By Lewis Hendrix. Last Updated 1st August 2023. Welcome to our guide on foreign vehicle claims and car accident claims. In it, we explain what happens if you’re in an accident with a foreign vehicle. We answer questions about being injured overseas and compensation claims for an accident overseas.
Those who have been affected by a road traffic accident with a foreign vehicle may wish to pursue a claim for compensation. Many people who have been involved in a car accident with a foreign vehicle may experience head injuries or whiplash. If that is the case and a third party is directly at fault and has inflicted an injury, then you could have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
Car accident with a foreign vehicle
If at any point within this online guide you become confused by the topics that are being discussed, then please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisors. Our friendly advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, which means they are always available to answer your questions.
Select A Section
- A Guide To Claims For Car Accidents With A Foreign Vehicle
- What Is A Foreign Car Or Foreign Driver Accident Claim?
- UK Road Traffic Accident Statistics
- What Is The Green Card System For Drivers And How Does It Work?
- Foreign Vehicle Accident Claims Through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau
- Claims Against Untraced Or Uninsured Drivers
- Common Accidents Involving Foreign Vehicles Or Drivers
- Whiplash Claims Against Foreign Drivers Or Vehicles
- Work Vehicle Accidents With A Foreign Driver Or Vehicle
- What Should I Do If Injured By A Foreign Vehicle Or Driver?
- Foreign Car Accident Personal Injury Claims Calculator
- Other Types Of Compensation You Could Be Awarded
- Vehicle Accident Claims With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
- Essential Links Relating To Being Injured Overseas, Compensation, And Car Accidents
A Guide To Claims For Car Accidents With A Foreign Vehicle
Within this online guide, it aims to discuss the claims process in greater detail and provide relevant and factual information. To do so, this guide will break down the different ways in which a foreign driver could inflict an accident on the road and what legal action you could potentially take if you’ve injured in an accident with a foreign vehicle.
The collision of two vehicles is an extremely unpredictable and unfortunate experience for anyone to encounter. Depending on the severity of the incident, a road-related accident has the ability to inflict injuries that range from minor to major, physical to psychological. If you have been involved in an accident with a foreign vehicle, then you might be unsure whether you could pursue a claim for the damages that have been inflicted. Within this online guide, it aims to break down and discuss the claims process in relation to an accident involving a road foreign party.
What Is A Foreign Car Or Foreign Driver Accident Claim?
No matter where you are in the world, an accident on the road could happen at any potential moment. If you have been involved in an accident with a vehicle that is registered outside of the UK, then you might be confused whether you have grounds to pursue a claim for compensation.
Could I claim if injured overseas – compensation claims for accident overseas and with a foreign vehicle explained
There are some scenarios where an accident is simply an unfortunate circumstance. However, there are some cases where a negligent party could be at fault, inflicting injury or suffering that could have been prevented. If the negligent actions of a third party influence a car accident with a foreign vehicle, it has the ability to inflict a series of injuries. If that is the case and you’ve been involved in an accident involving a foreign vehicle, then you could have grounds to pursue a claim. Our panel of solicitors are extremely well versed in UK and international law, which means they could provide you with legal advice, support and guidance.
UK Road Traffic Accident Statistics
There are many factors that could contribute to a road-related incident and inflict a variety of injuries. According to statistics provided by Reported Road Casualties, there were 131,220 casualties of all severities in 2020. There are many different factors that could result in a road-related accident, and some common examples might include;
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- A failure to uphold and abide by the highway code
What Is The Green Card System For Drivers And How Does It Work?
You may also have grounds to pursue a claim under the Green Card System if you have been involved in a car accident and the driver had a Green Card number. The Green Card system was created by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ENECE) with specific goals and intentions. The ENECE wanted to make driving between countries (specifically the 48 EU countries) a lot less difficult.
To do so, they set out an executive and had two main objectives. These include;
- Facilitating the crossing of boarding – this avoids the need for those travelling abroad to obtain insurance to cover all 48 members of the EU.
- Facilitating claims settlement – this ensures that third party victims of an accident are not prejudiced by the injuries/damage inflicted by visiting tourists (Rather than a motorist who is a resident of the same country).
The Green Card itself does not act or offer motor insurance but provides travellers with confidence and the ability to move around EU countries freely. It is worth remembering that a Green Card is not required to travel around the EU, but do have their benefits.
It is also worth remembering that, following Brexit, UK motorists require a green card to provide proof of insurance when driving in a country with the Green Card System. This may change soon, however. The Motor Insurance Bureau has more information on the Green Card System.
Foreign Vehicle Accident Claims Through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau
If you have been involved in a road-related accident with a foreign driver, then you should try and find out whether the foreign driver is insured. If the driver is insured, then you should take their details, as this will make the claims process a lot easier.
In the event of an accident involving a foreign driver, could check the list of UK Correspondents of Foreign Insurers, as you will be able to search whether there is a UK counterpart who is acting on the foreign insurer’s behalf. If that is the case, then you could present your claim for compensation against the UK agent. If you have been affected by a foreign driver whose insurer cannot be identified or there is no agent, then you could present a claim through MIB.
Claims Against Untraced Or Uninsured Drivers
If you have been impacted by an uninsured or untraceable driver, then you might pursue a claim for compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau. They are also the administrators of the Untraced Drivers Agreement, which in simple terms, was designed to compensate those who have sustained loss or injury due to a third party.
However, it is worth highlight that your claim for road accident compensation will be slightly different from a normal claim. If you’ve been injured by an untraceable or uninsured driver, then you could claim for any damage through your own insurance provider. By making a claim this way, you’ll potentially lose some if not all of your no claims bonus. This also applies if your vehicle has been affected by theft, vandalism, or weather damage and you make a claim.
Common Accidents Involving Foreign Vehicles Or Drivers
Unfortunately, there are significant amounts of motor vehicle incidents each and every year. As a result, there are many factors that could contribute to a road traffic accident. There are natural causes that influence an accident, such as weather and malfunctions of the vehicle. However, there are some scenarios in which another party could be at fault. Factors that could contribute a car accident with a foreign vehicle might include;
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe manoeuvre
- Improper turns
Whiplash Claims Against Foreign Drivers Or Vehicles
Many people who have been involved in a road-related accident experience whiplash related injuries due to the sheer impact of the two vehicles. Whiplash can be an extremely difficult and series injury, as it has the ability to affect your day to day life.
According to the Government’s Reported Road Casualties, around 51% of RTA reports made between 2017 to 2019 were in relation to whiplash. If you have been involved in a road-related accident and wish to pursue a whiplash claim, our panel of solicitors could be of service.
Work Vehicle Accidents With A Foreign Driver Or Vehicle
If you are some who drives for a living, then you could have grounds to pursue a claim if you have been involved in an accident on the road with a foreign vehicle. Our solicitors are well versed in personal injury law, which means they could handle an accident at work claim.
Could I claim if I was working abroad and injured overseas for compensation
For example, if you have an occupation such as a truck driver and your vehicle is impacted by a foreign driver during your contractual hours, then you could have grounds to pursue a claim. In order to make a claim, you must be able to provide evidence that another party is at fault. You must also inform your employer of the incident.
What Should I Do If Injured By A Foreign Vehicle Or Driver?
If you have been involved in a car accident with a foreign vehicle, then you might be wondering what steps you can take. If you have been involved in an accident involving another vehicle, Citizen’s Advice has provided some steps you could consider. These steps could help when making a claim, as evidence will only strengthen your potential claim. The steps recommended include;
- Seek medical attention if required.
- Do not state that the incident was your fault.
- Exchange names, contact details, and relevant information such as insurance details and registration numbers.
- Take photographic evidence of the damage.
In addition to these steps, it is crucial that you collect as much information as you possibly can. For example, information such as registration plates could be extremely useful. You should also make a note of any CCTV cameras that are in operation within that area. This could be extremely useful when making your claim, as they could provide significant evidence. It is also important to provide evidence displaying the other driver at fault.
Foreign Car Accident Personal Injury Claims Calculator
If you have been involved in an accident with a foreign-registered vehicle, then you might be wondering if you could pursue a claim. Our panel of solicitors are well versed in personal injury law and could be of use. When making a claim against a foreign vehicle, it is worth remembering that all claims are inherently different and take several factors into consideration. For example, a claim for compensation will evaluate the injuries severity, the accidents cause, and numerous other factors.
To create a rough outline of the compensation that could be awarded, we have provided a table. The data within the table has been provided as an outline and is not to be taken as an exact estimate.
| Injury | Severity | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Injury | Minor | Up to £7,410 | An injury of this nature results in injuries to the neck that don’t inflict life long implications. An injury of this nature may resolve itself with treatment or medication. |
| Neck Injury | Moderate | £23,460 to £36,120 | This is where the fractures or dislocations within the neck result in symptoms that could impact the spine. This may also result in chronic pain in the neck or back that leaves life long implications. |
| Neck Injury | Severe | In the region of £139,210 | This is where the neck injury has caused incomplete paraplegia or resulting in permanent spastic quadriparesis. |
| Back Injury | Minor | Up to £11,730 | This is where a back injury can make a full recovery and will only inflict mild levels of pain. |
| Back Injury | Moderate | £26,050 to £36,390 | A back injury that inflicts moderate pain could result in residual disability. Examples could result in the compression or fracture of bones, continuous pain, suffering, or reduced mobility. |
| Back Injury | Severe | £85,470 to £151,070 | A severe back injury could result in life changing implications. Cases of severe back injury could result in paralysis and significantly impaired bladder, bowl or sexual function. |
| Facial Disfigurement | Very Severe Scarring | £27,940 to £91,350 | This is where an accident causes scarring that cannot make a full recovery. |
| Facial Disfigurement | Less Significant Scarring | Up to £12,900 | This is where a scar caused by an accident can be camouflaged through cometic surgery |
| Facial Disfigurement | Significant scarring | £8,550 to £28,240 | Plastic surgery may have reduced the effects but there would be some cosmetic disability |
Other Types Of Compensation You Could Be Awarded
In the moments where a foreign vehicle is at fault, their negligence could cause a road-related incident. Not only could a car accident of this nature result in physical injuries, but it has the potential to impact the psychological well-being and finances of those involved. Below, we have outlined the different elements that can be explored when making a claim for compensation.
Physical Pain, Injury and Suffering Caused By An Accident
In order to make a claim for general damages, it must have been caused by third-party negligence. A general damage claim will take into consideration the injuries that have been inflicted, the accidents cause, and if future implications you might encounter.
Loss Of Income
You could have grounds to make a claim for a car accident with a foreign vehicle if the incident resulted in a financial loss. Claims of this nature take into consideration the potential loss of earning’s you’ve experienced due to the incident.
Short and Long Term Medical Costs
When unfortunate circumstances render you unwell or injured, it could alter the trajectory of your life. Not only could an accident with a foreign vehicle impact your life in minor ways, such as prescription costs, hospital fees, and so on.
Cost Relating to Care After An Accident
An accident involving a foreign vehicle has the ability to cause serious damage to the health and well-being of those involved. When a car accident happens, those involved might experience serious damage to their health, leaving them permanently or partially disabled. If that is the case, then they might require around the clock care.
Personal Belongings Damaged After An Accidents
Special damage claims take into consideration a lot of different factors, as they explore the full impact and damage that has been caused by an accident. If you are considering making a claim in relation to a foreign car accident, then it is worth remembering that you could have grounds to make a claim for special damages.
Special Damages
All of the claims listed above are considered a special damage claim. In simple terms, a special damage claim is designed to ensure that the claimant doesn’t walk away from the claims process financially worse off. Special damages can be claimed in cases of medical negligence, accident at work claims and many other types of personal injury claim. In order to make a claim of this nature, it is vital that you as the claimant keep a track record of information that could be of importance. Information such as receipts and bank statements will be required to prove the financial loss you have experienced. Without evidence, it will be extremely difficult to claim for financial loss.
If you are unsure about any of the points that have been discussed, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. One of our friendly advisors would be more than happy to discuss the process and answer any questions that you might have.
Vehicle Accident Claims With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
If you have been involved in a car accident with a foreign vehicle, and are eligible to pursue a personal injury claim, one of our solicitors may be able to help you. Furthermore, they may offer to represent you on a No Win No Fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Under this arrangement, you will not have to pay your solicitor any services fees upfront or while your claim is processing. You also won’t be required to pay them for their services should your claim be unsuccessful.
However, if your claim succeeds, you will pay your solicitor a legally capped success fee from your compensation award.
To learn more about how our solicitors could assist with your car accident claim against a foreign car, you can contact our advisors today. They are available 24/7 to offer you free advice and help answer your questions. To speak with an advisor, you can:
- Call 0800 073 8801
- Use the live chat pop-up.
- Contact us online.
Essential Links Relating To Being Injured Overseas, Compensation, And Car Accidents
We sincerely hope that this online guide has been useful in outlining the relevant information for road traffic accident claims. In addition to the information discussed within this online guide, we have provided some materials that we believe could be of use.
Whiplash Compensation Claims Calculator
Victim Support For Those Seeking Injured Overseas Compensation
Every 20 minutes someone is killed or seriously affected by a roadside accident. If you have been the victim of a road accident, then there are systems set in place to support you. Brake is a road safety charity whose mission is to help those affected by road-related incidents.
Thanks for viewing our guide on foreign vehicle and car accident claims. If you’ve been in an accident with a foreign vehicle, why not get in touch.