Car Accident Claims

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, we could guide you through the process of making a compensation claim.

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Claiming compensation for a car accident

Car accidents can be distressing, frustrating and scary. They can happen to anyone at any time and can cause serious injuries and other problems.

In 2020, 63,488 people were injured in car accidents on our roads, while 624 people lost their lives.

If you’re suffering from injuries that were the result of a car accident caused by someone else, you could be able to make a claim for compensation to help your recovery.

Common injuries we can help you make a claim for include:

How do I make a car crash claim?

The law around road traffic accident claims has changed. The Civil Liability Act 2018 has meant that the small claims limit has increased from £1,000 to £5,000, which means solicitors won't be able to recover their fees from the other side in many cases. This could make it difficult to find legal help for a car accident claim of up to £5,000.

But help is still available.

If you think you may have a car accident claim, the first thing to do is get in touch for free with the team here at First4Lawyers.

We’ll talk you through your accident and establish whether we think you have a valid claim. If so, we’ll introduce you to a specialist road traffic accident solicitor.

Your solicitor will then talk through your case and set out your options. They’ll explain their No Win No Fee agreement with you and check that you’re happy to go ahead – everything is on your terms.

Once you have agreed to proceed with a claim, your solicitor will begin the process. This will involve compiling your evidence and contacting the responsible party’s insurer to let them know that you intend to make a claim.

How much do car accident claims cost?

Our solicitors typically work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get your claim started. It also means that you won’t have to pay anything if you aren’t successful.

A No Win No Fee agreement means that there are no hidden costs. You are informed at the beginning of the process about what percentage of the compensation awarded your solicitor will take.

Your car accident personal injury claim shouldn’t cost you money to pursue. You are entitled to justice after being hurt by another driver’s negligence or mistake. Our No Win No Fee claims process helps you get that justice.

Only pay a fee if you receive compensation

Where we offer No Win No Fee services for road traffic accident claims typically customers pay 30% + VAT of the amount recovered by our solicitors, although this will be subject to your individual circumstances and the actual fee may be less than this. Success fees are common practice and they were introduced when the law changed in April 2013. This amount is higher than the normal 25% on all other personal injury claims because of changes introduced through the Civil Liability Act 2018.

How much compensation will I receive?

Every situation is different. You may be involved in a similar car accident to someone else, but suffer different injuries. That’s why every car crash claim is assessed individually and why your compensation will depend on your specific circumstances.

Car accident injury compensation will be split into two parts: general damages and special damages.

General damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced after your car crash, as well as any impact on your quality of life. Special damages compensate you for any financial effect the crash has had – such as a loss of earnings if you can’t work, damage to your property and medical treatment.

Our compensation calculator could give you a rough idea of what you may be entitled to after your car accident. If you’d prefer to talk to someone about it, you can get in touch with us for free to discuss your claim.

Car accident claims now see different amounts of compensation awarded than they previously have. This is thanks to the government's Civil Liability Act 2018. But First4Lawyers and our legal experts are still on your side and we will keep working hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Why should I make a car crash claim?

If you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you are legally entitled to compensation. This can go a long way towards aiding your recovery, helping you get back into the position you were in before you were hurt.

Car accidents can be serious. They can result in severe injuries. This could mean you’re unable to work, which could then lead to real money worries. A successful claim will allow you to focus on your recovery rather than your financial difficulties.

It can also help you pay for whatever you need to help you get back to health. This could be any mobility aids you require, any home modifications or any form of treatment, such as physiotherapy.

How long do I have to make a car accident claim?

Most people will have three years to make a claim from the date of their car accident. Although it sounds like lots of time to start your claim, it’s a good idea to begin the process as soon as possible.

The sooner you start your claim, the easier you will find it to recall the details of your crash. Witnesses and anyone else involved in the accident could also find it easier to remember exactly what happened.

You could also find it more straightforward to get hold of any required evidence when you start your claim as soon as possible. This could include police reports, insurance records and even CCTV.

There are some exceptions to the three-year deadline, though. If a child was injured in a car accident, they will have three years from the date of their 18th birthday to make a claim. And if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to claim for themselves, you will only face a time limit if they regain capacity.

What evidence do I need for a car accident claim?

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. If you’re able, there are a few things you can do at the scene of the accident to help provide this evidence.

Take photographs and video footage of your vehicle and injuries as soon as the accident happens. You should also get the details of anyone else involved in the accident and anyone who saw it happen.

Make sure you report your accident to the police. You might find that the report on your crash can form significant evidence when making a car accident injury claim. Your medical records will also contribute to the evidence you need for a strong claim. Your solicitor will likely arrange for you to have a medical assessment by an expert to show how the accident has affected your health.

If applicable, you can also get your employer to produce a letter documenting that you have not worked or lost hours, explaining how much of your income you have lost out on. This can help you claim that loss back.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We understand the impact a car accident can have on your health and your wider life. We know that as well as a physical effect, these kinds of road accidents can result in a knock to your confidence, anxiety around vehicles and even more psychological consequences.

First4Lawyers work with expert personal injury solicitors, who will do their utmost to present the strongest case possible to get you the compensation you deserve.

We have won multiple awards for our commitment to helping you get the best outcome for your claim. Our friendly and understanding advisors are dedicated to ensuring the process of making a car injury claim is as straightforward as possible.

If you want to talk through your car accident and find out your options, just get in touch. You can give us a free call, request a call back at a more convenient time or simply start your claim online and we’ll take it from there.

Car Accident Compensation Calculator

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  • In these cases brain damage, if any, will be minimal.
  • Where a good recovery has been made but symptoms such as poor concentration and memory problems continue.
  • Where ability to work is reduced and there is a risk of epilepsy.
  • The injured person is very seriously disabled and is dependent on others.
  • Epilepsy has been caused as a consequence of the injury.
  • Affecting the ability to cope with life and/or work or affecting relationships with family and friends.
  • The injured person largely recovers within two years.
  • Injury causes effects that cause significant disability for the foreseeable future, or permanently.
  • In consequence of defective permanent waving etc. where effects are dermatitis or hair loss leading to distress and effects on social life.
  • Where hair has been pulled out leaving bald patches, or stress-induced alopecia with full recovery within two years.
  • Resulting in pain and temporary interference with vision.
  • Permanent impairment of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Total loss of sight in one eye and reduced vision or other problems with the other eye
  • Total loss of sight in one eye only.
  • Mild tinnitus with some hearing loss
  • With noise induced hearing loss, or moderate to severe tinnitus, or noise induced hearing loss alone.
  • With noise induced hearing loss
  • With or without associated problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or headaches.
  • With or without the speech being affected, or tinnitus.
  • Full recovery with no surgery required.
  • Where recovery is complete after surgery
  • Injuries requiring a number of operations and/or resulting in permanent damage.
  • Simple fracture of the cheekbone, which will fully recover without surgery.
  • Simple fracture of the cheekbone requiring some reconstructive surgery, but with full recovery and little or no cosmetic effects.
  • Serious fractures causing lasting effects such as burning/prickling sensation or an element of disfigurement.
  • Requiring immobilisation but recovery is complete.
  • Serious injury causing permanent damage, such as difficulty eating or opening the mouth.
  • Very serious multiple fractures requiring prolonged treatment. Permanent effects such as severe pain, restricted eating.
  • Assessed per tooth.
  • Single tooth only.
  • Extends over a number of years, including significant deterioration of overall condition of the teeth.
  • Where full recovery takes place between nine months and one year.
  • Fractures or dislocations which cause severe immediate symptoms and chronic conditions, leading to impaired function or limitation of activities.
  • Injuries usually involving serious fractures or disc damage leading to disability, such as substantial loss of movement or loss of function in one or more limbs.
  • Caused by asbestos
  • Varying levels of respiratory disability and reduced lung function (1-10% and in excess of 10%)
  • Severe pain and impairment of the pleura (lung lining) or the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), affecting function and quality of life.
  • Causing respiratory disability attributed to asbestos exposure.
  • Causing permanent damage, impairment of function, physical disability and reduction of life expectancy.
  • Such as soft tissue damage causing considerable pain but recovery almost complete within two years.
  • Such as frozen shoulder causing limitation of movement and discomfort for up to two years.
  • Causing pain in shoulder and neck, aching in elbow, weakness of arm and hand.
  • Involving damage to the brachial plexus and resulting in significant disability.
  • Temporary or permanent disability as a result of a fracture.
  • Such as strains, sprains, disc prolapses and soft tissue injuries.
  • Such as disturbances of ligaments and muscles causing backache, or compression fracture.
  • Injuries causing severe pain and disability, including impaired bladder, bowel and sexual function.
  • Resulting in significant or permanent disability
  • Most elbow injuries such as simple fractures, laceration and tennis elbow, not resulting in permanent damage or impairment.
  • Injuries causing impairment of function but not involving major surgery or significant disabilty
  • Injuries such as deep lacerations, soft tissue wounds or crush injuries, all recovering within six months.
  • Resulting in impairment of grip or reduced mechanical function. Partial amputations resulting in deformity.
  • Injuries such as a thumb being severed and re-attached, leaving it with little use, amputation of the tip or at the joint of the thumb. Nerve damage or fracture resulting in impaired grip or dexterity.
  • Amputation resulting in very little use and weak grip.
  • Amputation due to crush injuries, or loss of a significant part of the hand due to traumatic injury.
  • Serious injury resulting in extensive damage to both hands, effectively leaving them with little use.
  • Caused by repeated vibration, damage to hands including impaired grip, dexterity and frequent pain.
  • Such as an uncomplicated fracture with full or virtual recovery.
  • Injuries resulting in significant permanent disability, but some useful movement remains.
  • Injuries causing some permanent disability, such as persistent pain and stiffness.
  • Resulting in complete loss of function in the wrist, for example when an arthrodesis has been performed.
  • Such as a broken femur, tibia or fibular
  • Serious fracture or injuries to joints or ligaments, scarring, instability and lengthy treatment required.
  • Fractures where a full recovery is not made.
  • Loss of a leg below the knee
  • Loss of a leg above the knee
  • Both legs being lost above the knee, below the knee, or where one leg has been lost above the knee and the other below.
  • Torn cartilage or meniscus, laceration, twisting and bruising. May be full recovery, or continued aches and pains.
  • Injury or damage causing mild disability or continuing pain, discomfort or limited movement that may require future surgery.
  • Fractures, joint or ligament damage causing constant pain, impairing movement and agility. Requiring prolonged treatment, the injured person will be prone to osteoarthritis.
  • Including fractures where there is full recovery within two years.
  • Significant injury but any permanent disability is not major. Injury may require a hip replacement.
  • Such as extensive fractures resulting in substantial disabilities.
  • Simple metatarsal fractures, ruptured ligaments.
  • Displaced metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity.
  • Fractures to feet resulting in restricted mobility and /or considerable continuing pain.
  • Crush or multiple fractures to two or more toes, resulting in permanent disability.
  • Undisplaced fractures, sprains and ligament injuries.
  • For fractures and ligament tears resulting in moderate disability, such as difficulty walking on uneven ground or on stairs.
  • Injuries involving long periods of treatment, long period in plaster and some permanent disability.

Simply fill in our form below and we’ll call you back at a time to suit you.

Or talk to our team on:
0808 271 6198

There are other types of compensation you could be awarded through your accident such as loss of earnings or damage to property. The estimates given here are simply for your personal injury claim.

First4Lawyers' solicitors will be able to give you the best idea of the amount you should expect from your individual injury.

It is important to keep in mind that every case is different and the advice and estimates you'll be given, once your case has started, will be tailored specifically for your case.

Road Traffic Accident FAQs

Can passengers claim compensation?

Yes, if you’re a passenger who has been involved in a collision on the road and suffered injuries through no fault of your own, then you’re entitled to make a claim for compensation.

I was hit by an uninsured driver. Can I claim?

Yes, you can make a claim if you were hit by an uninsured driver.

With the help of our panel of solicitors, you can claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).

Backed by every motor insurer in the UK, the MIB is a scheme set up to help compensate victims of accidents caused by uninsured and untraced motorists.

How much can I claim for a road traffic accident?

It depends on the type and severity of any injuries sustained.

For those inflicted with minor brain or head injuries, they could receive between £1,940 and £11,200. At the other end of the scale, severe leg injuries could see compensation between £48,080 and £119,210, whereas loss of an arm may mean an award of between £84,310 to upwards of £120,270.

For further examples see our compensation calculator.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Generally speaking there is a limit of three years to start a claim, starting from the date of your accident. If you were under the age of 18 when you had your accident, you have until your 21st birthday.

How long will a claim take?

The length of time it will take to make your claim depends on your individual circumstances.

Every case is different, so it’s very difficult to say at the early stages how long the process will be from start to finish.

Once your solicitor has completed their initial investigations into your case, they will be in a better position to advise you on how long the process is likely to take.

To give you a very general idea:

  • For a personal injury claim like minor whiplash, for example, the process could be completed in about six months. But in more complex cases, such as claims involving a trip, slip or fall, it could take over a year to be settled. The process could also be longer if the defendant disputes your claim.

  • Claiming for a work accident could be between six and nine months. But if the injury is more severe, or there are legal complexities, it could take longer.

  • Medical negligence cases tend to take longer as they can be complex with multiple factors and evidence.  A rough estimate would be 18-26 months.

You can contact one of our advisors to discuss your situation.

Why choose First4Lawyers?

Whether you want to make an accident and injury claim, or need a solicitor for personal or business law matters - our friendly team are here to help, 24/7.

Free initial consultation

Our fully trained legal advisors are happy to offer initial guidance and advice for free

No Win No Fee*

No Win No Fee solicitors - you don't pay a penny up front when making a claim

No pressure

We offer advice with no obligation.  We never cold-call or apply pressure to our customers

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