Road Traffic Accident Claims
Our specialist advisors are here to help if you need advice on how to start a road traffic accident claim following an incident caused by another road user’s negligence.
100% No Win No Fee
Road Traffic Accident Claims
Our specialist advisors are here to help if you need advice on how to start a road traffic accident claim following an incident caused by another road user’s negligence.
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, you’re not alone, collisions on Britain’s roads are one of the main reasons for personal injury claims. Navigating a road traffic accident claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, paperwork and the stress of recovery.
This guide breaks down the key steps you’ll face, from gathering evidence, choosing a solicitor, and understanding how settlements are calculated. You’ll find clear advice on what to expect, what’s required at each stage and how different factors could affect your claim.
If you want to make sense of the process or need support with your own road traffic accident compensation claim, keep reading or get in touch by calling 0330 043 2925. Alternatively, you can use live chat or complete our Contact Us form.
We Can Help With All Types Of Accidents
Whether you’ve suffered an injury in an accident at work, because of medical negligence or you’ve been involved in a car crash, we are here to help you seek compensation for your suffering.
What Is a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
A road traffic accident claim refers to a legal process where people seek compensation after sustaining injuries or losses in a collision involving vehicles such as cars, lorries or motorcycles. A claim may arise if another driver or third party acted negligently, causing physical injuries—like whiplash or broken bones, financial losses, or psychological harm.
These claims typically cover incidents involving:
Drivers or passengers of cars, vans or taxis
Cyclists or motorcyclists hurt in road accidents
Pedestrians injured by motor vehicles
Compensation amounts often depend on the severity of injuries, recovery timeline and proven fault, guided by Judicial College guidelines (15th Edition). Rules set by UK law on personal injury claims will generally apply. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements or medical records strengthens a claim.
A solicitor from our panel could handle all communication and evidence gathering with insurers or other parties, letting you focus on your recovery. If you’d like to know if you qualify to start a road traffic accident claim, why not ask a member of our team for tailored support?
Who Is Eligible to Make a Claim?
You could be eligible to make a road traffic accident claim if you were injured in a road collision and someone else was at least partly responsible.
Generally, to claim compensation, you may need to show that:
The other party owed you a duty of care under laws such as the Road Traffic Act 1988
The other party’s negligence caused the accident
You suffered a recognised injury, such as whiplash or another medically documented harm
Passengers injured in accidents may claim, regardless of whether the driver of their vehicle or another driver was at fault. Children and those lacking mental capacity can have claims started by a representative, usually a parent or guardian.
For tailored support with your eligibility or to discuss your circumstances before you start your road traffic accident claim, please contact a member of our team today.
Common Road Traffic Accident Claims
People may make a road traffic accident claim after being involved in various types of collisions. The most common claims often relate to:
Driver or Motorcyclist Claims: You could claim if another party’s negligence caused your accident while you were driving or riding. For example, a driver might fail to stop at a red light.
Passenger Claims: You may claim as a passenger if injured in a crash, whether in a car, bus, coach, or motorcycle, even if you know the driver. Claims might still succeed if both drivers share fault.
Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Horse Rider Claims: You might claim if struck by a vehicle as a cyclist, pedestrian, or horse rider, particularly at pedestrian crossings or roundabouts.
Uninsured or Untraced Drivers: If a driver leaves the scene or isn’t insured, compensation could still be possible through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
If you’re unsure whether you can make a road traffic accident claim, please ask a member of our team to review your circumstances and explain your options.
The Road Traffic Accident Claims Process
The road traffic accident claim process may involve several steps, each designed to establish whether compensation could be awarded and on what basis. Understanding how these steps connect can improve the prospects of a successful road traffic accident claim.
Gathering Evidence and Reporting the Accident
Gathering robust evidence is a key part of the road traffic accident claim process. A solicitor from our panel could help by:
Collecting police accident reports
Requesting photographs of the scene or your injuries
Taking witness statements
Reviewing dashcam or CCTV footage
Medical Assessments and Expert Reports
Obtaining medical evidence could prove crucial in assessing injuries after a collision. A solicitor from our panel may:
Request access to your medical records
Arrange an examination with an independent medical expert
Help secure evidence for recognised injuries like whiplash, fractures, or psychological trauma
Establishing Liability
Establishing who was at fault helps determine if a road traffic accident claim could succeed. As part of this, a solicitor could:
Review police reports and insurance details
Analyse all available evidence
Apply relevant laws, such as rules under the Civil Procedure Rules
Reaching a Settlement or Proceeding to Court
Settlement negotiations often form part of the road traffic accident claim process. A solicitor from our panel could:
Communicate with insurers and negotiate appropriate compensation
Use official compensation guidelines for injury types
Represent you if the matter proceeds to court. However, in our experience, most claims do not need court decisions.
Why not call today if you have any further questions on how road traffic accident claims work? We’ll review your case and provide free personalised advice to help you decide what to do next.
What Does Compensation For A Road Traffic Accident Cover?
Compensation for a road traffic accident claim typically considers a range of losses related to your accident and recovery. The main components of a compensation payout for an RTA are:
General Damages: Compensation for non-monetary losses such as pain, suffering, and loss of amenity resulting from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident.
Special Damages: Reimbursement for specific financial losses, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and vehicle repair costs directly caused by the accident.
Why You Shouldn’t Always Accept The First Settlement Offer
The first settlement offer from an insurer for a road traffic accident claim might not consider all your injuries, losses, and future needs. Early offers often focus on quick closure before you fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries or financial situation.
Early settlement offers rarely include compensation for potential ongoing costs, such as additional treatment or extended time off work. Accepting a low offer means you might not claim again for this accident, even if complications develop later.
We believe that the best way to avoid being offered an unfair settlement is to work with a specialist solicitor from our panel. They’ll only ever accept an offer if they believe it fully compensates for all your suffering.
We Can Help You Get The Compensation And Justice You're Entitled To
We Can Help You Get The Compensation And Justice You're Entitled To
Time Limits That Apply To RTA Claims
Specific time limits apply if you want to make a road traffic accident claim. In most cases, you could claim up to three years from the date of the incident or the date an injury is diagnosed as related to the accident. Some situations may extend or remove this deadline:
For people under 18, a parent or responsible adult may claim on their behalf at any time before their 18th birthday. After turning 18, they usually have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim.
If someone lacks mental capacity, the time limit doesn’t apply unless mental capacity is restored.
The Limitation Act 1980 defines these timeframes and, in most cases, claims outside of the time limits are not usually accepted. Therefore, why not get in touch today to try and ensure you start your claim on time?
The Benefits Of No Win No Fee Solicitors
No Win No Fee solicitors remove financial barriers when starting a road traffic accident claim. You don’t pay upfront legal fees, and your solicitor only takes a success fee if your claim succeeds. This arrangement minimises financial risk and can make specialist legal support more accessible if you have concerns about costs.
Key benefits if you work with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel could include:
Risk reduction: You typically don’t pay legal costs if your claim fails.
Access to expertise: You can receive support from a solicitor with experience handling road traffic accident claims without the worry of funding your case from the outset.
Clear process: You get a clear explanation of the legal process, fees, and any potential deductions from a successful settlement.
Negotiation support: An expert could negotiate with insurers on your behalf, aiming to secure fair compensation for all losses.
A solicitor from our panel can aim to recover compensation covering medical costs, loss of earnings, and other damages. If you’d like further details about the No Win No Fee structure or want to evaluate your own eligibility, please ask a member of our team about making a road traffic accident claim.
Start A Road Traffic Accident Claim Today
Starting a road traffic accident claim could seem overwhelming, but if your case is accepted, a solicitor from our panel will guide you through every step of the process.
To find out if you have a valid road traffic accident claim, you can contact us for a free initial consultation. A specialist will assess your case with you and offer no-obligation advice on what you might do next.
You can start the ball rolling by calling 0330 043 2925. Alternatively, you can use live chat or complete our Contact Us form.
If you need to know anything further about how road traffic accident claims work, please feel free to speak with one of our specialists.
Contact Us
If you’d like to enquire to see if you can make a compensation claim, please complete the form here. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as we can.
