Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

Have you been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault? You could make a personal injury claim – and that's where we can help you.

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If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, our experienced Car Accident Lawyers can help you.

We deal with all types of car accident claims, including those involving foreign vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists hit by cars, passenger accident claims, claims for children and Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims involving untraced and uninsured drivers.

Our specialist Lawyers offer a free claims assessment and initial legal advice so you know right away if you have a valid claim. What’s more, our No Win, No Fee agreement means you can pursue a claim without upfront costs, and you only pay if we’re successful.

We know being involved in a car accident can raise many personal challenges. Our team of expert car accident lawyers is highly experienced and dedicated to securing you the best possible compensation, helping to alleviate financial pressure and equip you so can focus on rehabilitation.

Get in touch today!

Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010

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What Is a Car Accident Compensation Claim?

Car accidents, even minor ones, can disrupt your life, potentially causing financial strain as well as lasting injuries and emotional trauma.

Road users are expected to travel in a way that minimises the risk of accidents, both for themselves and others, in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) and the Highway Code.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim for compensation if you can demonstrate that:

  • Another road user failed in their duty of care towards you. For instance, by driving at excessive speed or driving without due care and attention.
  • Their actions led to a road traffic accident in which you suffered physical or psychological harm.

A car accident compensation claim is a legal process that enables you to seek financial compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve sustained in a road traffic accident.

While insurers may offer an initial settlement, it is crucial to seek expert advice from our specialist Car Accident Lawyers. With their help, you can ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve, covering both immediate and long-term impacts.

Why Should You Make a Claim?

Making a claim isn’t just about receiving money, it’s about safeguarding your future and ensuring you have the resources to rebuild your life after the accident. Compensation provides financial support for things like:

  • Rehabilitation costs, including physiotherapy, counselling, or specialist care.
  • Damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings during the accident.
  • If you are unable to work due to your injuries, compensation can cover your lost income.
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments or adapting to new mobility needs.
  • Specialist modifications to your home or vehicle.
  • The psychological impact of a car accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Accidents on the road can be sudden, leaving you little time to react. However, understanding the circumstances and likely cause or contributing factors of your accident can help to build a strong claim.

Some of the most common car accident causes include:

  • Driver error
  • Distraction or failure to react
  • Misjudgement of speed or distance
  • Speeding
  • Intoxicated driving
  • Adverse road or weather conditions
  • Careless, reckless or inconsiderate driving
  • Mechanical faults.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Every road traffic accident is unique, and the injuries sustained can range from minor to life-altering, or even fatal. The impact of these injuries can be far-reaching, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being and financial stability. Below are some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents:

  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Often caused by the sudden jolt of a collision, whiplash leads to pain, stiffness, and discomfort, typically in the neck, shoulders, or back.
  • Broken Bones: Frequently seen in more serious accidents, with fractures commonly occurring in the limbs, ribs, or pelvis.
  • Head and Brain Injuries: Ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), these injuries can have long-lasting effects, including cognitive impairments or permanent disability.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, severely impacting your mobility and independence. A spinal injury can dramatically alter your lifestyle, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Our team can support you with spinal injury claims.
  • Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after the accident, especially in cases of severe crashes or loss of life.
  • Facial Injuries: Impacts to the face during a car accident can lead to cuts, bruises, fractures, or dental injuries, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery and leading to scarring or disfigurement.
  • Internal Injuries: These are often life-threatening if not treated promptly, as the force of a crash can damage organs, such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart, and lead to internal bleeding.
  • Crush Injuries: These occur when a part of the body is subjected to intense pressure, often in high-impact crashes. Crush injuries can damage muscles, bones, and tissues, sometimes leading to complications like infections or compartment syndrome.
  • Potential Amputation: In severe accidents, particularly those involving high speeds or heavy vehicles, limbs can become so severely damaged that amputation may be necessary. This can have a profound impact on your quality of life, requiring extensive rehabilitation and the use of prosthetics.

Each of these injuries can significantly affect your life and livelihood, but with the right legal and medical support, you can pursue compensation that helps ease the burden of recovery.

What Can Compensation For A Car Accident Be Used For?

Compensation is intended to help you regain stability in your life and support your recovery. Whilst no amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious accident, it can provide you with the necessary resources to rebuild your life. Compensation can be used for:

  • Long-term care and rehabilitation: If you require physiotherapy, surgery, or rehabilitation to help recover from your injuries.
  • Loss of income: If you’ve been forced to take time off work or are unable to return to your previous role due to your injuries, compensation can replace your lost earnings.
  • Vehicle repair or replacement: Accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles, and compensation can help repair or replace your car.
  • Home adjustments for mobility issues: In cases of serious injury, you may need to modify your home to accommodate reduced mobility, such as installing ramps or widening doorways.
  • Therapy for emotional distress: Trauma from the accident, such as PTSD or anxiety, often requires psychological support. Compensation can cover the cost of therapy or counselling.

Making a claim is an important step towards securing your financial future and getting the support you need to move forward after you’ve been through a road traffic accident.

You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of someone else’s mistake. Our No Win No Fee agreement means there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if we successfully secure compensation for you.

Am I Eligible for Car Accident Compensation?

When you get in touch for a free claims assessment, our Car Accident Lawyers will evaluate your case and decide if we can prove three key facts:

  • Someone else was responsible for the accident.
  • You were injured because of the accident.
  • The accident happened in the last 3 years.

If your case meets these criteria, it’s likely you will be eligible for car accident compensation.

Do You Need To Use A Car Accident Lawyer?

Whilst it’s not mandatory, using an experienced car accident lawyer who understands the process and it’s complexities can increase your chances of success. At Simpson Millar, our Personal Injury team can guide you through the road traffic accidents claims process, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible.

Can I Claim If I Wasn’t Driving?

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation even if you weren’t the driver. Passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians involved in a car accident may all be eligible to make a personal injury claim.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Flees?

If the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of accidents caused by uninsured or untraceable drivers. When the other driver doesn’t have valid insurance cover or has fled the scene, the process of seeking compensation is different. Our specialist car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the intricacies of making a claim through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau.

Can I Make A Car Accident Claim If It Was My Fault?

Some car accidents are caused by a combination of errors, making it difficult to immediately establish who is at fault. Whilst you may feel you were to blame, or were at least partially responsible, you could be unaware that another party involved also shares some of the blame.

That's why it's always beneficial to consult a specialist car accident lawyer to review the details comprehensively and fully understand your legal options. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to claim some compensation.

What Evidence Do I Need To Start A Car Accident Claim?

To start your road accident claim we’ll build a strong case by gathering key evidence. This could include:

  • Contact details of all involved drivers, including name, insurance details, and vehicle registration number.
  • Photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle and your injuries.
  • Dash cam, CCTV or other video footage.
  • Police or accident reports relating to the incident.
  • Medical records documenting the extent of your injuries.
  • Witness statements supporting your claim.

What’s the Process for Making a Claim?

Beginning a car accident claim can be daunting, but our experts are here to guide you each step of the way. The process typically involves:

Free Initial Claims Assessment

Making a claim begins with a free, initial claims assessment with one of our experiences legal team. We’ll take the time to understand what you’ve been through and tell you if we think you have a case before explaining what happens next.

Investigation And Gathering Evidence

The next step in pursuing your car accident claim involves gathering evidence and conducting a thorough investigation to determine who was responsible for your accident and injures. 

Medical Experts

We’ll arrange a medical examination with an independent medical expert who will create a report documenting your injuries. The report will help us understand how the accident has impacted your life and whether you have any rehabilitation or care needs.

Calculating Your Compensation

Once we have all the information, your Car Accident Lawyer will review it in full and calculate how much compensation you should get.

Interim Payment

If the other side accept responsibility for the accident, we could then apply for an interim payment of compensation, a partial payout made before your case is fully settled. This can help you access medical treatment, cover living costs if you can’t work due to your injuries, and any additional support you need whilst you wait for the case to be fully settled.

Settling Your Claim

If the other side do not accept responsibility, your claim may be scheduled to go to court. If this happens, we will continue negotiating to try and settle your case prior to court proceedings.

The majority of car accident claims don’t get as far as court, but when there are no other options our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in handling court cases, giving you peace of mind that your claim is in capable hands.

Receiving Compensation

Once the claim has been settled, either through negotiation or court proceedings, you will receive your compensation. This payout is designed to cover all of the damages related to your injury, including rehabilitation, lost earnings, and the emotional impact of your injury, and we will make sure the compensation is paid as quickly as possible.

How Do I Start a Claim?

Simply contact us to arrange a Free Initial Claims Assessment, or request a free callback. From there, we’ll take care of the rest, offering you support and guidance at every step.

Will I Need a Medical Examination?

To properly assess your injuries and their long-term impact, you’ll likely need an independent medical examination. The examination will highlight the nature and extent of your physical and psychological injuries, forming an important part of your case’s supporting evidence. Seeking a professional opinion helps us to establish the severity of your injuries and what your future needs are so we can calculate the compensation you’re entitled to.

How Long Will My Claim Take?

Evidence plays a crucial part in the length of time it takes to settle a case, particularly if it leads to the defendant admitting fault. There is no set timeframe for how long a claim will take. Simple cases can be resolved in a few months, whilst more complex or disputed ones may take longer. If court proceedings become necessary, this will extend the process, though most car accident claims settle before reaching court.

Your solicitor will work to keep your claim as efficient as possible. In some cases, they may also secure interim payments to cover medical expenses whilst negotiations are ongoing. For more information on how a personal injury solicitor can assist you, contact us for a free, initial consultation.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Car Accident Injury?

The compensation you can claim for a car accident injury depends primarily on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life. Generally, the more serious your physical or psychological injuries, the higher the compensation you may be entitled to. For example, whiplash claims will result in lower payouts than more serious injuries, such as head injury compensation claims.

Other factors, like your own actions during the accident, may also impact the final compensation amount. For example, if you weren't wearing a seatbelt, your compensation could be reduced.

Your compensation will be made up of two key categories:

  • General Damages covering compensation for your pain, suffering, and the specific injuries you've sustained.
  • Special Damages accounting for any financial losses you've experienced as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, or the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Together, these ensure that both your personal suffering and the financial impact of the accident are fully addressed.

What Will It Cost to Make a Claim?

We know a concern for anyone considering a car accident claim is the cost involved, that’s why we offer a No Win, No Fee arrangement.

With a No Win, No Fee personal injury claims, you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees upfront. However, you will need to cover some additional costs, called disbursements, which can include things like court fees or expert report fees. Fortunately, you can use an insurance product called After the Event Insurance to cover these costs, and your case handler will explain how this works.

When you start your case, you'll sign a Conditional Fee Agreement or a Damages Based Agreement. This means that if you lose, you won’t owe any legal costs. If you win, the other party will pay for part of your legal costs, but you may have to pay some of these from your damages, with a limit set in advance.

Your dedicated case handler will let you know if No Win, No Fee is available to you during your initial, expert claims assessment.  

Can I Claim for an Accident That Happened Abroad?

If you’re injured in a car accident abroad, you may be able to make a claim against the driver responsible or their insurance company. Since the process can be complex, it's a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Compensation claims for car accidents in Europe are handled by UK courts and, for now, remain protected under EU law.

If you were involved in a road accident outside of Europe that wasn’t your fault, you won’t be covered by EU agreements, but you can still pursue a claim against the negligent driver’s insurer. However, the claim may need to be handled outside of UK courts.

If you’re unsure whether you can make a claim for a car accident abroad, our expert team are here to advise you on the right course of action.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your car accident claim is denied, we can explore alternative routes, such as appealing the decision or taking the case to court. Your lawyer will be on hand to help you understand what’s happened and why, and guide you through potential next steps.

Do We Work on a No Win No Fee Basis?

Yes, our No Win No Fee agreement ensures that there’s no financial risk to you when making a claim. This means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.

Do I Have to Use My Insurance’s Recommended Solicitors?

No, you’re don’t have to use your insurer’s recommended solicitors. You’re free to choose your own car accident claims solicitor, so you’re in control of the decision and able to find a team that’s the right fit for you.

Can I Make a Claim for Someone Else?

Yes. You may need to make a claim for a child under the age of 18, on behalf of a loved one who lacks the mental capacity to, for someone who was so badly injured in the accident that they can’t make a claim themselves or if they died because of their injuries.

Our Car Accident Lawyers are specialists in dealing with serious injury claims and fatal car accident claims, so you can be sure you’ll be supported throughout.

FAQs

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, there are exceptions. For individuals with diminished mental capacity, the time limit may not apply, and children have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.

It's important therefore to seek legal advice as soon as possible following a car accident.

Interim payments are early payouts made before your case is completely settled. They give you quick access to funds, helping cover important costs like medical care and living expenses, so you don’t have to wait for the final outcome.Can I Claim If I Was a Passenger?

Yes, passengers are entitled to make a claim, regardless of whether the driver of the vehicle they were in was at fault.

Making a personal injury claim may not affect your insurance premiums. However, this depends on your policy and the circumstances of the accident.

Yes, you can receive compensation for emotional distress caused by the accident. This falls under ‘general damages’, which covers the emotional and psychological impact the accident has had on your life, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sleep issues
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

If you've been involved in a car accident, there are several important steps you should take immediately to ensure your safety and support any future claims:

  • Stop your car and put hazard lights on.
  • Check you and your passengers are okay and call the emergency services if needed.
  • Exchange details including contact and insurance information, number plates and gather details of any witnesses.
  • Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions.
  • Notify the police if required and inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
  • Contact a solicitor to get legal advice to understand your rights and next steps in pursuing a potential claim.

Whether you were the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian, if the accident wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. We offer a No Win, No Fee service so you can pursue compensation without financial risk.

Get in touch for a free, initial assessment, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Get in touch, today!

Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010

This data will only be used by Simpson Millar in accordance with our Privacy Policy for processing your query and for no other purpose