GET THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
Our experience values a lot when it comes to accident claims. Take advantage of a free consultation to get expert advice today.
Road Traffic Accident Claims - Claim Your Righful Compensation
You may be entitled to claim compensation if you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Under the Road Traffic Act, road users must drive safely to protect others. If another driver fails to fulfil this duty of care and causes an accident, you could be eligible to make a road traffic accident claim.
Our guide to road traffic claims for accidents will provide you with all the necessary information about the types of collisions that could lead to an RTA claim, the injuries you could claim for, and how much compensation you could receive.
Our experienced road traffic accident solicitors can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you won’t pay the solicitor’s fees unless you are compensated.
Table Of Contents
- Am I Eligible to Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
- Negligence That Might Cause a Road Traffic Accident
- Evidence to Support a Traffic Accident Claim
- Common Causes of Road Traffic Accident Claims
- Claiming Compensation for a Road Traffic Accident
- RTA Claims Time Limits
- Hit and Run Accidents or Road Traffic Accidents with No Insurance
- FAQs
Am I Eligible to Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident, you might be able to claim compensation for your suffering. This applies to accidents involving
- Cars
- Lorries
- Buses
- Taxis
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Scooters
- Pedestrians
However, for a road traffic accident solicitor to handle your claim, you’ll need to provide evidence to show that someone else’s negligence caused the accident and that you were left with injuries.
Negligence That Might Cause a Road Traffic Accident
A failure to take reasonable care in certain circumstances defines negligence. Some examples of negligence that might lead to a road traffic accident include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Failing to maintain a vehicle in a safe condition
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Distracted driving (e.g., using a mobile phone while driving)
- Failing to give way or stop when required
- Aggressive driving (e.g., tailgating or cutting in front of other vehicles)
Evidence to Support a Traffic Accident Claim
Regardless of the cause of the accident, there are specific steps you should take in case you need to make a road traffic accident compensation claim. These include:
- Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, if possible, before moving any vehicles.
- Ensuring that anyone who is injured receives medical treatment, whether by calling an ambulance or going to A&E.
- Writing down the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident occur
- Asking for copies of any dash cam footage that captured the accident
- Reporting the accident to the police if anyone is injured
- Keeping track of any expenses you incur as a result of your injuries, such as medical bills or lost earnings
- Writing down the other driver’s contact details, their vehicle’s registration number, and their insurance policy number
Following these steps can make claiming road traffic accident compensation much more accessible. You can easily obtain copies of your medical records if you have received treatment at A&E. Obtaining copies of your medical records can help prove the severity of your injuries.
Common Causes of Road Traffic Accident Claims
Road traffic accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and various factors can cause them. Some common causes of road traffic accident claims include:
- Aggressive driving includes road rage, speeding, and dangerous or careless driving.
- Drivers who are not paying attention, such as those on their phones, adjusting their sat-nav, or changing the radio station, cause collisions.
- Accidents are caused by drivers who misjudge distance and pull out in front of you, such as at a roundabout.
- Incidents where the other driver was drunk or affected by drugs.
- Motorcyclists who have been injured by careless drivers turning into their path when turning right at a junction.
- Vehicles hit and injured cyclists due to careless drivers not leaving enough room when attempting to pass.
In addition, you may also be eligible for a road traffic accident claim for compensation against the public body responsible for the road if they have failed to fix a road defect, such as a pothole, that caused an accident. You can claim if you have any type of injury, including those affecting your back, head, and neck or those resulting in soft tissue damage, fractures, cuts, and bruises.
Claiming Compensation for a Road Traffic Accident
It’s important to note that no two road traffic accidents are the same, so until your case is under review, it’s difficult to say how much compensation you could receive. However, we can show you what could be included in your claim. Generally, road traffic accident claims are split into two categories:
- General damages cover your pain, suffering, and loss of amenities. This can include physical and psychological injuries, as well as any illnesses.
- Special damages help you claim any financial costs linked to your accident. You may be able to claim road traffic accident compensation for a disability resulting from the accident, including costs for care, prescription fees, non-NHS medical treatment, lost income, and home modifications.
To claim general damages, you may need a medical assessment, which our solicitors can arrange locally. An independent specialist will assess you and report back on your injuries and future prognosis.
RTA Claims Time Limits
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, it’s essential to know that there are time limits for submitting a road traffic accident claim. In most cases, you must submit your road traffic claim within three years from the date of the accident.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if you were only aware of your injuries at a later date. The time limit does not apply if you were a child at the time of injury until you turn 18, and your parent or guardian can claim on your behalf.
Hit and Run Accidents or Road Traffic Accidents with No Insurance
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run or a road traffic accident with someone without insurance, you may still be able to make a road traffic accident claim. Our road traffic accident solicitors could help you claim compensation for any injuries you sustained. We’ll handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on your recovery. Please call us today to find out how we can help you.
Dealing with an insurance company can be overwhelming, especially when they’re questioning the technical legal or medical aspects of your case. That’s why it’s essential to have a solicitor on your side who knows how to handle these questions. If our team accepts your claim, we’ll take everything for you, from dealing with the insurance company to keeping you up to date on the progress of your road traffic accident claim. We’ll also ensure that any settlement offered fully covers your suffering.
Our road traffic accident solicitors can also help you claim on behalf of somebody who has sustained life-changing injuries or for a loved one who has been killed in a fatal accident. If you need more information on how to proceed with these types of claims, please call our solicitors.
FAQs
You can claim compensation for various things, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Yes, you can still claim for road traffic accident compensation, but the amount you receive may be reduced based on your level of fault.
In most cases, you must make a road traffic claim three years from the accident date. However, if you were a child during the accident, the time limit doesn’t apply until you turn 18.
It can be helpful to have one as they can guide you through the process and help you get the maximum compensation possible.
The time it takes to settle a claim depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
You can find a road traffic accident solicitor near you by searching online, asking for recommendations, and contacting local bar associations or law societies.
