This guide will explore the process of making personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK. In order to hold a valid road traffic accident claim, you must be able to prove that another road user breached the duty of care they owed you and caused you to sustain harm. We will explore the responsibilities each road user has in more detail throughout this guide.
A guide on personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK
Additionally, our guide will discuss the evidence needed to make a successful claim and other steps you could take to build a strong case.
Furthermore, we will share the most common causes of car accidents.
If, after finishing this guide, you have any questions regarding road accident compensation, you can speak with our advisors. They are available to help you with your queries, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact us now by:
- Calling us on the number at the top of this page.
- Filling out our online contact form.
- Using the live chat function below.
Choose A Section
- Can I Make Personal Injury Claims For A Car Accident In The UK?
- Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents
- What Evidence Could Support Car Accident Claims?
- Car Accident Claim Payouts
- Are No Win No Fee Agreements More Affordable?
- More Information About Personal Injury Claims For A Car Accident In The UK
Can I Make Personal Injury Claims For A Car Accident In The UK?
Road traffic accidents can be between two cars, a car and a cyclist and even a car and a pedestrian. Additionally, they can involve just one car crashing into an unmoving object like a tree or a lamppost.
However, to be able to claim compensation for a road traffic accident, you first must be able to prove that a third party’s negligence caused you to sustain harm. Negligence involves someone breaching the duty of care they owed you.
In some cases, you might be able to claim if you were partially liable for the accident. This is called a split liability claim. However, the compensation you’re awarded will be adjusted accordingly.
Contact our advisors for more information regarding personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK.
Recent Road Accident Statistics
The Department for Transport provided statistics on reported road causalities in Great Britain in 2021. As per the statistics, there were an estimated:
- 1,560 road deaths
- 27,300 casualties killed or seriously injured
- 127,967 casualties of all severities.
If you have suffered an injury in a car crash, speak to our advisors about personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK.
Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents
The Highway Code in conjunction with the Road Traffic Act 1998, set out rules and responsibilities of all road users to promote road safety.
If another road user were to break the rules of the road, they could cause a serious accident. Some examples of car accidents include:
- Another driver makes an illegal move on a roundabout, which causes them to crash into the side of your car. You then suffer from a dislocated shoulder.
- The driver behind you is distracted by their phone and hasn’t noticed you’ve come to a stop at a red light. They crash into the back of your car, and you suffer from a neck injury.
- A drunk driver is driving down the wrong side of the road. They crash head-on into your car, causing you to suffer from a broken leg, back injury and PTSD.
If you have been involved in any of the following scenarios or another road accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injuries. Speak with our team today about personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK.
What Evidence Could Support Car Accident Claims?
In the aftermath of a car accident, there are additional steps you can take to help you make a successful claim.
- Get medical attention – It’s always best to get your injuries checked and treated after an accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might want to visit A&E or book an appointment with your GP. Additionally, you can request a copy of your medical file that will show any diagnosis and treatment you received for your injury. This could be used as evidence to support your case. It can also help when valuing how much compensation you’re owed.
- Gather evidence – Having as much evidence as possible to prove you were the innocent party in the accident will help you make a successful claim. This can include CCTV footage or dash cam of the car accident, any witness contact details which can be used to get a witness statement later on or photographs of the accident or your injuries.
- Get legal advice – Following a road traffic accident, you may want to receive some legal advice on what to do next. Our advisors can help you with any questions you may have regarding personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK. They could also connect you with a solicitor from our panel should you hold a valid claim.
Car Accident Claim Payouts
In personal injury law, settlements can be divided into general and special damages.
Any physical and mental suffering you endure from your injury is compensated under general damages.
Below, we have included a table of compensation amounts from the most recent release of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), published in April 2022. The JCG can help solicitors value the general damages portion of your claim. It sets out guideline compensation brackets for different injuries.
Please use the following figures as a guideline, as the amounts awarded vary from case to case. Also, it only applies to claims made in England and Wales.
| Injury | Severity/Notes | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Injuries - Amputations | (a) Above-knee amputation of one leg (iii) - The amount awarded will be dependent on the severity of phantom pains, the success of any prosthetics and associated psychological issues as well as other factors. | £104,830 - £137,470 |
| Leg Injuries | (c) Less Serious (i) - The person will suffer from a fracture but it won't recover completely. | £17,960 - £27,760 |
| Back Injuries | (a) Severe (iii) - The person will suffer from fractures or disc lesions. This will cause continuing severe pain and discomfort and agility impairment as well as other possible issues. | £38,780 - £69,730 |
| Neck Injuries | (b) Moderate (i) Fractures or dislocations that cause immediate and severe issues. | £24,990 - £38,490 |
| Wrist Injuries | (a) The person will have lost the complete function of the wrist. | £47,620 - £59,860 |
| Wrist Injuries | (d) - The person will suffer from a fracture or soft tissue injury. Recovery will take longer than 12 months and may only leave minor symptoms. | £6,080 - £10,350 |
| Ankle Injuries | (b) Severe - The injury will need an extensive treatment period and can cause ankle instability and limited walking ability. The amount awarded will depend on specific symptoms. | £31,310 - £50,060 |
| Ankle Injuries | (c) Moderate - This includes fractures and ligamentous tears. Symptoms will result in difficulty standing for long periods, awkwardness on stairs and difficulty walking on uneven ground. | £13,740 - £26,590 |
| Shoulder Injuries | (b) Serious - The person will have a dislocated shoulder with lower brachial plexus damage. This will cause pain in the neck and shoulder and will result in limited shoulder movement and grip weakness. | £12,770 - £19,200 |
| Shoulder Injuries | (c) Moderate- The person will have a frozen shoulder. This will cause discomfort and limited shoulder movement. Symptoms will last for about two years. | £7,890 - £12,770 |
Additionally, special damages consider the financial losses you’ve suffered due to your injury. This can be anything from travel expenses, lost wages, and paying for private care. For example, you may have needed to take taxis to your hospital appointments due to being unable to drive. Keeping a record of these financial losses will help you to claim them back.
How Could The Whiplash Reforms Affect The Payout I Receive?
The implementation of the Whiplash Reform Programme means that the process of making low-value road traffic accident claims has changed.
From 31st May 2021, any passengers or drivers of vehicles, over the age of 18 with injuries valued at £5,000 or less must claim through the government’s online portal.
These injuries are valued in line with the tariff listed in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
If you’re unsure about the value of your injuries, call our team. They can provide a free valuation and help you understand which avenue you may need to take to seek compensation.
Are No Win No Fee Agreements More Affordable?
If you are considering pursuing a claim and would like to do so with legal representation, our panel of solicitors can help you by offering their services on a No Win No Fee basis.
There are different types of these arrangements, including a Conditional Fee Agreement. As per the agreement:
- There are no payable upfront or ongoing fees for the services your solicitor provides.
- Those with successful cases will see a small success fee taken from their compensation.
- For cases that aren’t successful, there is no obligation to pay for your solicitor’s services.
Speak with our team for more information regarding personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK.
Speak With Our Advisors About Personal Injury Claims For A Car Accident In The UK
If you still have any questions regarding personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK, speak with our team. Our advisors are available to help you with your queries, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact us now by:
- Calling us on the number at the top of this page.
- Filling out our online contact form.
- Using the live chat function below.
More Information About Personal Injury Claims For A Car Accident In The UK
Please find below some additional resources that might benefit you.
- A complete guide to road traffic accident claims.
- What is the personal injury claims time limit?
- How much are road traffic accidents worth in compensation?
- Think!: Road safety laws
- NHS: Broken arm or wrist
- GOV: Request CCTV footage of yourself
Thank you for reading this guide regarding personal injury claims for a car accident in the UK. If you need any other information, call our team.
Writer Megan Round
Editor Meg MacAllister