Last Updated On 31st March 2026. Most of us use the roads every day and don’t think twice about our morning commutes, shopping trips, or gym visits. However, if a driver or other road user acts negligently, you could be seriously injured and left facing the challenge of recovering amid the financial fallout of being harmed through no fault of your own. If this has been your experience, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. Road traffic accident claims can be made in an enormous array of circumstances, but knowing where to start can seem difficult. That’s why our advisors work day and night to provide peace of mind during this difficult time and give the information needed to begin pursuing personal injury compensation.
Key Takeaways
- There were 128,272 reported road casualties of varying severities on British roads in 2024, according to the government’s annual report.
- All road users have a legal obligation towards each other to use the roads safely and avoid causing harm to one another.
- When a road user causes harm by acting negligently, such as by going over the speed limit, injured persons may be able to seek road traffic accident compensation.
- Examples of accidents for which road traffic accident claims could be made include incidents involving drink-driving, speeding, and driver inattentiveness.
- Our panel of expert road traffic accident solicitors can offer eligible claimants very desirable No Win No Fee terms.
To learn more about claiming road traffic accident compensation, talk to our advisory team via our 24/7 helpline. They are here for you and can provide you with a free eligibility check. Get in touch today by:
- Calling us on 020 8050 4194.
- Starting your claim online.
- Opening the live chat window on your screen now.
Jump To A Section
- What Are Road Traffic Accident Claims?
- Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?
- What Are The Different Examples Of A Road Traffic Accident?
- What Compensation Could Be Awarded For A Road Traffic Accident?
- Can Road Traffic Accident Compensation Cover Other Losses?
- How Do The Whiplash Reforms Impact A Claim?
- Fatal Road Traffic Accident Claims
- What Evidence Will Be Needed When Claiming For A Road Traffic Accident?
- How Long Is The Road Traffic Accident Claim Time Limit?
- What Is The Process For Claiming Road Traffic Injury Compensation?
- Can Road Traffic Accident Compensation Be Claimed On A No Win No Fee Basis?
- Why Choose No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Information
What Are Road Traffic Accident Claims?
Road traffic accident claims are a type of personal injury claim that can be made by individuals who have been harmed through the negligent actions of a motorist, cyclist, or other road user. As we touched on in the introduction, every road user must do whatever they can to avoid harming one another. This duty of care also requires road users to uphold the laws and rules of both the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988. Where a road user’s duty of care is not upheld, and injuries are sustained, a personal injury claim could be made.
You can find out more by speaking to our advisory team today.
Can I Make A Road Traffic Accident Claim?
Yes, you could make a road traffic accident claim if you can show that another road user caused you harm through their negligent conduct. There are a lot of different ways this could occur, including speeding, driving without due care and attention, drugs and alcohol, and ignoring traffic signals.
Various examples of road accidents are addressed in the next section, but the general eligibility requirements have been summarised here:
- You were owed a duty of care by another road user.
- That road user breached their duty by failing to uphold road safety standards.
- This led to a road traffic accident in which you were injured.
To get a free eligibility check or for more information on when road traffic accident claims could be made, speak to one of our friendly advisors via the contact information given below.
What Are The Different Examples Of A Road Traffic Accident?
Different examples of a road traffic accident include collisions caused by distraction, drink-driving, and speeding. Such accidents can result in injuries to drivers and passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Various scenarios have been summarised below to show how such incidents can lead to injuries.
Car Accidents
A driver who was well above the drink drive limit crashed into your vehicle in a rear-end collision while you were waiting at a junction. This led to you suffering severe injuries to your neck and wrists in the crash.
Passenger Accidents
You were a passenger in a car when another vehicle ran through a red light and T-boned the car on the passenger side. Both you and the driver sustained head injuries, and you suffered multiple broken bones on the left side.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users since they do not have the same protections as those in cars, vans, and lorries. An example of how you could be injured in a motorcycle accident would be a driver failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes, hitting your bike at speed and causing you to suffer serious brain and spinal damage.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are also deemed vulnerable road users due to their lack of protection, and drivers should take extra care when passing them. So, for example, you were cycling along a residential road, and a car reversed rapidly out of a driveway ahead without adequate observation. You swerved to avoid the car and crashed into a nearby lamppost, badly injuring your jaw.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users, and this is reflected in the serious harm they can suffer at the hands of drivers and motorcyclists. As an example, you stepped onto a pedestrian crossing when the light was green, but a car failed to stop in time. You were hit by the vehicle and suffered major injuries to your back, face, and legs.
Electric Bike Or Scooter Accidents
Electric bikes and scooters are increasingly popular across the UK, but irresponsible use can lead to major injuries. For instance, you were doing some shopping in a pedestrianised area of town when an e-scooter came through the crowd at high speed. The scooter ran over your foot, breaking several bones.
Lorry Or HGV Accidents
As the operators of large vehicles that are more likely to cause serious harm on the roads, HGV drivers must take special care when driving. For example, you were sitting waiting for the light to change at a junction when a lorry failed to make its turn. Your vehicle was hit and pushed into the vehicle behind you, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision that left you with damage to your ribs and arms.
Taxi Accidents
Taxi drivers must not only follow the rules of the road but also ensure their passengers’ safety. So if you were injured in a collision caused by your taxi driver driving dangerously due to them being distracted by a phone conversation, you could sue for compensation.
Bus Or Coach Accidents
As with other larger vehicles, bus and coach accidents can cause significant injuries. To illustrate, a bus driver was travelling too quickly on the approach to a set of traffic lights. The lights changed to red, and the driver performed an emergency stop to try to stop in time. This sudden stop and failure to follow the speed limit led you to fall out of your seat and break your wrist.
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, but many other types of accidents could take place. For a free assessment of your eligibility to claim in your particular circumstances, talk to our advisors today.
What Compensation Could Be Awarded For A Road Traffic Accident?
The compensation that could be awarded for a road traffic accident claim can cover both the injury sustained and the expenses incurred as a result of being harmed. A settlement figure can be divided into 2 different heads of claim:
- General damages are paid out for the physical harm caused, as well as any psychological injuries.
- Special damages cover the financial losses incurred, although we’ll examine this in more detail in the next section.
General damages may be calculated by using your medical evidence alongside suggested compensation brackets from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). These brackets cover a large array of injuries and are routinely updated. We’ve used a selection of these below.
Compensation Table
Please be aware that the information we’ve provided here is intended to act as guidance only, and that the highest valued entry isn’t from the JCG.
Injury Type and Severity Guideline Notes
Multiple Very Serious Injuries with Special Damages Up to £1,000,000+ Financial losses can include a loss of income, home adaptation costs, and medical expenses.
Injuries Involving Brain Damage - Very Severe (a) £344,150 to £493,000 Little/no response to environment or language function with double incontinence requiring full time nursing care.
Injuries Involving Brain Damage - Moderate (c)(iii) £52,550 to £110,720 Impacts on memory and concentration affecting the ability to work with a small epilepsy risk.
Neck injuries - Severe (a)(i) In the Region of £181,020 Often involves neck injuries featuring incomplete paraplegia or permanent spastic quadriparesis.
Neck injuries - Severe (a)(iii) £55,500 to £68,330 Fractures, dislocations or severe soft tissue damage giving rise to permanent disabilities.
Other Arm Injuries - Permanent and Substantial Disablement £47,810 to £73,050 Serious fractures of the forearms resulting in permanent residual disabilities.
Other Arm Injuries - Less Severe Injury £23,430 to £47,810 A substantial degree of recovery will have occurred or be expected.
Fractures of Jaws - Very Serious (i) £37,210 to £55,570 Multiple fractures resulting in prolonged treatment with permanent consequences, such as restriction in eating.
Fractures of Jaws - Serious (ii) £21,920 to £37,210 Permanent consequences due to fracture such as eating difficulty.
Traumatic Injury to the Digestive System (a)(ii) £20,490 to £33,880 Serious non-penetrating wounds causing long-standing complications such as severe indigestion.
Traumatic Injury to the Digestive System (a)(iii) £8,060 to £15,370 Stab wounds or serious seat-belt pressure cases.
Can Road Traffic Accident Compensation Cover Other Losses?
Yes, road traffic accident compensation can cover other losses, namely any costs incurred as a result of the injuries, under a head of claim called special damages. You can see a few examples of such costs below.
We should emphasise that special damages are awarded for both past and future losses, meaning these amounts are often much higher than the corresponding general damages. Examples include:
- Lost income from time taken off work due to your injuries.
- A loss of future earnings if you need to be off work for longer periods or are unable to work to the same capacity.
- Medical bills, such as private treatments, medications, and other expenses not covered by the NHS.
- Accessibility installations in your home. This could include handrails and access ramps, or modifications to your bathroom.
- Help with performing domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning and dressing.
- Travel expenses to and from hospital appointments if you cannot drive yourself.
Be sure to keep any documentation, including payslips, travel tickets, and care bills, as proof of these losses. To learn more about how compensation in road traffic accident claims is determined, and to get a better idea of what could be paid out in your particular circumstances, talk to our advisors today.
How Do The Whiplash Reforms Impact A Claim?
The Whiplash Reform Programme can impact a claim as it has changed the way in which you seek compensation for injuries valued at £5,000 or less. Such injuries are subject to a fixed tariff set out by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, which applies to adult drivers and passengers who experience whiplash injuries in England and Wales. In whiplash cases where other injuries have been sustained, taking the total value over the £5,000 threshold, the claim will be valued in line with the JCG’s guideline brackets.
Some of the figures from the whiplash tariff have been provided here.
Compensation Table
Please note that these amounts are fixed.
Type of Injury Tariff Amount Notes
1+ Whiplash Injuries with 1+ Minor Psychological Injuries £4,345 Lasting between 18 and 24 months.
£3,700 Injuries that last between 15 and 18 months.
1 or More Whiplash Injuries £4,215 Lasting from 18 to 24 months.
£3,005 Injuries lasting for more than 15 months but less than 18 months.
For more information on how the Whiplash Reforms may affect your claim, speak to our advisors today via the contact information given above.
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Claims
In the most serious circumstances, fatal road traffic accident claims can be made in the event of a wrongful death. Different laws govern how a claim following a fatality is made, so it’s important to seek the right advice. We’ve summarised these laws below.
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934
The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 gives the estate of the deceased the right to claim for their pain and suffering prior to death, as well as any financial losses they experienced. They can also make a claim on behalf of any dependants. Only the estate may make a claim within the first 6 months.
Fatal Accidents Act 1976
Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, qualifying dependants may claim for the impact the death had on them, if the estate has not made a claim for them in the 6 months following the death. Examples of eligible relatives who are considered dependants include spouses and civil partners, ascendants and descendants, and siblings.
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Compensation
Please be aware that this information is intended as guidance only. As with the first table in this guide, all but the topmost row come from the JCG, and none of the entries guarantee compensation.
Type of Injury Guideline Notes
Fatality + Add-on Claims Up to £550,000 + Payouts for the deceased's pain and suffering as well as any payments for qualifying dependants.
Injuries Involving Paralysis - Tetraplegia (a) £396,140 to £493,000 Where life expectancy is a minimum of 25 years and the injured person has full awareness with no pain, awards will trend towards the mid range of the bracket.
Injuries Involving Paralysis - Paraplegia (b) £267,340 to £346,890 Paraplegia payouts depend on the level of independence and pain, impact on sexual function and the life expectancy of the injured person.
Brain Damage - Very Severe £344,150 to £493,000 Little, if any, response to environment, no language function and double incontinence requiring professional care full time.
Injuries Resulting in Death - Full Awareness £15,300 to £29,060 Full awareness for short periods followed by fluctuating consciousness and death within a few weeks to 3 months.
The Bereavement Award
There is also a bereavement award payable under the Fatal Accidents Act, set as a lump sum of £15,120. This money is divided evenly between all dependants who apply for it, and can include:
- Spouses and civil partners.
- Persons who lived with the deceased for a minimum of two years as their spouse.
- The parents of the deceased (if they were an unmarried minor).
To learn more about fatal accident compensation, talk to our advisory team using the contact information given below.
What Evidence Will Be Needed When Claiming For A Road Traffic Accident?
The process for claiming road traffic injury compensation centres on gathering the right supporting evidence, documenting the harm you suffered, and connecting with a solicitor. Evidence is used not only to show who was responsible for the accident, but also to highlight your injuries and demonstrate how you have been impacted. This proof can include:
- Your medical records. After any accident, the single most important thing is getting professional medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
- The insurance information of any involved road users, together with their contact details and vehicle registration.
- CCTV or dashcam footage can be very useful for showing how the accident occurred.
- You can take photographs of your injuries, any involved vehicles, and the accident scene. If your injuries prevent you from doing this, then someone else can do this for you.
You can find out more about proving road traffic accident claims by chatting with an advisor. They would also be happy to explain how a solicitor from our panel can help to gather evidence for your claim.
How Long Is The Road Traffic Accident Claim Time Limit?
In most cases, the road traffic accident claim time limit is 3 years from the date of the incident, as established by the Limitation Act 1980. That being said, there can be some exceptions to this, which are:
- Injured children cannot claim on their own behalf, so the 3-year time limit in these instances will be counted from the day they turn 18. This pause gives minors until they reach 21 to start seeking compensation.
- In cases where the injured lacks sufficient mental capacity to claim for themselves, the 3 years are paused indefinitely. If capacity returns to a sufficient level, then the time limit is counted from the date of recovery.
Claims can still be made in these circumstances, as a suitable adult may act as a litigation friend for the injured person. Being a litigation friend means you have decision-making power over the claim and operate under strict requirements to safeguard the injured person’s best interests when seeking compensation on their behalf during the time limit pause.
For further guidance on the time limits or to learn more about claiming on behalf of another person, speak to our advisors today.
What Is The Process For Claiming Road Traffic Injury Compensation?
Claiming for road traffic injury compensation typically involves reporting the accident to your insurer, gathering evidence, and notifying the defendant by a formal letter. The process includes the following chronological steps:
- Notifying Your Insurer: You should report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, even if you’re not planning to make a future claim.
- Letter of Claim: A formal document will be sent to the defendant to initiate a road traffic accident claim. The letter will outline the allegations, the accident, details of the injuries, and financial losses suffered.
- Liability Assessment: The defendant will typically have 21 days to acknowledge the letter of claim. Following this, they will have three months to investigate and provide a full response, either admitting or denying liability.
- Medical Evaluation: An independent medical assessment will be arranged to confirm the injuries you suffered through a report. This will help to determine the cause, extent, and prognosis of your injuries.
- Quantifying the Claim & Settlement: A solicitor will prepare a schedule of loss, detailing your general and special damages to negotiate with the defendant.
- Final Settlement or Court: If liability is accepted and a settlement is agreed upon, the case will close. Following this, you’ll be awarded compensation. If this is not the case, the claim may proceed to court to determine liability and/or a settlement.
To learn more about the road traffic accident claims process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.
Can Road Traffic Accident Compensation Be Claimed On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes absolutely. Our panel of experts offer clear No Win No Fee terms under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). The terms of this agreement mean claimants are not liable for any solicitor service fees at the beginning or during their claim. Should the claim fail, you also won’t pay any service fees to the solicitor.
A success fee is only taken by your solicitor if the claim is won. Since The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 caps the percentage taken from the compensation for this fee, most of what you receive will be yours to keep.
Why Choose No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct
No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct offer a simple no-nonsense service, and our advisors can tell you within as little as a few minutes if you have a valid claim. In addition to getting your eligibility checked, our team provides free advice regarding the claims process so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
If you choose to go ahead with your claim, you’ll be connected with a road traffic accident expert from our dedicated panel. These solicitors have combined decades of experience across many different areas of law, so our advisors can always find the right representation for you. Everyone at No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct understands that each claim must be considered individually and therefore our panel offer each claimant a service that is designed around their own needs.
Here are just some of the tailored services our panel of experts can provide and the ways they can support you:
- Referring you to the relevant medical specialists for any rehabilitation, care, or other treatment you need.
- Organising a fully independent medical examination in support of your claim.
- Helping you identify and gather evidence.
- Determining a total compensation amount, including your lost earnings and other costs.
- Keeping you informed of how the claim is progressing and explaining all the legal jargon.
- Reaching a final settlement with the defendant’s representatives.
Contact Our Team
Contact our team for free advice at any time. We fully appreciate there’s a lot of information here, so for further guidance:
- Call us on 020 8050 4194.
- Start your claim online by completing this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve collated some frequently asked questions from our advisors to give you some quick-fire answers about road traffic accident claims.
Can Road Traffic Accident Claims Be Made On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, road traffic accident claims can be made on behalf of a loved one if they are under 18 or mentally incapacitated, as both groups cannot pursue compensation independently. This would require you to act as their litigation friend, giving you the authority to direct the claim on their behalf.
What If You Were Partly Responsible For The Road Accident?
If you were partly responsible for the road accident, you can make a split liability claim that may adjust your award to reflect your share of the blame for the incident. This could be an even 50/50 split, or one road user could be deemed more responsible than the other.
Can You Still Claim If You Weren’t Wearing A Seatbelt?
Yes, you can still claim if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt, but your payout may be adjusted on the basis of contributory negligence, meaning you were not responsible for the accident itself but contributed to your injuries.
How Long Will A Road Traffic Accident Claim Take To Settle?
There isn’t a defined timeframe for how long a road traffic accident claim will take to settle, as the availability of evidence or the uncertainty about who is liable can affect the length of a case.
Will A Road Traffic Accident Claim Need To Go To Court?
In all likelihood, your road traffic accident claim will not need to go to court since the majority of cases are settled through negotiation or dispute-resolution methods such as mediation. However, if your claim does require a trial, a solicitor from our panel will be with you every step of the way.
Do I Need To Report The Accident To The Police For My Claim To Be Valid?
Whilst not every single accident requires police involvement, you generally need to report the incident if anyone is injured, or if contact details could not be exchanged at the scene. Reporting the accident to the police will also be crucial in providing an official record of the incident.
What Happens If The Other Driver Fled The Scene Or Was Uninsured?
If the driver fled the scene or was uninsured, you could still claim compensation through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB). The MIB works to provide compensation to those who’ve suffered injuries and property damage caused by uninsured and untraceable drivers.
Will I Have To See A Doctor Chosen By The Insurance Company Or My Own GP?
The insurance company will typically require an independent medical report to assess your injuries, rather than one from your own GP. Whilst you can still visit your GP simultaneously, an independent assessment will be needed for an objective and impartial evaluation of your injuries.
My Whiplash Lasted Longer Than The Prognosis In My Medical Report. Can I Reopen The Claim?
It’s highly unlikely that you can reopen a claim once a settlement has been finalised. Only in very rare circumstances can a claim be reopened, such as if the initial medical report was negligent, if the settlement was based on a mistake, or if you did not sign a final release.
What Happens If The ‘Official Injury Claim’ (OIC) Portal Values My Claim Lower Than I Expected?
If the OIC Portal values your claim lower than you expected, you could make a counteroffer up to 3 times. You should also check your medical evidence to ensure it’s not incomplete and covers all your injuries. In certain situations, you could take the offer to court.
More Information
These external resources have been included to provide additional information:
- See the road safety education resources for children and young people from THINK!.
- Administering first aid at the scene of a car crash can greatly increase the chances of survival. Read the NHS guidance here.
- You can view the road safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on their website.
Thank you for reading our guide to road traffic accident claims.