1. What Is a Road Accident Injury Claim?
A road accident injury claim is a legal process where you seek compensation for injuries sustained in a road traffic collision. It covers drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
2. Who Can Make a Road Accident Injury Claim?
You may be eligible to claim if:
- You were injured in a road accident caused wholly or partly by another party
- You were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorbike rider
- The accident occurred within the last three years
Even if you were partly at fault, you could still claim under contributory negligence rules.
3. Common Types of Road Accident Injuries
Injuries that typically lead to claims include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
4. What Can You Claim Compensation For?
You can claim for two main types of damages:
General Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Physical and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Special Damages:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning losses
- Travel expenses for treatment or rehabilitation
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property
- Care costs if you need assistance at home
5. How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life.
Typical Payouts:
- Minor whiplash injuries (up to 3 months): £240–£260 (under new whiplash reforms)
- Minor fractures or soft tissue injuries: £3,000–£12,000
- Serious injuries (head trauma, paralysis): £25,000 – £500,000+
Special damages like loss of earnings and medical bills are added on top of general damages.
6. How to Start a Road Accident Injury Claim
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to the police (if required) and your insurer
- Gather evidence:
- Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Witness contact details
- Police reports and medical records
- Contact a road accident solicitor to begin your claim
7. No Win No Fee Road Accident Claims
Most road accident claims are handled on a no win no fee basis:
- No upfront legal costs
- You pay nothing if your claim is unsuccessful
- If successful, a capped fee (usually 25%) is deducted from your compensation
8. What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Hit and Ran?
You can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) for:
- Injuries caused by uninsured drivers
- Accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified (hit-and-run incidents)
9. Time Limits for Making a Claim
You have three years from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you realised your injuries were related to the accident
Special rules apply for:
- Children (clock starts at age 18)
- People without mental capacity (no limit until capacity is regained)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I claim if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Yes. Your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault, but you’re still entitled to a claim.
Q2: How long will a road accident claim take?
Minor injury claims: 6–9 months
Serious injury or disputed claims: 12–36 months or longer
Q3: Do I need to go to court?
Most claims settle without court involvement. A trial is only necessary if liability or compensation cannot be agreed.
Q4: What documents do I need?
Accident reports, medical records, photographs, and proof of financial losses.
Q5: Can I claim for psychological injuries?
Yes. PTSD, anxiety, and depression caused by the accident are valid grounds for compensation.
Q6: Will claiming affect my insurance premiums?
It might, especially if you were partly or wholly at fault, but the right to compensation remains.
Conclusion
Making a road accident injury claim ensures you are compensated for injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress after a crash. Acting quickly, collecting evidence, and working with a specialist solicitor increases your chances of success. Protect your future—start your claim today and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
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