Car Accident Solicitors – How To Make A No Win No Fee Lawyer Claim
By Cat Way. Last Updated 28th April 2023. Car accident solicitors could potentially help you get compensation if you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent behaviour. Within this guide, we’ll explain more about what car accident solicitors can do and in what circumstances you may be able to start a car accident claim.
As the UK’s best car accident claim company, we provide factual, straightforward information that explains the process from start to finish. Our experts help you determine whether or not you have a case, along with how much you could potentially receive if car accident solicitors win financial compensation for your injuries.
For more advice and support in making a potential claim with car accident solicitors, you can contact Legal Expert. To contact us by phone, please call 0800 073 8804. You can alternatively reach us online by using our claim form or our 24/7 live chat service.
Select a Section
- A guide to using car accident solicitors
- What is a car accident solicitor?
- What causes car accidents?
- Can my car accident solicitor file my compensation claim against the other party?
- What are the next steps once my claim is underway?
- The car accident was not my fault but the other driver had no insurance – can I still claim?
- How long do you have to claim?
- Can LegalExpert.co.uk get me free advice from a car accident solicitor?
- Why choose a specialist car accident solicitor?
- What are some of the most common car accident injury claims?
- Low Value Car Accident Claims – What Is The Whiplash Reform Programme?
- What does No Win No Fee mean?
- Get legal advice after a car accident
- Useful links
- Car accident solicitors FAQs
A guide to using car accident solicitors
If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be wondering if you could be owed compensation.
In this comprehensive guide, we look at accident criteria that could entitle you to compensation. We also provide information about how to hire car accident solicitors and how much you can claim. We’ll also look at how to pay for a solicitor, and how much you could potentially receive for your injuries.
What is a car accident solicitor?
Car Accident Solicitor
In order to make a road traffic accident compensation claim, you’ll need to instruct a car accident solicitor.
This is a type of solicitor (lawyer) who specialises in claims involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, cycling accidents, HGV accidents or accidents involving any other type of vehicle on the road. If you are a pedestrian who has been involved in a collision, you can also benefit from the expertise of car accident solicitors. These lawyers are well versed in the laws surrounding these particular types of claims, and are therefore best placed to help you claim the maximum amount of compensation possible depending on your specific circumstances.
According to road accident casualty statistics released by the Department of Transport in their 2020 annual report, there were 22,069 people seriously injured in road traffic collisions in the UK during this particular year. There were also 1,460 reported fatalities, a 17% decrease compared to the total reported back in 2019.
A total of 115,584 road casualties (of all levels of severity) were reported in the UK during 2020. 64,255 of these casualties were car occupants and specifically 618 were fatalities.
With so many accidents taking place – often leaving those involved suffering severe injuries – it is vital to seek legal advice from someone who works exclusively in this sector. Car accident lawyers will have experience dealing with a range of different circumstances, and will know how best to put together a case that will both minimise your chances of losing whilst maximising the amount you could receive.
What causes car accidents?
There are many reasons why the number of car accidents that occur in the UK has risen.
Environmental factors can increase risk – for example, conditions such as snow, rain, fog and sleet can impair both vision and driver judgement whilst also causing road closures that can take motorists through unfamiliar territory. Other factors include a vast range of driver competency levels, the distance people travel, a mix of transportation modes on the road, the sheer volume of traffic, and the behaviour of road users.
In cases of most claims for car accident compensation, the last point is of particular interest. Negligent behaviour can cause accidents, examples of which include driving or texting behind the wheel, using another handheld device such as an iPod or sat-nav, or driving whilst tired. When drivers fail to exercise duty of care and put other road users at risk, accidents and injuries occur.
If your accident took place as a result of any of the above reasons and you were not the person responsible, get in touch. Provided you were not the party at fault and your accident took place within the past three years, you could join the many road users who have received compensation through successful road traffic accident claims by working with our car accident solicitors.
Can my car accident solicitor file my compensation claim against the other party?
If a car accident injury solicitor confirms that you have a valid claim, then yes, they can begin proceedings against the responsible party on a No Win No Fee basis.
To do this, it must first be established who was at fault, and then your solicitor will begin gathering evidence to demonstrate this party did indeed cause the accident in which you were injured. It could be that your accident was caused by another motorist – for example, if another driver was speeding, using a handheld device behind the wheel, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol or simply wasn’t paying adequate attention, they can be found at fault for causing the accident.
In other cases, it could be that your claim is against a governing body such as a local council. The council is responsible for maintaining the condition of local roads, and so if you hit a pothole or otherwise disintegrated or dangerous pavement, you can bring forth a case that the negligence of the council has led to you being injured.
Your solicitor will also take steps to work out how much money you could be owed, taking into consideration all the ways you have been impacted financially after the accident. For example, if you have had to take unpaid time off work as a result of your injuries, you could be owed financial compensation to cover this loss of earnings. If you have had to pay out of pocket for any medical care and/or rehabilitation costs, these can also be included in your claim.
If you are unsure of who was at fault, it’s still worth having a consultation with car accident solicitors. As experts in this field, they are able to provide you with some much-needed guidance along with an estimate of what you could potentially receive should it be determined that you have a claim.
What are the next steps once my claim is underway?
The next steps will largely depend on the circumstances of your particular case, but in most instances, you can sit back and let your car accident personal injury solicitors take care of proceedings.
Depending on the case, you may be required to attend a medical to confirm your injuries along with the extent of the damage and the necessary treatment. Beyond this, you may not need to do anything more, especially if your solicitor is able to reach an out of court settlement. In cases of clear negligence, car accident solicitors can often obtain an admission of guilt or fault, which negates the need to go to trial. If the guilty party admits they were at fault and caused your accident and therefore injuries, it is possible to agree on a settlement sum to be paid out by the insurance company which can save you a great deal of time and stress.
You can let your solicitor handle your case and do the hard work for you, while you can have peace of mind that an expert is handling matters as you focus on important things such as your recovery.
The car accident was not my fault but the other driver had no insurance – can I still claim?
It is illegal to drive in the UK without insurance, and yet it is estimated that around 1 million motorists do so. This could result in crashes involving such drivers, which opens the door towards claiming alongside car accident solicitors.
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who is not insured, it is still possible to claim compensation. The MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) is responsible for paying out on their behalf, therefore you won’t be left out of pocket. If a driver has neglected his or her duty of care by not getting insurance in addition to causing an accident, it is only fair that you receive the money you deserve to help you on the road to recovery.
How long do you have to claim?
You have up to three years following a car accident in which to make compensation, or three years from the date you discovered you had injuries pertaining to the accident, whichever comes later.
This gives you some time to understand the full scope of your injuries along with how they are likely to affect you in the long term; for example, if you have suffered a back injury, you may find that over time you develop pain in your shoulders and arms as a consequence. You should make sure the full extent of your injuries are understood and documented before commencing the car accident claims process to ensure you receive the highest sum possible.
Can LegalExpert.co.uk get me free advice from a Expert car accident solicitor?
Yes – as one of the UK’s top claim management companies, we are here to provide no obligation advice regarding a claim. Whether you are unsure if you even have a case or have questions about the process itself, our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind as you seek professional advice following a road traffic collision.
Why choose specialist road traffic accident solicitors?
When it comes to making a claim, it makes sense to place your trust in the hands of a professional.
Trained and experienced car accident claim solicitors have many years of experience dealing with claims such as these, and know the ins and outs of case law as well as how to put together a strong claim on your behalf. While a general solicitor may have handled a case or two involving an RTA, a specialist solicitor deals with these claims every day. This expertise can come in handy particularly when dealing with complicated cases, such as those involving a hit and run driver or an uninsured motorist.
Should you choose to instruct a general solicitor, you heighten the risk of a mistake being made, or the case resulting in a lesser sum than it could have otherwise. In a worst case scenario, a lack of experience and knowledge of the personal injury industry could result in your case being lost completely.
If you want the best chances of not only winning your case but also receiving the maximum sum possible, working with a specialist car accident solicitor is the smart choice.
What are some of the most common car accident injury claims?
Car accident solicitors around the country work on compensation claims involving a number of different and yet common injuries, including:
Neck injuries
Neck injuries, including whiplash, are among the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. During a collision, the force of the crash often leads to the head being thrown around violently, placing the neck muscles under strain. This results in a painful and often lingering injury known as whiplash, which can require treatment such as physiotherapy in order to heal. There are over 1,500 car accident claims for whiplash made in the UK per day, which in turn costs the insurance industry over £2 billion per year. As such, it is among the most common injuries for which motorists and passengers seek financial compensation after an accident.
Back injuries
Back injuries are also incredibly common and range in severity. In the event of an accident, you could sustain anything from muscular injuries to issues affecting the soft tissue or even the spine. A spinal cord injury could be life changing, leaving you unable to walk and therefore unable to enjoy the quality of life you once had. This kind of injury can end careers and place yourself and your loved ones under huge financial and emotional strain, and it is not fair that you should have to shoulder this burden alone. If you have suffered a back injury in a car accident, the compensation you claim can help with costs of vital rehabilitation, and can also be used to help you and your family adjust to your new circumstances.
Brain and head injuries
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (2002-2006), car crashes were the second leading cause of brain injuries, with 17 per cent of patients studied having received their injury in such an accident. A traumatic brain injury, also called a TBI, means the brain tissue has been damaged, and external forces such as a collision in a road traffic incident can cause this damage. You may as a result suffer anything from a mild concussion that will dissipate after a few months to a permanent and life-altering brain injury. Suffering long-lasting brain damage will not only change your life, but also the lives of those you love. All of this can be incredibly hard to take, and the stress can be made worse if your change in health requires live-in care or modifications to your home, all of which can cost large sums of money.
Internal Injuries
The sudden impact of a car crash can cause several internal injuries. This can especially be the case if you are a pedestrian, cyclist or a motorcyclist who has been struck by a vehicle and thrown several feet into both car and pavement/other obstacles. Organs such as the lungs can be punctured, while the liver, kidneys and heart can also suffer extensive damage. In the worst case scenario, some of these injuries can be fatal. These kinds of injuries can leave you in immense pain and greatly reduce your ability to move, enjoy time with your family, and to work and earn income. If this is the case, you deserve financial compensation to help you through this difficult period.
Psychological Injuries
In addition to suffering physical injury, you may also develop mental pain and anguish as a result of your accident. This trauma can manifest in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and many other mental health disorders that can have a damaging and lasting impact. Not only will this impact you, but suffering with mental illness can also greatly impact your friends, family and coworkers
If you have suffered these or any other injuries such as sprains, broken bones, or lacerations, car accident claim payouts can not only help you through what is often a difficult time financially, but it can also help you feel a sense of justice. Check out h table below, or get in touich to see how our legal services could help to progress your claim.
| Injury | Severity | Notes | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Damage | Very severe | The person might be able to follow some basic commands. However, they will need full-time care and show little meaningful response to their environment. | £282,010 to £403,990 |
| Neck Injury | Severe | A neck injury that is associated with incomplete paraplegia or results in permanent spastic quadriparesis. | In the region of £148,330 |
| Knee Injury | Severe (ii) | Constant pain and limited movement caused by a leg fracture that has extended into the knee joint. | £52,120 to £69,730 |
| Arm Injury | Less severe | The person will have suffered with significant disabilities. However a substantial recovery has taken place or is expected to. | £19,200 to £39,170 |
| Back Injury | Moderate (ii) | Frequently encountered back injuries, that disturb the ligaments and muscles and cause backache. | £12,510 to £27,760 |
| Shoulder Injury | Serious | A dislocated shoulder with damage to the lower part of the brachial plexus that causes shoulder and neck pain. | £12,770 to £19,200 |
| Elbow Injury | Moderate or minor | Elbow injuries such as lacerations, simple fractures or tennis elbow syndrome. The recovery rate will affect how much is awarded. | Up to £12,590 |
| Leg Injury | Less serious (iii) | Simple tibia or fibula fractures, or soft-tissue injuries, with minor ongoing symptoms. | Up to £11,840 |
| Whiplash Injuries With Psychological Injuries | One or more | Lasting for 18-24 months | £4,345 |
| Whiplash Injuries | One or more | Lasting for 18-24 months | £4,215 |
Low Value Car Accident Claims – What Is The Whiplash Reform Programme?
The way claims for certain road traffic accidents are made in England and Wales has changed with the introduction of the Whiplash Reform Programme. This applies to claims being made if you are:
- A driver or passenger of a vehicle.
- Aged 18 or over.
- Claiming for injuries worth £5,000 or under. This includes injuries such as whiplash.
Your whiplash injuries will be valued in line with the tariff set out by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. Some examples of these tariffs are included in the table above. However, any additional injuries you have suffered that are not set out in this tariff will be valued in the traditional way.
Contact our advisors today if you are unsure what avenue you should take when making your claim. Additionally, they could connect you to one of our car accident solicitors who have years of experience working on various car accident claims and could help you with yours.
What does No Win No Fee mean?
No Win No Fee, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), is a way of making the personal injury compensation claims process affordable to all accident victims when working with car accident solicitors.
With this in place, there is nothing to pay to your law firm upfront. If they win the case, then their fee is payable, but if they are unsuccessful and fail to win you compensation, there is nothing to pay. This provides peace of mind in the sense that you can be confident your car accident injury solicitor will work hard to procure the maximum sum possible on your behalf. It also ensures that all those who have sustained injuries in an accident through no fault of their own are able to claim what is due.
If you have been involved in a car accident, you could already be struggling financially. You may have incurred additional costs such as those associated with recovery, like physiotherapy or massage treatment. If you have children, you may have had to pay extra in childcare so they can be looked after while you attend your various medical appointments. If your accident has left you unable to drive, you might be reliant on public transport or private taxis to get around – all of which comes at a price.
Furthermore, if you are incurring all of this while you are off work recovering, you could be having to pay out extra fees without earning any income, something that can place you under immense emotional and mental strain. With No Win No Fee car accident solicitors, you can access professional legal representation without having to worry about finding the money to pay upfront, which can be a big weight off your shoulders.
Get legal advice after a car accident
As the UK’s number one resource for free, no obligation legal advice regarding personal injury claims, LegalExpert.co.uk is here to help.
We have many years of experience and specialise in the personal injury field, so we are well versed in the laws and best practices in this sector. You can call us on 0800 073 8804 or speak to a representative online by using our claim online form or our live chat service. We’ll answer your questions while providing insight and advice regarding the claims process. Once you have spoken with one of our experts, you will have the information you need to help as you begin your fight for justice.
Useful links
If you have suffered a road traffic accident that resulted in injuries, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences without fair compensation. If you want advice from one of the UK’s leading claim management companies, get in touch with LegalExpert.co.uk today on 0800 073 8804.
This government website provides useful information regarding the next steps immediately following an accident. If you have questions regarding whether or not you can obtain insurance following an accident involving an uninsured or a hit and run driver, you can obtain some guidance here.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory by law, and also greatly increases your chances of surviving a potentially-fatal accident. This site provides facts and figures around seatbelt usage, and also demonstrates what can happen in the event you don’t buckle up behind the wheel.
For many motorists who have been in an accident, using a car accident claims calculator or a table to find out how much they could be owed in compensation is a priority. This can help you decide whether or not you want to proceed with your claim, and this helpful site provides a rough guide as to how much you could receive based on factors such as the nature and severity of your injuries, lost income, medical costs and more.
Car Accident Solicitors FAQs
In this final section of our guide on using car accident solicitors, we have answered some frequently asked questions related to this particular subject:
What is a reasonable settlement for a car accident?
This is a figure which lies between what the client hopes to receive and what the defendant can afford.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
It’s always worth getting legal guidance in order to have the highest odds possible of receiving compensation.
Should I look for car accident solicitors near me?
If you have strong grounds to start a car accident claim and you want the support of a solicitor, then you shouldn’t be limited to searching for solicitors within your local area. At Legal Expert, our advisors and No Win No Fee solicitors can support car accident claims across Britain.
How can I prove my pain and suffering?
This comes from providing proof, such as medical bills and doctor’s records of your injuries, along with witness statements.
How do I maximize my car accident settlement?
This is about providing as much clear and definitive supportive evidence as possible.
Can someone sue after insurance pays?
This is possible, though it’s very rare that a second lawsuit makes it off the ground.
What falls under pain and suffering?
This covers any physical and psychological damage as a result of the accident.
Can you claim for anxiety after a car accident?
You can make this claim, so long as you have strong evidence to support this.
How is a settlement paid out?
This can be paid either as one lump sum or as a series of equal payments.
If you would like to speak to an adviser about car accident solicitors, then you can contact Legal Expert today. You can reach us by using the contact details found in this guide.
