1. What Are Accidents Claims?
Accidents claims are legal claims for compensation made by individuals who’ve suffered injury or loss due to someone else’s negligence. They cover a wide range of incidents, from road traffic accidents to workplace injuries and slips in public places.
2. Who Can Make an Accident Claim?
You can make a claim if:
- You were injured in the last three years
- The accident was someone else’s fault (or partially their fault)
- You suffered a physical or psychological injury
- You incurred financial loss due to the incident
Accident claims can be made by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, employees, customers, and even family members of injured individuals.
3. Common Types of Accident Claims
Accidents claims typically fall into the following categories:
- Road Traffic Accidents (cars, bicycles, pedestrians, motorcycles)
- Workplace Injuries (manual handling, slips, faulty equipment)
- Public Place Accidents (supermarkets, pavements, leisure centres)
- Medical Negligence
- Product Liability
- Criminal Injury Compensation (via CICA)
- Accidents Abroad
4. What Compensation Can You Claim?
General Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Special Damages:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings and future income
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Property or vehicle damage
- Care and support at home
A solicitor helps you quantify these damages to maximise your payout.
5. How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
The amount depends on injury severity, impact, and your circumstances:
- Minor soft tissue injury: £1,000 – £3,000
- Moderate fractures or sprains: £3,000 – £15,000
- Serious injuries (brain, spine, amputation): £25,000 – £500,000+
You may also claim loss of earnings, ongoing care costs, and future financial losses.
6. Time Limits for Making an Accident Claim
You have three years from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became aware the injury was linked to the accident
Exceptions:
- Children: Time starts from their 18th birthday
- People lacking mental capacity: No time limit while capacity is absent
7. How to Start an Accident Claim
- Get medical attention and follow treatment advice
- Report the accident (to your employer, local authority, or police)
- Gather evidence: photos, witness details, receipts
- Contact a personal injury solicitor
- Start your no win no fee claim and let your solicitor manage the process
8. No Win No Fee Accident Claims
Most solicitors offer no win no fee (Conditional Fee Agreements):
- No upfront costs
- You pay only if your claim succeeds
- Fees are capped at 25% of the compensation
- Legal expenses insurance may cover any other costs
This makes it easy and risk-free to pursue justice.
9. What If the Other Party Was Uninsured?
You can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) or other relevant bodies if:
- You were injured in a hit-and-run
- The at-fault driver or party was uninsured
MIB ensures victims are not left without compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. You can still claim, but your compensation may be reduced under contributory negligence rules.
Q2: Do I need to go to court?
Most claims settle out of court. Court is only necessary if liability or compensation is disputed.
Q3: Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can claim for a child, someone without mental capacity, or a deceased loved one.
Q4: What evidence do I need?
Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and proof of financial losses strengthen your case.
Q5: Is accident compensation taxable?
No. Personal injury compensation is not subject to income tax.
Q6: What if my symptoms appear later?
You can still claim if your injury is medically linked to the original accident and is within the time limit.
Conclusion
If you’ve suffered due to someone else’s actions or negligence, pursuing an accidents claim can provide vital compensation for your pain and losses. With no win no fee options and expert legal support, the process is simpler and more accessible than ever. Don’t wait—speak to a solicitor today and start your claim with confidence.
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