If you are involved in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, it can be a life changing event. Our industry-leading road traffic accident solicitors are here to help you get the compensation and treatment you need to move forward.
Our team of expert car accident lawyers are considered industry leaders, with a significant amount of expertise in handling all manner of road traffic accident claims.
As a leading law firm with dedicated specialists in personal injury and road accident injury claims, we have supported thousands of people affected by road traffic accidents. Whether it's obtaining compensation for you, helping with benefits, accessing rehabilitation, challenging statutory provisions or protecting any compensation awarded, we work with you to reduce the burden of dealing with any of the additional issues faced at such a difficult time. We will make the claims process as straightforward as possible and ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.
We recognise every road traffic accident claim is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to exceptional legal services, which is why we offer No Win No Fee funding, so you're never at any financial risk.
Who can claim road traffic accident compensation?
Apart from the driver of the vehicle, there are other categories of victims who can make a road accident injury claim, namely:
Passengers
Pedestrians
Motorcyclists
People on public vehicles, e.g., buses, coach, taxis
Cyclists
Horse riders
Scooters
Bereaved families
Whether you wish to make a driver, pedestrian, bus, or taxi accident claim, or another type, our experienced teams are here to provide the legal support you need. We have handled thousands of road traffic accident compensation claims, so whatever the nature of your accident, we have the expertise and experience to help you.
What are the most common types of road traffic accident?
The roads can be a dangerous place and there are many ways in which a road user can be injured. Some of the most common types of accident we see include:
Rear-end collisions: this occurs when one vehicle crashes into the rear-end of another and can be common at traffic lights or in congested traffic. This type of collision can occur due to a range of different reasons, including driver distraction, tailgating, and sudden breaking.
Side impact (T-Bone) collisions: this type of collision typically happens at a T-junction, usually due to a vehicle failing to yield right-of-way or running a red light. The result is a side-impact collision, which can cause significant injury as the sides of a vehicle are often less reinforced than the front or the rear.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable groups on our roads, which means that when an accident occurs, the damage can be substantial and life-threatening.
Head-on collisions: this is when two vehicles collide directly, face on. Often caused by reckless driving (including driving erratically and on the wrong side of the road), these collisions are among the most severe and dangerous on the road.
Hit-and-run accidents: this describes a situation in which a driver has caused an accident and then fled the scene. These accidents often involve pedestrians, and the injuries and trauma caused can be substantial.
Motorcycle accidents: motorcyclists are one of the more vulnerable road users and are too frequently the victims of a road traffic accident. These collisions are often caused by careless or inattentive driving by other road users and, as motorbikes provide significantly less protection that vehicles such as cars or vans, there is a much higher risk of severe injury to the motorcyclist.
What is considered when calculating road traffic accident compensation?
Being involved in a road traffic accident can have detrimental effects on all aspects of your life, from your health and fitness, your mobility, your ability to work through to your recovery and much more. When you are involved in a road traffic accident, the amount of compensation you can claim will usually depend upon the extent of the damage caused, both to you and your property.
The compensation you receive will fall into two categories:
General damages: this covers any physical or psychological injuries you sustained in the accident. The exact amount you are awarded will be determined by how serious your injuries are, and by how likely or how quickly you might be expected to fully recover, according to a medical expert.
Special damages: this covers any other expenses you have incurred as a result of your accident. For example, it will cover any wages you may lose (both now and in the future if you continue to be unable to work), as well as the cost of any medical treatment, care and support, rehabilitation, home or travel adaptations or prosthetics and mobility aids.
You will also be able to claim for the cost of any repairs to your property; this could be your vehicle, bicycle, motorbike or your belongings if these where damaged during the accident.
In the case of fatal accidents, we ensure that the dependents are financially recompensed for the loss of their loved one and the financial support/income they have lost.
How is my road traffic accident claim valued?
Each road traffic claim varies and is valued on the facts of the specific circumstances so we cannot estimate a definitive amount of compensation that you could receive. The damages awarded will not only reflect the injuries sustained, but also the rehabilitation, care and adaptions needed as well as any future loss of earnings and future financial impact.
If you've suffered a minor whiplash injury where it appears to us that compensation for your injury is valued at less than £5,000, then your claim will be processed as part of the Official Injury Compensation Portal small claims track. Unfortunately, Slater and Gordon no longer act for clients whose claims are valued in the small claims track, but our specialists would be able to identify this with you during the initial conversation and provide advice on your options.
Every case is complex but our expert personal injury lawyers work tirelessly to negotiate the best settlement possible for our clients. One such case involved a cyclist who was knocked off her bike by a lorry. She sustained catastrophic injuries, and our lawyers were able to obtain a multi-million pound settlement.
What should I do if I have had a road traffic accident?
Accidents on the road can be a frightening experience and it can be difficult to know how best to react in the moment. Here, we set out the steps to take in the immediate aftermath of an accident, and how best to claim for a road traffic accident.
Make sure everyone is safe and check for injuries
The first thing you should do after any accident is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. Check for any injuries – if anyone requires immediately medical attention at the scene, you should phone 999 and ask for an ambulance as soon as possible. Where injuries are less severe, you should arrange to be examined by your GP.
It is worth noting that you will need to have a medical examination if you wish to make a car accident claim.
Report the accident to the police
If you or anyone else has been hurt in an accident on the road, you should report the accident to the police within 24 hours of the collision. It does not matter if another party involved in the accident has told you that they will make a report – you still need to report the incident yourself as soon as possible.
You should also report the accident if other parties involved left the scene without exchanging details, or if you believe a crime has been committed.
Exchange contact details and collect evidence
Where possible, you should collect as much evidence and information from the scene as you can. This should include the details of all parties involved in the accident (including contact information, vehicle make and model, and its registration plate number), as well as evidence from the accident itself. This could include photos of the accident and any damage caused, the location of any CCTV cameras, and the contact details of any witnesses.
You should not apologise or admit any responsibility for the accident until you are fully aware of how the accident occurred, as this could affect the process of determining who is at fault.
Make a road traffic accident claim
If you’ve been injured in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our expert road traffic accident solicitors will need to review your case and can let you know if you are eligible straightaway. We can help gather the evidence needed to support your case and work hard to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation. Start today by getting in touch with a specialist car crash lawyer on 0330 041 5869 or filling in our online form.
How do I make a road traffic accident claim?
The road traffic accident claims process can be complex. If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident, it’s always best to get in touch with our team so we can discuss your case in more detail and carefully assess the best way forward for you.
When looking to make a road accident claim, these are the steps to follow:
Contact us online today to speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors, who will be able to discuss your claim with you.
We will assess your claim and contact the insurers of the party to blame and commence the process.
We will liaise with the police and witnesses.
To support your claim, your road traffic injury solicitor will need to obtain medical evidence. We’ll do this with your permission, and then assess your medical records and arrange for you to have an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing expert medical evidence required in cases such as this.
We’ll ensure you have access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim for road traffic accident injuries. However, there are occasions when a successful settlement cannot be reached and we will need to commence Court Proceedings and proceed to a hearing before a Judge. The vast majority of cases reach a compromise without the need for a full hearing before a Judge.
Our expert road or car crash solicitors will keep you informed and supported as the claim progresses.
After being involved in a traffic collision while riding his motorbike, our client Paul, a police officer was injured, which led to him having his leg amputated after years of trying to save the leg. Here’s how our personal injury team helped.
Found this useful?
Share this video:
Richard Gaffney and his team supported me throughout my personal injury claim, from being paralysed in a hospital bed to successfully settling my claim arising from a cycling accident over 3 years later. He was always calm and measured in our dealings particularly when I was often frustrated with the slow nature of the legal process. As a fellow cyclist I was reassured by his empathy with my demise. Highly recommend if you are prepared to fight to the bitter end.
Client testimonial (for Richard Gaffney)
Nothing was too much trouble for Matt. He always explained things and made sure I understood everything. I was delighted with the settlement he secured on what I know was a very challenging case.
Client testimonial (for Matthew Tomlinson)
I was involved in a major RTA causing significant neck injuries that will have a long-term effect on my life. I was appointed Slater Gordon to handle my claim; it’s been a lengthy case and the help and support I received from Chloe Pitt and her team has been absolutely amazing throughout! I am extremely happy with the way everything has been handled by Chloe, I got an amazing settlement and I’m so happy and relieved I can now finally move on from this.
Client testimonial for our Liverpool office
Great professionalism and informative. Throughout my daughter’s road accident claim, Rachel Casales was very helpful, quick to respond to any queries and reassuring. Great work – Thank you Rachel
5* Google Review (for Rachel Casales)
I was involved in a major RTA causing significant neck injuries that will have a long-term effect on my life. I was appointed Slater Gordon to handle my claim; it’s been a lengthy case and the help and support I received from Chloe Pitt and her team has been absolutely amazing throughout! I am extremely happy with the way everything has been handled by Chloe, I got an amazing settlement and I’m so happy and relieved I can now finally move on from this.
Client testimonial for our Liverpool office
When it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a road traffic accident, it is crucial to have a trusted and experienced road traffic accident lawyer by your side.
Our lawyers are among the best and most experienced personal injury lawyers in the country, consistently receiving high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic, collaborative approach to your road traffic accident claim, working closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require.
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic injury claim lawyers to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice to suit your individual needs. We've supported car, pedestrian, bus, Uber accident claims and more.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about road traffic accident claims
How much compensation can I get for my injuries?
The amount of compensation you could be owed for a road traffic accident claim will vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and any financial losses you have suffered.
As a general rule, the more severe your injuries, the more compensation you will receive. This is because severe injuries tend to have a much bigger impact on your life, often requiring significant time out of work and difficulties getting out of the house, socialising, and caring for yourself.
Any compensation awarded will consider also need to consider the likelihood that you’ll make a full recovery. Where it is determined that your injuries will continue to impact you in the long-term, you could be compensated for any additional care requirements, mobility aids, or reduction in earning potential.
Can I claim compensation for a road traffic accident that was partly my fault?
Contributory negligence can be complicated, and we can often feel responsible, even when it is not our fault, for an accident which occurs. It is very important to speak to a specialist car or road traffic accident claim solicitor who can examine the facts and advise on the best course of action.
In all cases of injury, in particular if serious injuries have occurred, even if there is a finding of what is called “contributory negligence”, you may still be entitled to partial compensation and in all instances, it is better to get a slightly reduced compensation award than no support at all. Our lawyers are experts in handling the complexities of such cases. We’ll discuss the circumstances of your accident with you and provide honest feedback on whether you could pursue a claim and what the likely outcome would be.
Can I make a no win no fee road traffic accident claim?
The road traffic accident claims we pursue are via a no win no fee agreement. If you are successful in your claim, your opponent will cover the costs for most of your legal fees. If you are unsuccessful you won’t pay any fees providing you have not misled us in any way.
How long does it take to make a road traffic accident claim?
As each case is different, we cannot give an exact timescale that your claim will take. In every case, your driver, passenger or pedestrian accident lawyer will endeavour to conclude your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible
How long after a road traffic accident can you claim?
You have three years from the date of the accident or from the date the injury was discovered to claim for a road traffic injury, so you shouldn’t delay in seeking legal advice from a specialist lawyer.
Do I have to use the law firm recommended by my insurance company?
No. You have the right to choose your own representation in any legal action, so you are under no obligation to use the law firm recommended by your insurer.
It is strongly recommended that before you begin legal proceedings, you take some time make an informed decision about which law firm you wish to handle your claim. You may wish to consider which factors are important to you; for instance, if you would feel more comfortable speaking to a solicitor face-to-face, you may wish to use a local firm. Additionally, looking for a specialised road traffic accident solicitor provides access to specific knowledge and legal experience in cases like your own.
For a no-obligation discussion with Slater and Gordon’s expert road traffic accident team, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I claim for someone else's road traffic accident?
Claimants will need to be over the age of 18 to bring a claim in their own right. If you’re bringing a claim for anyone under the age of 18, you’ll need to be appointed as a litigation friend, who is a person who acts on behalf of the child in this situation, usually a parent or legal guardian. Court approval of any settlement will be required at the conclusion of the case. Those injured when they are below the age of 18 have the right to claim injury compensation in their own right for three years from the date of their 18th birthday, which means until the day before their 21st birthday.
An injured person may also not be capable of making a claim if they have lost mental capacity (usually caused by a brain injury), whether it was caused by the injury or not. They will need a litigation friend to bring the claim on their behalf. The Court will approve any settlement. This will include people who lack capacity as a result of:
A brain injury
An illness such as Alzheimer's or Dementia
A mental illness or learning difficulties
If the collision resulted in a fatality, a claim can be made by the estate’s legal representatives (the person named as executor in the will if there is one) or otherwise by a family member on behalf of all the dependents.
Can I claim on behalf of my child?
Yes, you can.
A child under the age of 18 cannot legally claim compensation for an accident they were involved in, but a parent or legal guardian can do so on their behalf.
Alternatively, the child can make a claim themselves once they have turned 18. While the normal time limit for making a claim is three years from the date of the accident, this is essentially put on hold for a child under 18. Instead, they will have three years from the date of the 18th birthday to make a claim.
A child will not be able to make a claim themselves if a parent or legal guardian has already claimed compensation on their behalf.
To speak to our team about making a road traffic accident claim on behalf of a child, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will I have to go to court as part of my road traffic accident claim?
It is unlikely that you will need to go to court as part of your claim, but it is possible.
Most road traffic accident claims are settled outside of court, through negotiations with the other party. Where disputes on liability or the compensation owed are raised, solicitors on both sides will follow the Pre-Action Protocols to attempt to resolve the issue without going to court.
However, if this is unsuccessful, a court hearing may be necessary. If this is the case, your solicitor will talk you through what will happen next and will continue to represent you throughout proceedings.
Can I access early payments while my road traffic accident claim is in progress?
We know that finances can be a source of incredible stress, particularly if your injuries mean it is difficult to work. We’re committed to ensuring you can get the support you need and work hard to make sure you have access to any necessary treatment, rehabilitation aids and equipment, and adaptions to your property - or even support you in buying a new property if needed - as soon as possible to assist with your future independence.
In most cases we can obtain financial assistance in the form of interim payments, which are payments made before a case reaches a final settlement. These early road traffic injury compensation payments can pay for rehabilitation, loss of earnings, adapted accommodation, equipment and professional care.
What if the driver at fault didn’t stop or was uninsured?
You can still make a claim against a driver who fled the scene or was uninsured at the time of the accident, though the process will differ slightly.
In cases where a driver cannot be tracked down or they were uninsured, the claim is instead handled by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB was set up by the government to provide compensation to those injured in accidents involved uninsured or untraced drivers.
I was involved in a major RTA causing significant neck injuries that will have a long-term effect on my life. I was appointed Slater Gordon to handle my claim; it’s been a lengthy case and the help and support I received from Chloe Pitt and her team has been absolutely amazing throughout! I am extremely happy with the way everything has been handled by Chloe, I got an amazing settlement and I’m so happy and relieved I can now finally move on from this. Client testimonial for our Liverpool office
Great professionalism and informative. Throughout my daughter’s road accident claim, Rachel Casales was very helpful, quick to respond to any queries and reassuring. Great work – Thank you Rachel 5* Google Review (for Rachel Casales)