Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road traffic accident claims are a type of personal injury claim that allow people injured because of another road user’s actions to seek compensation for the harm caused. Whether you were struck from behind at a junction or hit while crossing the road, you may be eligible to claim if a motorist or another road user was responsible and you suffered an injury as a result. Compensation may reflect your physical and psychological injuries as well as resulting financial losses. Accident Claims’ road traffic accident solicitors bring extensive experience to every case and, where appropriate, can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis.

A road traffic accident can disrupt far more than the journey itself. Pain may prevent you from working or driving while you recover, and a frightening collision can also affect how confident you feel when you eventually get back on the road. When you are already trying to recover and make sense of what the incident has changed for you, Accident Claims can give you clear legal guidance on whether you may have grounds to claim and what your next steps could be.

That support comes from trusted legal specialists with decades of combined experience handling compensation claims. Drawing on that experience, we can examine how the collision unfolded and secure the evidence needed to build a cohesive account of who was responsible. With more than £100 million recovered in compensation for clients, our solicitors bring a proven record and will guide you through the process in clear language.

When you feel ready to talk about what happened, our team is ready to help you explore your options during a free consultation. Get started by:

• Call us on 0800 073 8801
• Contact us online
• Speak to an advisor using our live chat

Jump To A Section

1. What Are Road Traffic Accident Claims?
2. How Our Solicitors Can Help With Road Traffic Accident Claims
3. Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?
4. The Road Traffic Accident Claim Process
5. Who Can Claim After A Road Traffic Accident?
6. How Is Fault Established Following A Road Accident?
7. What If The Driver Is Uninsured Or Cannot Be Traced?
8. What Injuries Can Be Caused By Road Traffic Accidents?
9. How Much Compensation Could I Claim For A Road Traffic Accident?
10. Which Evidence Could Support Road Accident Claims?
11. Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. More Information

What Are Road Traffic Accident Claims?

Road traffic accident claims are personal injury claims made when someone is injured as a result of the actions of another road user. They can allow the injured person to seek compensation for the harm caused by the collision and the financial impact that follows.

Depending on how the incident happened, you could be eligible to claim whether you were driving or travelling as a passenger. Cyclists and pedestrians can also seek compensation when another road user negligently causes an accident that injures them.

If you are uncertain about your position after being injured on the road, reach out today for clear guidance on whether making a claim is an appropriate next step.

How Our Solicitors Can Help With Road Traffic Accident Claims

At Accident Claims, we know that while you are recovering from a road traffic accident, having clear legal support can make the claims process feel far more manageable. From your first conversation with us, our focus will be on what happened and how the collision has affected your life, so the claim is developed around your circumstances. To do that, we will:

• Establish how the collision happened: We will carefully review your account alongside the movements of the road users involved before the impact to help us identify what led to the accident without expecting you to piece everything together yourself.
• Gather supportive evidence: Relevant material such as dashcam footage or police reports can be obtained by your solicitor, giving the claim a strong factual foundation while taking the burden of chasing evidence away from you.
• Arrange an independent medical assessment: Your solicitor can arrange an appointment with a suitable medical expert where needed, giving the claim an objective report of your injuries and how they may continue to affect you.
• Assess how the accident has changed your life: If your injuries have affected your ability to work or left you out of pocket, we will consider those consequences when valuing the claim, so the wider disruption caused by the collision is not overlooked.
• Manage the legal process for you: Once the road traffic accident claim is ready to be presented, your solicitor will handle all the correspondence with the defendant’s representatives, leaving the legal paperwork in their hands while you focus on recovery.

To find out whether our experienced road traffic accident solicitors could support your claim, speak with one of our advisors today.

Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?

Yes, you can make a road traffic accident claim if another road user failed to take reasonable care and this caused a collision in which you were injured. Everyone using the road has responsibilities towards the safety of others, with the Road Traffic Act 1988 setting out key legal requirements for road users and the Highway Code providing important rules and guidance on how they should behave.

When assessing your eligibility to seek compensation, our solicitors look closely at the information available to establish whether there are grounds to proceed by:

• Assessing how the collision occurred: We can analyse the positions and movements of the road users involved to build a clear picture of the sequence of events and identify actions that may have caused the accident.
• Reviewing evidence from the scene: Your solicitor can identify and, where possible, obtain evidence such as footage of the collision or accounts from people who saw it, so you are not left trying to gather everything yourself while recovering.
• Considering how the collision has affected you: Our team can look at how your injuries have changed your health and everyday life, including any financial impact, so the claim reflects what you have actually been through rather than just the circumstances of the accident.

Can I Claim If I Was Partly Responsible For The Accident?

Yes, you can still claim if you were partly responsible for the road traffic accident, although your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. Where fault for the collision is divided between those involved, this is referred to as split liability. In practical terms, this could apply if one driver pulled out at a junction while the other was travelling too fast to react safely, meaning both contributed to the collision.

If you are concerned that you may have contributed to the accident, speak with Accident Claims for a free consultation today.

The Road Traffic Accident Claim Process

The road traffic accident claim process begins with assessing whether you have grounds to seek compensation before the claim is formally presented to the defendant’s representatives. From there, we can manage the legal process and work towards reaching an appropriate settlement on your behalf.

1. Discuss Your Road Traffic Accident With Our Advisors

During a free consultation, our advisors will discuss the collision and your injuries before explaining whether you could have grounds to begin a personal injury claim.

2. Your Solicitor Takes On The Claim

If your case is accepted, your solicitor will take responsibility for progressing the claim and become your point of contact throughout the process. They will explain what happens next and handle the legal work needed to keep your claim moving.

3. The Claim Is Formally Presented

Your solicitor will prepare the claim and present it to the defendant’s representatives, setting out the circumstances of the collision and why compensation is being sought. They can then manage the response and keep you updated as responsibility for the accident is considered.

4. Your Injuries And Losses Are Assessed

An independent medical examination may be arranged by our team to evaluate the extent of your injuries and likely recovery. Your solicitor will also assess the financial impact of the accident so that the compensation sought reflects its consequences for you.

5. Settlement Negotiations Begin

Once there is enough information to value the claim properly, your solicitor can negotiate on your behalf with the aim of reaching an appropriate settlement. If an offer is made, they will outline what it means for you and provide clear advice, while the decision to accept remains yours.

6. If Court Proceedings Are Needed

Most road traffic accident claims are resolved without a court hearing. However, if an unresolved issue means proceedings are necessary, your solicitor can continue representing you and guide you through each stage, so you are not left dealing with the process alone.

How Long Could A Road Traffic Accident Claim Take?

There is no fixed timeframe for how long a road traffic accident claim could take because the duration depends on the facts of every case. That often comes down to how quickly responsibility can be established and whether negotiations over compensation prove to be straightforward.

For a clearer idea of what could affect the timescale of your claim, contact us today and get tailored advice from our supportive team.

Who Can Claim After A Road Traffic Accident?

Drivers and passengers are among the road users who can claim after a road traffic accident, provided they were injured because someone else failed to take reasonable care on the road. The group of potential claimants extends beyond people travelling inside vehicles, with cyclists and pedestrians also able to seek compensation when they are injured through another road user’s actions.

Car Drivers And Other Motorists

Drivers may be able to seek compensation following a car accident if another road user caused their injuries. For example, a claim could arise if a fellow motorist failed to give way or followed too closely and this caused the injuries you sustained.

Motorcyclists Injured On The Road

Without any enclosed protection around them, motorcyclists can be especially vulnerable when another road user fails to account for their position on the road. When a rider is injured because a driver leaves insufficient space or moves across the motorcycle’s path when it is unsafe to do so, they may have grounds to seek compensation for the harm caused.

Cyclists And Pedestrians

As vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians rely heavily on drivers to recognise their presence and give them enough room to travel safely. A cyclist may be injured if they are struck because a distracted driver fails to see them when pulling away from the roadside. That same lapse in attention can cause serious harm to pedestrians if a motorist approaches a designated crossing without slowing or yielding as required. In such a situation, we can assess whether you have a valid claim and support you in pursuing compensation for the injuries you suffered.

Passengers Injured In Road Accidents

Passengers generally have little control over how the vehicle they are travelling in is driven, yet they can still suffer injuries because of someone else’s driving. Whether the responsible motorist was in another vehicle or the one you were travelling in, you may be able to pursue compensation as a passenger for the injuries you sustained in the accident.

Road Accidents Involving Buses, Coaches And Taxis

When public transport or a taxi is involved in a collision caused by negligent driving, passengers and other road users may have grounds to claim. The circumstances will determine who is responsible, and you will not be expected to work that out yourself before seeking legal advice.

If you were injured in a road traffic accident, chat to one of our advisors for a free consultation and quickly find out whether you could be entitled to compensation.

How Is Fault Established Following A Road Accident?

Fault following a road accident is established by examining how each road user behaved in the moments leading up to the collision. The aim is to determine whose actions caused the accident and whether their driving or road use fell below the standard reasonably expected of them.

Rather than relying on individual accounts, the circumstances can be pieced together by looking at how the collision developed and the type of accident involved. A rear-end collision may raise different questions from a roundabout accident, where road position or the route taken through the junction can become especially important. Relevant considerations may include:

• Road positioning and observations: Where each road user was positioned and whether they properly checked for other traffic before acting.
• Speed and signalling: How quickly someone was travelling may affect whether they had enough time to react safely. Signals can also help establish whether other road users were given adequate warning before a manoeuvre.
• Manoeuvres: Actions such as changing lanes or overtaking can be examined in the context of the surrounding traffic to assess whether they were carried out safely.
• Highway Code standards: Relevant rules and guidance in the Highway Code can provide useful context when considering how a road user should have behaved in the circumstances.

Evidence can then be brought together with these factors to build a clearer picture of the sequence of events. In some accidents, that may point to one road user being responsible, while others may involve shared responsibility.

If you want a clearer understanding of who may have been responsible for your road accident, our team is ready to help. Talk to one of our advisors, and we can explain whether the circumstances may give you grounds to claim compensation.

What If The Driver Is Uninsured Or Cannot Be Traced?

If the driver who caused your road traffic accident was uninsured or cannot be traced, you could still make a compensation claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an organisation that compensates eligible people injured by uninsured or untraced motorists, meaning the absence of valid insurance or an identifiable driver does not remove your route to a claim.

Claims Involving Uninsured Drivers

When the motorist responsible is identified but has no valid insurance, you can pursue a claim under the MIB’s uninsured drivers scheme. Instead of relying on a valid policy held by the driver, this route allows the uninsured driver claim to continue through the MIB, and our solicitors can handle that process on your behalf so you are not left trying to navigate it alone.

Hit And Run Accidents

A different route applies when the motorist responsible leaves the scene and cannot later be identified. In these circumstances, the MIB’s untraced drivers scheme may allow you to seek compensation following a hit-and-run, even though the person responsible remains unknown.

Whether you were injured by an uninsured or untraced driver, get in touch today to find out if you could claim with the support of our expert solicitors.

What If The Accident Involved A Foreign-Registered Vehicle?

If the accident involved a foreign-registered vehicle, you could still pursue a compensation claim if you were injured in the UK because the driver failed to take reasonable care. A motorist’s obligation to drive safely does not change simply because the vehicle is registered overseas, as anyone who uses UK roads is still expected to follow the relevant rules.

These claims can be handled by our experienced road traffic accident solicitors, who can identify the appropriate route and deal with the arrangements that arise when a case involves a vehicle registered overseas. If you would like clear guidance tailored to your situation, our advisors are here to listen and explain the next steps.

What Injuries Can Be Caused By Road Traffic Accidents?

Road traffic accidents can cause a range of injuries, such as whiplash and fractures, while more serious collisions may result in lasting harm that affects mobility or independence. The exact injuries will depend on how the collision happened and the part of the body exposed to the impact, and may include:

• Whiplash: Sudden movement of the head and neck during a collision can cause pain and limited range of motion.
• Fractures: Broken bones may result from significant force or impact.
• Psychological harm: Traumatic road traffic accidents can leave lasting emotional effects, including anxiety that may affect confidence when driving or travelling again.
• Head injuries: A blow to the head during the collision can cause concussion, which may lead to persistent symptoms such as headaches or dizziness.

Serious And Life-Changing Road Accident Injuries

Some collisions can cause injuries that affect far more than the immediate recovery period, particularly when they change your independence or make returning to work more difficult. That longer-term disruption is often seen in claims involving serious brain injuries or spinal trauma, which may require substantial rehabilitation and ongoing support. Limb loss can create similarly lasting changes, as adapting to a prosthesis or learning new ways to manage everyday movement becomes part of the recovery process.

Where a road traffic accident results in a fatality, the deceased person’s estate or eligible relatives may also have grounds to pursue a fatal accident claim, depending on the circumstances.

If a road traffic accident has caused life-changing injuries or resulted in the loss of a loved one, contact Accident Claims for a free consultation. Our specialists are ready to explain the legal options available to you and your family.

How Does Whiplash Impact A Road Accident Compensation Claim?

Whiplash can impact a road accident compensation claim by changing how the process is handled and how awards are calculated. That different approach applies to qualifying claims brought by people aged 18 or over who were travelling as a driver or passenger when the accident happened in England or Wales. In those cases, the whiplash element of the claim is valued in accordance with a fixed tariff set by the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

For a fuller explanation of how the tariff works and what these rules could mean for your compensation, read our whiplash claims guide.

Will I Need A Medical Assessment For My Road Traffic Accident Claim?

Yes, you will generally need a medical assessment for your road traffic accident claim so there is an independent evaluation of your injuries and prognosis. For a whiplash claim, evidence is required before the injury can be settled, and the medical expert’s objective report is also used to determine the appropriate tariff amount.

Contact Accident Claims if you have questions about the medical assessment or how it could support your claim.

How Much Compensation Could I Claim For A Road Traffic Accident?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a road traffic accident depends on the injuries you suffered and how they have affected your life, as well as any financial losses linked to them. Our experienced solicitors will assess the effect of the collision under 2 heads of claim:

• General damages: Compensate you for your pain and suffering, as well as any loss of amenity. When valuing this part of the claim, we may refer to the suggested compensation brackets in the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) that the document pairs with various injury types.
• Special damages: Covering financial losses arising from the injuries you sustained in the collision.

The compensation table below provides a number of the JCG’s guideline brackets. Please be aware that this table is intended for guidance only, and that the top entry has not been taken from the JCG. Additionally, the whiplash entries have been taken from the tariffs set by the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025.

Injury	Severity	Compensation
Various Severe Injuries and Special Damages	Very Severe - multiple injuries paired with financial losses including medical expenses, lost income and professional care costs	Up to £1,000,000+
Paralysis	Tetraplegia (also known as Quadriplegia) - cases where physical pain is present and there is a reduction in the ability to communicate, or an impact to the senses	£428,850 to £533,720
Brain/Head	Very Severe - at the top end of the bracket, the injured person may have retained some ability to follow basic commands, but there will be little, if any evidence of meaningful response to environment	£372,570 to £533,720
	Moderately Severe - the injured person will be severely disabled, with a large dependence on others and a need for constant care	£289,420 to £372,570
Leg Amputation	Loss of Both Legs - the appropriate award where both legs have been lost above the knee or one above the knee at a high level, and one below the knee	£318,120 to £372,570
Back	Severe (i) - the most severe back injuries including spinal cord damage or nerve root damage	£120,340 to £212,670
Arm Amputation	Loss of One Arm (ii) - above the elbow amputation	£144,860 to £172,970
Wrist	Severe (a) - injuries resulting in the complete loss of function in the wrist	£62,910 to £79,080
Whiplash	Cases of whiplash and a psychological injury lasting more than 18 months, but not more than 24 months	£4,975
	Cases of whiplash lasting more than 18 months, but not more than 24 months	£4,830

What Financial Losses Could Be Included In My Compensation?

Lost earnings and treatment costs are among the financial losses that may be included in your road traffic accident compensation. To recover these losses, you will need evidence showing what you have paid or may lose because of your injuries, which our solicitors can help you identify and bring together as part of the claim.

That gives our team a starting point for reviewing the impact on your finances, including:

• Loss of earnings: If your injuries leave you unable to drive to work or carry out your usual duties, we can use payslips and other records to calculate the income you have missed and consider whether your earning capacity may be affected longer term.
• Treatment and rehabilitation costs: Recovery can continue long after the collision, especially if you need physiotherapy or private medical care to regain mobility and confidence. In these circumstances, your solicitor can assess whether those treatment costs may be included and gather the supporting records needed to show why that care became necessary after the accident.
• Travel and care costs: Being unable to drive or manage everyday tasks can quickly lead to additional costs following a road accident. We can examine those expenses, including alternative travel or necessary care, and use the available records to properly assess the day‑to‑day financial impact when valuing the claim.

Can Rehabilitation Be Arranged After A Serious Road Accident?

Yes, rehabilitation can be arranged after a serious road accident where it could support your recovery or help you regain greater independence. Depending on the injuries involved, this may include physiotherapy or other specialist treatment, and our solicitors can help connect you to appropriate rehabilitation services as the claim develops.

Can I Receive An Interim Payment Before My Road Accident Claim Settles?

Yes, you can receive an interim payment before your road accident claim settles. This is generally only possible once liability has been accepted or there is a strong likelihood that your case will succeed, allowing part of your compensation to be paid early while the wider claim continues.

For tailored guidance on compensation or support while your claim progresses, speak with our team for a free consultation.

Which Evidence Could Support Road Accident Claims?

The evidence that could support road accident claims may include dashcam footage showing how the collision happened and medical records documenting the resulting injuries. Alongside this, you will need the other driver’s contact and insurance information, together with the vehicle registration number.

With those details in place, our experienced solicitors can take the claim forward by gathering further material and bringing the evidence together into a clear account of how the collision happened and the impact it has had on you. If you would like help understanding how the evidence in your case could be used, please reach out today.

Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?

Yes, you can make a road traffic accident claim on a No Win No Fee basis if our solicitors accept your case. This is arranged through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), allowing you to start your claim without paying your solicitor a service fee upfront or while the case is ongoing.

The agreement also ensures that, if the case is unsuccessful, you will not pay these service fees at all for the work carried out by the solicitor. If your claim succeeds, your solicitor will deduct an agreed success fee from your compensation. The percentage taken for this fee is subject to a legal cap and will be explained before your claim begins so you know exactly how the agreement supports you.

Contact Our Team About A Road Traffic Accident

When you are unsure how long recovery might take or what the accident could mean for your work and independence, it can be difficult to know where to turn for clear legal advice. If you simply want someone to talk you through where you stand, our advisors are here to listen and explain whether your circumstances may support a claim. Speak to Accident Claims in a free consultation, and we can help you work out what your next step could be. You can reach us by:

• Calling us on 0800 073 8801
• Contacting us online
• Speaking to an advisor using our live chat

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about road traffic accident claims:

How Long Do I Have To Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?

You generally have 3 years from the date of the collision to start a road traffic accident claim. Exceptions can apply to this limitation period, so it is important to seek advice if you are unsure how long you have left.

What Should I Do After A Road Traffic Accident?

After a road traffic accident, you should move somewhere safe if possible and seek medical attention if you have been injured. Once the immediate danger has passed, exchange the required details with the other road user and preserve any useful evidence of the collision, then make sure the accident is reported to your insurer and, where legally required, to the police.

Can A Child Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?

Yes, a child can make a road traffic accident claim with the help of a suitable adult acting as their litigation friend. In this role, the adult conducts the claim on the child’s behalf if they cannot do so themselves because they are under 18.

Can I Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing A Seatbelt?

Yes, you can still make a road traffic accident claim if you were not wearing a seatbelt, but your compensation may be reduced if the lack of restraint contributed to your injuries or made them more severe.

Can I Claim If The Police Did Not Attend The Accident?

Yes, you can still make a road traffic accident claim if the police did not attend the scene, as this is not required to pursue compensation. Even without a police presence, other evidence can help establish how the collision happened and who was responsible, such as photographs or dashcam footage.

Do Road Traffic Accident Claims Go To Court?

Some road traffic accident claims do go to court, but most are settled without a trial, so you will usually not need to attend one. Court proceedings may only become necessary if liability or compensation cannot be agreed, in which case our solicitors can continue handling the claim and explain what happens next.

More Information

Read some of our other guides about:

• Our £4 million payout case study after a road traffic accident
• How to claim because of faulty traffic lights
• Learn when you could claim for a crash on the motorway

Helpful external resources:

• Find out if you could claim Statutory Sick Pay, from GOV.UK
• See when to call 999 from the NHS
• Health and Safety Executive advice on managing sick leave and a return to work

Thank you for reading our road traffic accident claims guide today.