- What Is a No Win No Fee Car Crash Claim? A no win no fee car crash claim allows you to seek compensation for injuries and losses resulting from a road traffic accident—without paying any legal fees upfront. You only pay if your claim is successful, and the solicitor’s fee is deducted from your final compensation.
- How Does No Win No Fee Work?
- You enter into a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with your solicitor
- If your case is successful, a success fee (capped at 25%) is taken from your compensation
- If your case fails, you typically don’t pay anything, especially if you have After-the-Event (ATE) insurance in place
- When Can You Make a No Win No Fee Car Crash Claim? You may be eligible if:
- You were involved in a car crash within the last three years
- You suffered an injury or financial loss
- Another driver or third party was partially or fully at fault
- What Compensation Can You Claim? A successful claim may include:
- General damages for pain and suffering
- Special damages for financial losses, such as:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings
- Travel expenses
- Car repair or replacement
- Ongoing care and therapy
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)
- Who Pays Your Legal Fees If You Win?
- The losing party (usually the at-fault driver’s insurer) pays most of your legal costs
- Your solicitor deducts a success fee from your compensation—agreed upfront and capped at 25%
- ATE insurance (if used) may also be deducted from your payout
- What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene? You can still make a no win no fee claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.
- Common Injuries in Car Crash Claims
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussion
- Back and spinal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Do You Need a Police Report to Claim? While not mandatory, a police report strengthens your case, especially if liability is disputed. Always report the accident if:
- Someone was injured
- There was a hit-and-run
- The other driver refused to share details
- Time Limit for No Win No Fee Car Crash Claims In most cases, you have three years from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you realised your injury was linked to the accident
- Do You Have to Go to Court?
- Most claims settle out of court
- If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies liability, your solicitor may advise taking the case to court
- They will represent you and guide you throughout the process
- What Evidence Supports a Car Crash Claim?
- Medical records and reports
- Photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage
- Police and accident reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam footage
- Proof of financial losses (e.g., pay slips, receipts)
- How Long Does a Claim Take?
- Straightforward claims: 3–6 months
- Complex or serious injury cases: 6–18 months or more
The length depends on the complexity of the case, liability disputes, and recovery time.
- Can You Claim If You Were Partly At Fault?
Yes. You may still receive compensation under contributory negligence, but the amount may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
- Psychological Injuries and No Win No Fee Claims
You can claim for mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. A psychological assessment will be arranged to support your case.
- How to Start a No Win No Fee Car Crash Claim
- Contact a personal injury solicitor for a free consultation
- Share details of the accident and any supporting documents
- If accepted, sign a no win no fee agreement
- Your solicitor will handle everything from evidence gathering to negotiating your settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is no win no fee really free if I lose?
Yes, in most cases. Your solicitor will explain any exceptions before you sign the agreement. - Can I claim if I was a passenger in the accident?
Absolutely. Passengers are usually considered innocent parties and have strong grounds for compensation. - Will my claim affect my insurance?
Only if you were the at-fault driver. If you’re not claiming on your own policy, your premiums shouldn’t be affected. - Do I need a solicitor to make a car crash claim?
It’s not mandatory, but a solicitor significantly increases your chances of success and higher compensation. - Can I switch solicitors during the claim?
Yes, though you should check any terms or fees in your current agreement. - How much will I get for a whiplash injury?
Whiplash claims vary, but amounts typically range from £1,000 to £4,000 depending on severity and recovery time.
Conclusion
A no win no fee car crash claim is the most accessible and risk-free way to get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Whether you suffered physical or emotional injuries, or financial losses, expert legal help ensures your case is handled professionally and your rights are fully protected. Don’t wait—speak to a no win no fee solicitor today and start your claim with confidence.