Road Traffic Accident Claims

In 2022, there were 129,000 reported road traffic accidents in the UK, with over 25,000 individuals sustaining serious injuries. Tragically, 1,560 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions that same year, according to the Department for Transport.

These figures demonstrate the widespread impact of road traffic accidents and the importance of seeking legal advice if you’ve been involved in a crash. Whether the accident was minor or serious, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

A Road Traffic Accident Claim is a legal process where you seek compensation for injuries and damages sustained in a road traffic incident. This could involve a collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian accident, a motorcycle crash, or any other accident that occurs on the road.

Compensation can cover a wide range of losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Treatment and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Earnings: Compensation for income lost due to injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Damage to Property: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles or property.

We can help you pursue a claim against the party responsible for the accident, which can include drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, or even local authorities if road conditions contributed to the incident.

The individual or party responsible for the accident will depend on the circumstances of the crash. Potential liable parties include:

• Other Drivers: If another driver was at fault due to reckless driving, speeding, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Motorcyclists/Cyclists: If you were involved in a collision with a motorcyclist or cyclist, and they were at fault.
• Pedestrians: If a pedestrian was responsible for the accident (for example, by crossing the road recklessly).
• Local Authorities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, such as potholes, lack of proper signage, or faulty traffic lights.
• Employers: If the accident occurred as a result of someone driving on work duties (such as a delivery driver).

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, follow these steps to maximise your chances of receiving compensation:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, always get checked by a healthcare professional to ensure that any injuries are documented and treated promptly.
2. Report the Accident: If the accident involves injury or significant property damage, report it to the police. This will help ensure that an official record is created.
3. Collect Evidence: If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
4. Exchange Details: Ensure you exchange contact and insurance details with the other party involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and insurance details.
5. Contact Us: It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case, help you understand your rights, and guide you through the claims process.

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on several factors, including:

• The Severity of Your Injuries: The more serious the injury, the higher the potential compensation.
• Financial Losses: This includes lost wages, medical bills, and any other financial losses caused by the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Vehicle Damage: You can claim for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the crash.

We will work with medical professionals and experts to accurately assess your injuries and losses to ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of your suffering.

In the UK, the general time limit for making a road traffic accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, in some cases, this time frame may vary. If the victim is a child, the claim can be made until they turn 18, and in some circumstances, the limitation period may be extended. It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.

While you are not legally required to hire a solicitor, it is highly recommended, especially if you’ve suffered injuries or damage as a result of the accident. An experienced solicitor will:

• Help you navigate the complex legal system.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the maximum compensation.
• Deal with any disputes about liability.
• Help gather and present evidence to support your case.