables below are from the JCG (except for the first figure, which was not taken from this publication) and can help to give you a better idea of how compensation could be awarded. However, please only use these tables as a guide. Each claim is different, therefore, different factors will determine how much compensation you are awarded should your car accident claim prove successful.
Head And Neck Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for hand and neck injuries in this table. Plus the figure in the top row (not from the JCG), which shows that in the most severe of cases, with multiple injuries and related expenses, you could be awarded quite a lot.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE COMPENSATION |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries and Related Costs | Very Serious | Up to £1,000,000 or over |
| Head Injuries | Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately Severe Brain Damage | £267,340 to £344,150 | |
| Moderate Brain Damage (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 | |
| Moderate Brain Damage (ii) | £110,720 to £183,190 | |
| Moderate Brain Damage (iii) | £52,550 to £110,720 | |
| Neck Injuries | Severe (i) Neck Injuries | In the region of £181,020 |
| Severe (ii) Neck Injuries | £80,240 to £159,770 | |
| Severe (iii) Neck Injuries | £55,500 to £68,330 | |
| Moderate (i) Neck Injuries | £30,500 to £46,970 | |
| Moderate (ii) Neck Injuries | £16,770 to £30,500 |
Facial Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for facial injuries in this table, as well as a figure in the top row, which shows how your claim could include special damages, such as costs for cosmetic surgery. That figure in the top row is not from the JCG.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE FIGURE |
|---|---|---|
| Several Very Serious Injuries and Related Expenses | Very Severe | Up to £250,000+ |
| Facial Disfigurement | Very Severe Facial Scarring | £36,340 to £118,790 |
| Less Severe Facial Scarring | £21,920 to £59,090 | |
| Significant Facial Scarring | £11,120 to £36,720 | |
| Less Significant Facial Scarring | £4,820 to £16,770 | |
| Skeletal Injuries | Le Fort Fractures of Frontal Facial Bones | £29,060 to £44,840 |
| Jaw Fracture (ii) | £21,920 to £37,210 | |
| Multiple Fractures of Facial Bones | £18,180 to £29,220 | |
| Fractures of Nose or Nasal Complex (i) | £12,990 to £28,220 | |
| Cheekbone Fractures (i) | £12,450 to £19,260 |
Back Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for back injuries in this table. Back injuries can be quite severe, leading to nerve root damage that causes paralysis, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The figure in the top row reflects how you may need nursing care and mobility aides, plus adjustments made to your home to accommodate disabilities caused by the car accident. That figure is not provided by the JCG.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE COMPENSATION |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Back Injuries, Plus Other Serious Injuries and Special Damages | Very Severe | Up to £500,000 or more |
| Back Injuries | Severe Back Injuries (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Severe Back Injuries (ii) | £90,510 to £107,910 | |
| Severe Back Injuries (iii) | £47,320 to £85,100 | |
| Moderate Back Injuries (i) | £33,880 to £47,320 | |
| Moderate Back Injuries (ii) | £15,260 to £33,880 | |
| Minor Back Injuries (i) | £9,630 to £15,260 | |
| Minor Back Injuries (ii) | £5,310 to £9,630 | |
| Minor Back Injuries (iii) | £2,990 to £5,310 | |
| Minor Back Injuries (iv) | Up to £2,990 |
Arm And Hand Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for arm and hand injuries in this table. We’ve also included a figure in the first row (not from the JCG) to show how settlements can consider multiple injuries and costs related to them, such as a loss of earnings if you needed time off work to recover from your injuries.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| More Than One Severe Injury and Associated Costs | Very Severe | Up to £500,000+ |
| Hand Injuries | Total or Effective Loss of Both Hands | £171,680 to £245,900 |
| Total or Effective Loss of One Hand | £117,360 to £133,810 | |
| Amputation of Index and Middle and/or Ring Fingers | £75,550 to £110,750 | |
| Serious Damage to Both Hands | £68,070 to £103,200 | |
| Serious Hand Injuries | £35,390 to £75,550 | |
| Severe Fractures to Fingers | Up to £44,840 | |
| Arm Injuries | Severe Arm Injuries | £117,36 to £159,770 |
| Arm Injuries Resulting in Permanent and Substantial Disablement | £47,810 to £73,050 | |
| Less Severe Arm Injury | £23,430 to £47,810 | |
| Simple Fractures of the Forearm | £8,060 to £23,430 |
Leg And Foot Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for leg and foot injuries in this table. Additionally, the figure in the top row is provided to show how your settlement could compensate for more than one severe injury and additional expenses, such as wheelchair rental while you recover. Please note that the figure in the first row is not from the Judicial College Guidelines.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE FIGURE |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation for more than one serious injury and related costs | Very Severe | Up to the amount of £500,000 or more |
| Foot Injuries | Amputation of Both Feet | £206,730 to £245,900 |
| Amputation of One Foot | £102,470 to £133,810 | |
| Very Severe Foot Injuries | £102,470 to £133,810 | |
| Severe Foot Injuries | £51,220 to £85,460 | |
| Severe Leg Injuries | (i) The Most Serious Injuries Short of Amputation | £117,460 to £165,860 |
| (ii) Very Serious Leg Injuries | £117,460 to £165,860 | |
| (iii) Serious Leg Injuries | £47,840 to £66,920 | |
| (iv) Moderate Leg Injuries | £33,880 to £47,840 | |
| Toe Injuries | Amputation of All Toes | £44,570 to £68,430 |
| Amputation of the Great Toe | In the region of £38,210 |
Psychological Injuries
You can find compensation amounts from the JCG for psychological injuries in this table. As your psychological injury may not be the only injury you sustain in a motor vehicle accident, we’ve included an illustrative figure in the top row to reflect this as well as show how you can recover therapy expenses. However, this figure is purely illustrative and was not taken from the JCG.
| TYPE OF INJURY | SEVERITY | GUIDELINE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Injuries and Special Damages | Very Severe | Up to £250,000 or more |
| General Psychiatric Damage | Severe Psychiatric Damage | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Moderately Severe Psychiatric Damage | £23,270 to £66,920 | |
| Moderate Psychiatric Damage | £7,150 to £23,270 | |
| Less Severe Psychiatric Damage | £1,880 to £7,150 | |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Severe PTSD | £73,050 to £122,850 |
| Moderately Severe PTSD | £28,250 to £73,050 | |
| Moderate PTSD | £9,980 to £28,250 | |
| Less Severe PTSD | £4,820 to £9,980 |
The Whiplash Reform Programme 2021
Some injury compensation for car accidents is awarded through the Whiplash Reform Programme. It only applies to certain motor vehicle accidents that occurred in England and Wales. Additional requirements include:
- You were a driver or passenger when the accident happened.
- You are 18 or older.
- Your whiplash injuries are expected to reach a value of £5,000 or less.
The damages for whiplash are calculated via the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, which you can see below. Any additional injuries will be valued in the traditional manner, such as by using the Judicial College Guidelines. However, if the value of these injuries does not surpass £5,000 and you meet the other requirements, your claim could still be made through the Whiplash Reforms. If the value of your injuries exceeds this amount, you will claim in the traditional manner, but your whiplash may still be valued using the tariffs. We’ve provided a few examples of the tariffs found in the Whiplash Injury Regulations below.
| DURATION OF INJURY | AMOUNT REGULATION 2(1)(A) | AMOUNT REGULATION 2(1)(B) |
|---|---|---|
| More than 18 months, but not more than 24 months | £4,215 | £4,345 |
| More than 15 months, but not more than 18 months | £3,005 | £3,100 |
| More than 12 months, but not more than 15 months | £2,040 | £2,125 |
| More than 9 months, but not more than 12 months | £1,320 | £1,390 |
| More than 6 months, but not more than 9 months | £840 | £895 |
| More than 3 months, but not more than 6 months | £495 | £520 |
| Not more than 3 months | £240 | £260 |
If you have any questions regarding accident compensation or the Whiplash Reform Programme and Whiplash Injury Regulations, don’t hesitate to reach out to our advisors.
How Car Accident Compensation Amounts Are Determined
Car accident compensation is calculated using general and special damages.
General damages compensation covers:
- Suffering and pain.
- Psychological damage or distress, including anxiety and depression.
- The way your life has been impacted by an injury. For example, if you can no longer participate in a treasured activity or hobby (this is called ‘loss of amenity’ or ‘loss of enjoyment’). Another example would be if your disabilities from the car crash are expected to be permanent.
Special damages consider the financial losses incurred by the accident and your injuries. You can see some examples below.
Select your preferred contact method if you wish to find out more about general damages compensation and how it works.
Examples Of Special Damages I May Be Entitled To After A Car Accident
A few examples of special damages you could receive are:
- Lost income, whether you had to take temporary or permanent leave from work.
- Medical costs, including any treatment required, such as therapy, plastic surgery or rehabilitation.
- Medical aids like a wheelchair or crutches.
- An allowance for care at home while you recover from your injuries.
- Relevant travel expenses.
- Domestic help costs, including reimbursements for cleaners or childminders hired while you recovered.
Evidence is required for all financial losses you want to claim special damages for. Anything that shows the loss, such as payslips, bank statements, and receipts, is beneficial.
Interim Payments After A Car Accident
An interim payment, which is when a payment from your total compensation is given in advance, can be issued in certain circumstances. Most of the time, these payments are issued to claimants who are likely to receive compensation or in cases where the defendant has admitted liability. They are used to cover urgent bills, such as medical costs.
Want to learn more about special damages or interim payments? Call us, click the live chat, or fill in our contact form to speak to a member of our advisor team.
What Else Could Affect The Amount Of Car Accident Compensation I Get?
The two main things that could affect car accident compensation claims are split liability and contributory negligence, both of which you can read about in this section.
What If I Was At Fault For The Accident?
You can still claim compensation if you are partly at fault for a road traffic accident, but the amount will be less. This is referred to as ‘split liability’. For example, you were driving slightly over the speed limit, but another driver hit you while they were drunk.
Split liability would reduce your compensation accordingly. This split does not have to be 50/50 – it can be 70/30, or 60/40. This amount will then be deducted from your compensation – i.e., if you are found to be 30% responsible for a car accident, 30% would be taken from the total compensation settlement.
There is also another type of arrangement, called a ‘knock-for-knock,’ where each insurance company agrees to cover the policyholder’s damages. This type of agreement means neither party admits liability for the accident.
What If I Was Not Wearing A Seatbelt?
Not wearing a seatbelt at the time the car accident happened is considered contributory negligence, meaning you are partially responsible for the injuries you suffered. As with split liability, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage you are found guilty: for example, a 40% reduction in compensation for contributing to your injuries by not wearing your seatbelt.
Our advisors can assist if you want extra information about contributory negligence, split liability, or knock-for-knock agreements.
Will The Evidence I Have Impact The Amount Of Compensation After A Car Accident?
Yes – the evidence you present matters immensely for personal injury claims. Strong evidence is key to proving your case. A lack of evidence could mean you end up with far less compensation than expected, or none at all, especially if your claim requires court proceedings.
Some examples of beneficial evidence for car accident compensation claims are:
- The contact details of any witnesses to the accident.
- Photos and videos of damage done to your car, where the accident happened, and your injuries.
- Your full medical records.
- CCTV and/or dash cam or other footage of the accident.
- The other driver’s insurance information as well as the make and model of their car, and their address.
- Bank statements, receipts, and payslips for special damages.
If you have any queries about evidence, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How Can I Fund My Car Accident Compensation Claim?
You can fund the support of a solicitor during the claims process for a car accident by claiming via a Conditional Fee Agreement, a type of No Win No Fee Agreement. All of our personal injury solicitors take on claims this way, and you won’t have to worry about any extra financial stress due to the fact that no fees for the work done on your case are expected upfront. How it works is:
- A solicitor believes your claim has merit and offers you their services without asking for a payment to cover them when this agreement is reach or when the claim commences.
- You also won’t be ask for payments to cover your solicitor’s ongoing work on your claim.
- There won’t be any fees to pay for your solicitor’s services if your claim is unsuccessful.
- You will only have to pay a small success fee is your claim is successful. This amount is a percentage taken from your compensation. Furthermore, it is subject to a legal limit and agreed beforehand.
Contact Legal Expert’s Advisors
Now you know more about compensation after car accident claims, why not get in touch? It’s completely free to contact our team of advisors about eligibility or anything else discussed in this guide. If you wish to pursue a claim with one of our solicitors and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can be connected to one.
- Select the live chat box.
- Use our online contact us form.
- Call our helpline on 0800 073 8804.
More Information
Below are some links to some more of our guides we hope you find useful.
- Read about how to make a child car accident claim.
- Find out who pays damages if you were hit by a stolen car.
- Read our pre-existing injuries after a car accident guide.
You can find additional information about everything covered in this guide via these external links.
- See if the Motors Insurers’ Bureau could help you deal with an uninsured driver via MIB.ORG.UK.
- Check the insurance details for your vehicle via MIB.ORG.UK.
- See what to do after experiencing whiplash via NHS.UK.
Thank you for reading our compensation after car accident guide.
