Mon - Sun: 24 hours.
Call Me Back
Menu
Mon - Sun: 24 hours.

If you have a car accident claim, our experience pays.

Get expert advice today with a free consultation.

100% No Win No Fee claims, in-house solicitors, decades of experience.
Claim the maximum compensation.

Car Accident Claims

If you have a claim, our experience pays.

100% No Win No Fee claims.
Specialist solicitors.
Decades of experience.
Claim maximum compensation.
Pay nothing if we lose.

Call 0800 6524 881 or…

Fill out the form and we’ll call you back.

* Any details submitted will only be used to deal with your request as explained in our privacy policy.

Car Accident Claims & Injury Compensation Amounts

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a car accident claim for compensation. Irrespective of whether you were driving the car, suffered whiplash Car Accident Claimas a passenger, or are a pedestrian injured in a collision with a car, you could be compensated for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, lost potential future income, and other related expenses that are directly due to the car accident.

In this guide to the car accident claims process, weโ€™ll look at when claiming compensation might be possible, the types of injuries commonly suffered in road accidents that you could be compensated for, and what level of compensation might be due.

If youโ€™re ready to start a car accident claim today, simply call us on 0800 6524 881 to get started. Otherwise, please carry on reading.

Am I Eligible To Make A Car Accident Compensation Claim?

As our personal injury solicitors process car accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis, they have to assess the likelihood of the case being won before accepting it. Thatโ€™s because if they donโ€™t win compensation for you, their fees wonโ€™t be paid. Therefore, before taking a claim on, they are likely to check whether:

  • The other road user owed the claimant a duty of care (which is almost always true); and
  • Some form of negligence meant that duty was broken and a car accident was caused; and
  • The claimant sustained injuries from the car accident.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility to make a car accident claim, call our advisors and they’ll be able to answer any questions you have.

Can I Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing A Seat Belt?

If you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the car accident, you may still be able to claim compensation. However, under UK law, car drivers and passengers all have to wear a seatbelt if one is fitted (with some exceptions), and failing to wear one can increase the risk of injuries. As a result, the amount of compensation awarded would generally be reduced if it’s found that not wearing your seat belt contributed to the severity of your injuries.

The amount the compensation would be reduced by will typically depend on the specific circumstances of the car accident and how much not having a seat belt on contributed to your injuries

If you weren’t wearing a seat belt but are still considering making a car accident claim, please speak to a personal injury solicitor on our team who can advise you on your specific situation.

Can I Claim Compensation As A Passenger?

Yes, as a passenger involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation if you have been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence. This could be the driver of the car you were in, the driver of another vehicle involved in the car accident, or even a cyclist or pedestrian if they caused the crash.

In order to make a successful claim as a passenger, you will need to prove that the other party was at fault for the car accident and that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.

Please get in touch if you’d like to check your eligibility to claim as a car passenger with an advisor on our team.

Can I Claim Compensation Against An Uninsured Driver?

Even if the other driver involved in your car accident is uninsured, you may still be eligible to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a non-profit organisation set up to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured drivers, untraced drivers and accidents involving foreign vehicles.

While the process of making a claim through the MIB can be complicated, our personal injury solicitors could help guide you through the process. They may be able to assist with your claim even if the other driver has no insurance or was involved in a hit-and-run car accident.

Time Limits For Claiming Car Accident Compensation

The time limit for a car accident claim is 3 years from the date of the accident, or 3 years from when an injury is known (date of knowledge) to be a result of the car accident. In some circumstances the 3-year time limit in which to make a car accident claim may be extended, however, you should get legal advice sooner rather than later to be sure you can still start a claim.

The claims time limit doesnโ€™t apply to cases where children have been injured in a car crash. In this scenario, you, as a parent, could claim at any point before your child becomes 18 years old by becoming a litigation friend. If a claim is not made before then, the child has the option to pursue the claim themselves within 3 years following their 18th birthday.

Furthermore, the standard time limit does not apply to individuals with impaired mental capacity. If the person injured in the car accident is unable to manage their own affairs due to impaired mental capacity, there is no fixed deadline for claiming until a time comes when they regain capacity. If they never regain mental capacity, a claim can be made on their behalf by somebody else acting as a litigation friend at any point.

We suggest that it is often best to begin the claims process quickly. By doing so, your solicitor should have plenty of time to carry out the tasks required before a claim is submitted.

Evidence To Support A Car Accident Claim

If youโ€™ve ever had to deal with an insurance company, youโ€™ll know that they will only pay out if thereโ€™s enough evidence to prove the claim is just. Thatโ€™s certainly true for a car accident claim and you could miss out on compensation if youโ€™re unable to convince the insurer why their client was to blame for your injuries.

So, letโ€™s now review what evidence you could obtain to help win your car accident claim. Evidence can include:

  • Dashcam footage. Footage from dash cams can make proving what happened a lot easier in a car accident compensation claim. CCTV footage could be requested as well if the scene was covered by security or traffic cameras.
  • Medical evidence. We strongly suggest that you attend A&E or a minor injuries unit to have any injuries treated following an RTA. Following treatment, medical records could help to prove how serious your injuries were. This could include hospital records, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and physiotherapy records.
  • Police report. A report from the police provides an official account of the car accident. You are entitled to request a copy of the report if they attended the scene.
  • Photos. After a car accident happens, itโ€™s a good idea to try and take photographs (safely) of the vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, injuries, and any other relevant factors.
  • Witness details. An independent view of what happened could help substantiate your car accident claim if the other driverโ€™s insurance company denies liability for your accident or injuries.
  • Other driverโ€™s details. Swap details with the other driver. Youโ€™ll need their contact details, registration details, and car insurance policy number. Importantly, you should not admit liability or say anything that even suggests you admit liability at the accident scene.
  • Financial records. Receipts, invoices, and statements for all expenses related to the car accident, including medical expenses, repair costs for your car, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Evidence of any lost wages should also be included.
  • Correspondence. Copies of any communication between you and insurance companies, other drivers involved in the accident, or any other relevant parties.
  • Diary. A personal diary that details your recovery process, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and the effect your injuries have had on your daily life.

More detailed guidance on what to do in a car accident can be found here.

Once youโ€™ve obtained as much evidence as you can, or need assistance with obtaining it, it will be worth a quick call to our free advice line. An advisor will review your case with you, look at the evidence and let you know your options, and what we can do to get more evidence if required. They could even refer you to one of our specialist No Win No Fee solicitors at the same time.

Common Causes Of Car Accident Claims

As mentioned above, you can only claim for injuries sustained in a car accident if somebody elseโ€™s negligence caused it. So, what common types of car accidents generally lead to compensation claims? Here are some examples:

  • Careless/Dangerous driving. Careless driving can include driving too fast or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a loved one has been fatally injured due to dangerous driving, you may find this page useful.
  • Excessive speed. If the other driver was breaking the permitted speed limit, a claim might be possible for any injuries that result.
  • Distractions. Car accidents can often be caused when the other driver was too busy dealing with their radio, satnav, phone, or devices that distract them from the road ahead.
  • Pulling out at junctions. You could be eligible to claim compensation if you were hit by a vehicle pulling out from a junction because the other driver had misjudged their distance from you.
  • Reckless driving. A claim may be possible if the other driver was showing off, breaking heavily, or committed a road-rage offence.
  • Rear-end collisions. Typically, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault for not maintaining a safe distance or failing to brake in time.
  • Drunk driving. Drunk drivers have significantly impaired judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making them a serious danger to other road users. You may wish to refer to the following guide if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver.

Whatever the cause of the car accident you’ve been hurt in please call our advice line if you’d like to discuss with a solicitor if you are entitled to compensation.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

It is possible to claim for any type of injury sustained in a car accident that wasnโ€™t your fault. Some of the more common injuries, however, include:

*A Note On Whiplash Claims

Government reforms have changed how whiplash claims are handled. For low-value whiplash injuries caused by RTAs, a new government portal has been introduced so you can deal with the claim yourself. However, we would suggest that you double-check what the value of your claim might be with our advisors and theyโ€™ll advise you on which claims path you should follow.

How Much Compensation For A Car Accident Could I Claim?

How much compensation for a car accident a claimant might receive can vary drastically, as with most types of accident claims. This is simply because, realistically, not every driver, pedestrian, or passenger injured in a car accident will suffer in the same way. Instead, compensation will be calculated by your solicitor based on two types of damages. These are:

  • General damages. This part of your car accident claim is based on the severity of your injuries (which might be both physical and psychological), and loss of amenity.
  • Special damages. Compensation thatโ€™s designed to repay any financial costs youโ€™ve incurred. Examples include lost income, personal property damage, care costs, medical expenses, and travel costs.

To check what you could include in your car accident compensation claim, please check with one of our specialists today.

Car Accident Compensation Calculator

Weโ€™ve added a car accident compensation calculator in this section so you can see what level of damages could be awarded for your injuries. The figures weโ€™ve supplied are based upon those used by our solicitors and other legal professionals and come from the Judicial College.

Compensation Calculator
Part Of Body
How Severe?
Estimate

ยฃยฃยฃ

*Estimates are based upon the severity of the injury and should be used as a guide only.

Although we have provided these compensation estimates for car crash claims, please bear in mind that settlement amounts could be lower or higher. Once your claim has been assessed, a solicitor will provide a more personalised estimate once they receive your medical reports back.

Average Car Accident Payout Amounts

Below is a table that displays the average compensation payout amounts for various injury claims including car accident injuries. The description acts as a guide to show how the different compensation amounts for various areas of the body that have been affected can vary depending on the severity of the injuries.

InjurySeverityCompensationComments
Achilles InjuryMost SeriousIn the vicinity of £38,340A severed achilles tendon, restricted ankle movement.
Achilles InjurySerious£24,490 - £30,090
A complete division of the achilles tendon has been repaired succesfully but has left some disability with no further improvement likely.
Achilles InjuryModerate£12,590 - £21,070Partial rupture of the achilles tendon/significant injury. Considered factors include treatment required, level of pain and suffering, any disability.
Achilles InjuryMild£7,270 - £12,590Some damage to the achilles tendon where support to the ankle may be affected.
Ankle InjuryExtremely Severe£50,060 - £69,700The most severe ankle injuries that may cause deformity, degeneration of joints, and potentially amputation.
Ankle InjuryModerate to Severe£13,740 - £50,060Fractures, extensive treatment, disability are just a few factors that will be considered when calculating the level of compensation for ankle injuries in this bracket.
Ankle InjuryMildUp to £13,740Less serious ankle injuries such as ankle fractures, ankle sprains. Factors considered would be amount of recovery time, aching, scarring etc.
Arm InjuryExtremely Severe£96,160 - £300,000This range of compensation covers the amputation of both complete arms, the amputation of a single arm, or whether an arm is amputated partially or completely. Future restrictions will also be considered.
Arm InjurySevere£39,170 - £130,930For major restriction and disability present in one or both the arms and causes significant pain and suffering.
Arm InjuryLess Severe £19,200 - £39,170The range shown is set for persons who have suffered a restriction in movement and/or disability in the arms but there is substantial recovery. Simple forearm fractures would expect to be at the lower end of the bracket.
Back InjurySevere£38,780- £160,980Severe injury to the upper or lower back, possibly causing paralysis or any relating issues to organs in the lower parts of the body.
Back InjuryModerate£12,510 - £38,780This range of compensation amounts might cover a wide range of back injuries such as compression of the lumbar vertebrae, ligament or soft tissue damage, any constant pain and/or any discomfort.
Back InjuryMildUp to £12,510For less serious back injuries such as strains and sprains, soft tissue injuries, a slipped disc, muscle pain. Factors such as recovery time and treatment would also be considered.
Ear InjuryExtremely Severe£90,750 - £109,650Complete loss of hearing because of the injury.
Ear InjuryModerate to Severe£31,310 - £45,540Complete hearing loss in one of the ears. The final compensation amount will depend on how the hearing loss affects the person.
Ear InjuryMild£££'s - £45,540This range of compensation is awarded for hearing loss in one or both ears and for those that now suffer with tinnitus because of the injury or the work environment.
Elbow InjuryExtremely Severe£39,170 - £54,830Total restriction in elbow movement that has now caused a disability or that has needed surgery.
Elbow InjuryLess Severe£15,650 - £32,010Because of the injury to the elbow there is now restriction of movement in the arm but doesn't cause significant disability and major surgery is not required.
Elbow InjuryMildUp to - £12,590An injury to the elbow that is mild to moderate which now causes pain but total movement will be possible.
Eye InjuryExtremely Severe£54,830 - £268,720Loss of sight in one eye and some loss in the other, or loss of sight in both eyes will receive the maximum compensation.
Eye InjuryModerate to Severe£9,110 - £54,830This range of injury compensation is awarded with very restricted vision in a single eye or loss of sight in one eye.
Eye InjuryMild£2,200 - £8,730Pain in an eye, vision problems or temporary loss of vision in an eye.
Eye InjuryTemporary£2,200 - £3,950Temporary eye injuries where full recovery takes but a few weeks.
Facial ScarringVery Severe£29,780 - £97,330Facial disfigurement and severe scarring might warrant somewhere in this range of injury compensation. The severity of the injury shall determine how much compensation is awarded.
Facial ScarringLess Severe£17,960 - £48,420Facial disfigurement is substantial and there is significant psychological damage.
Facial ScarringSignificant£9,110 - £30,090Plastic surgery has reduced the worst scarring but not all and any psychological damage is not considered significant.
Facial ScarringMild to Less Significant£1,710 - £13,740These amounts cover what might be considered trivial scars to less severe scarring.
Face InjuryMild to Severe£2,320 - £36,740This compensation range covers simple fractures to multiple fractures and breaks to the facial area, for example the nose.
Finger InjurySevere FracturesUp to - £36,740This compensation range covers severe fractures where the consequences might include loss/impairment of grip, deformities, partial amputation, reduced mechanical function.
Finger InjuryAmputation of Terminal Phalanges to Index/Middle FingersIn the vicinity of £24,990Where there is impaired grip, restriction of movement, scarring.
Finger InjuryAmputation of Ring & Little FingersIn the vicinity of £21,810Amputation of ring and little fingers.
Finger InjurySerious Injury to Ring/Middle Fingers£10,320 - £16,340Breaks/fractures to ring/middle fingers, serious tendon damage, deformity, permanent loss of grip/dexterity.
Finger InjuryTotal/Partial Loss of Index Finger£12,170 - £18,740The upper end of the range of compensation will likely be paid for the total loss of the finger.
Finger InjuryBroken/Fractured Index Finger£9,110 - £12,240Where grip remains impaired and pain from heavy use, likelihood of osteoarthritis.
Finger InjuryLittle Finger Amputation£8,640 - £12,240Amputation of a little finger.
Finger InjuryMinorUp to - £4,750Minor finger injuries e.g. hairline fractures, minor scarring.
Foot InjuryExtremely Severe£83,960 - £201,490This range covers the amputation of one or both feet and how it might affect the persons life.
Foot InjuryModerate to Severe£13,740 - £70,030Severe injury to one or both feet that causes restriction, fractures or disability to the foot.
Foot InjuryMildUp to £13,740Covering injury to a foot that will recover.
Hand InjuryExtremely Severe£140,660 - £201,490This range of compensation amounts shall cover the amputation of one or both hands or if a hand is made completely useless due to the injury.
Hand InjuryVery Severe£55,820 - £109,650Injuries such as the total or effective loss of one hand that has been crushed and then amputated, or most of the palm and all fingers have been amputated.
Hand InjurySevere£29,000 - £61,910Injuries in this range might include finger amputations, major loss in function.
Hand InjuryLess Severe£14,450 - £29,000Crush injuries to the hand, penetrating wounds, deep lacerations. The upper end of the bracket would be in cases where the claimant has been left unable to use a hand properly.
Hand InjuryModerate£5,720 - £13,280Moderate crushing injuries, deep lacerations, penetration wounds.
Hand InjuryMinorUp to £4,750Minor soft tissue damage, penetration wounds, crush injuries where recovery time is usually 6 months or less.
Head InjuryExtremely Severe£282,010 - £403,990Victims who are unresponsive due to severe brain damage and are unresponsive or what might be referred to as a vegetative state.
Head InjuryModerately Severe£219,070 - £282,010Serverely disabled from brain damage, lost feeling in limbs, change in personality and/or a mental disability.
Head InjuryModerate£43,060 - £219,070Cases where memory may be affected with a reduced ability to work to more severe cases where there is no chance of being able to work, change in personality, high risk of epilepsy.
Head InjuryLess Severe£15,320 - £43,060There may still be some issues such as an affected memory or a slight chance of epilepsy but overall a good recovery has been made. Factors considered include any disability, severity of the original injury.
Head InjuryMild£2,210 - £12,770Head injuries which haven't caused brain damage or very minimal brain damage but the head injury might still have lasting effects.
Hip/Pelvis InjurySeverest£78,400 - £130,930Extremely severe injury involving multiple fractures of the pelvis which leads to other significant disability such as hip deformities, sexual dysfunction.
Hip/Pelvis InjurySevere£61,910 - £78,400Very severe injury to the pelvis , examples being fractures and dislocations that may involve issues such as impotence or traumatic myositis ossificans.
Hip/Pelvis InjuryLess Severe£39,170 - £52,500Injury that leads to degenerative changes, leg instability, problems walking, possible future surgeries.
Hip/Pelvis InjurySignificant£26,590 - £39,170Severe hip injury but any disability isn't major.
Hip/Pelvis InjuryLess Significant£12,590 - £26,590Surgery to the hip or hip replacement, continuing symptoms deemed more severe than minor.
Hip/Pelvis InjuryModerate£3,950 - £12,590Injuries that may have led to minor or no lasting disability.
Hip/Pelvis InjuryMinorUp to £3,950Soft tissue injuries that will heal completely.
Knee InjurySevere£26,190 - £96,210Disability because of a knee injury, major damage to muscles, muscle wastage and soft tissue damage.
Knee InjuryModerateUp to £26,190Minor disability because of the knee injury, damage to the muscle, cartilage, soft tissue injury, that causes pain and suffering.
Leg InjuryExtremely Severe£97,980 - £282,010Amputation of one or both legs. The compensation range also takes into consideration should the leg have been amputated below or above the knee.
Leg InjuryModerate to Severe£27,760 - £96,250Injuries to the leg which has caused restriction in movement and disability that might have a life long prognosis.
Leg InjuryLess SevereUp to £27,760From simple leg fractures, breaks or soft tissue damage which has affected the muscle to leg fractures with an incomplete recovery.
Neck InjuryExtremely Severe£45,470 - £148,330Very severe neck injuries, those causing movement problems to other parts of the body.
Neck InjuryModerate to Severe£7,890 - £38,490Neck fractures, causing pain when moving, causing stiffness and inability to use the full movement of the persons neck.
Neck InjuryMildUp to £7,890Whiplash type injuries, can depend on the length of time the injury lasts, how painful the injury is and what the long-term prognosis is.
Nose InjurySevere£10,640 - £23,130Serious/multiple fractures to the nose that will have resulted in permanent damage and/or requiring a number of operations to repair.
Nose InjuryLess Severe£3,950 - £5,100Example displaced nose fractures where there has been complete recovery after surgery.
Nose InjuryModerate£2,520 - £3,150Moderate nose injuries such as displaced nose fractures that do not need surgery.
Nose InjuryMinor£1,710 - £2,520Example being simple undisplaced fractures with full recovery.
PTSDSevere£59,860 - £100,670The most severe cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with permanent effects of trauma badly affecting the individual preventing them from being able to work or function anywhere close prior to the trauma might see compensation payouts within this range.
PTSDModerately Severe£23,150 - £59,860PTSD causing significant disability but the individual has a better future prognosis than the most severe cases might see compensation payouts within this range.
PTSDModerate£8,180 - £23,15PTSD where any lasting effects are not grossly disabling with the individual has largely recovered.
PTSDLess Severe£3,950 - £8,180PTSD where the individual should essentially have made a full recovery in a year or two but minor symptoms could persist for longer.
Shoulder InjurySevere£12,770 - £48,030Paralysis, limb numbness, restriction in movement because of the injury in the neck and shoulder.
Shoulder InjuryModerate£7,890 - £12,770Neck tissue damage that might last for a considerable length of time and that restricts the movement in the persons arm and elbow.
Shoulder InjuryMildUp to £7,890Damage to soft tissue that should recover within the year or slightly longer, and causes or has caused moderate pain.
Toe InjuryExtremely Severe£36,,520 - £56,080Amputation of all toes. Depending on whether the amputation was traumatic or surgical can affect level of compensation.
Toe InjuryVery SevereIn the vicinity of £31,310Amputation of a big toe.
Toe InjurySevere£13,740 - £21,070Severe crush injuries that lead to amputation of a single or more toes, partial amputations.
Toe InjurySerious£9,600 - £13,740Multiple fractures, crushed toes.
Toe InjuryModerateUp to £9,600Straightforward toe fractures.
Toe InjuryMinorUp to £5,590Minor toe injuries such as simple fractures that are expected heal fully and short-term injuries.
Wrist InjuryVery Severe£47,620 - £59,860Wrist injury causing complete loss of function.
Wrist InjurySignificant£24,500 - £39,170Wrist injury leaving significant and permanent disability, there is still some useful movement.
Wrist InjuryLess Severe£12,590 - £24,500Broken wrist causing some permanent disability such as continuing pain/stiffness.
Wrist InjuryModerateUp to £10,350Wrist fractures, soft tissue injury where recovery is complete or expected to be complete but may take longer than 12 months.
Wrist InjuryMinorUp to £7,430Uncomplicated Colles' fracture and minor wrist fractures.

As the type and severity of injuries will differ in every claim, please use these settlement amounts as a guide only until you have spoken with a solicitor.

How Long Does The Car Accident Claims Process Take?

The length of time it takes to settle a car accident claim generally varies depending on factors, such as:

  • The severity of the injuries sustained.
  • The evidence required to prove liability.
  • The willingness of the defendant is to admit liability.
  • Negotiating a compensation payout.

It’s not possible to provide a definitive answer for how long the process will take, but it can typically take a few months for fairly straightforward car crashes to a year or more for more complex cases involving serious injuries.

However, please contact us if you’d like a solicitor to assess the specific circumstances of the car accident you’ve been injured in and an estimation of how long the process could take.

Why Choose Our Car Accident Claims Solicitors?

We believe that your chances of winning a car accident claim will improve with our personal injury solicitors working for you. If your case is accepted, your appointed solicitor will:

  • Collate all of the evidence required to back up your car accident claim.
  • Arrange for your injuries to be assessed independently.
  • File the claim and deal with all queries or objections so you donโ€™t have to answer them.
  • Provide updates about the progress of the case regularly.
  • Try to achieve as much compensation as possible for your injuries.

Any settlement offer will be discussed with you prior to accepting to make sure it is appropriate. If it isn’t, your car accident claims solicitor will provide evidence and reasoning as to why a higher payout is requested.

Starting The Car Accident Claims Process

If you are ready to start your claim today and would like our help, please get in touch on 0800 6524 881. Our team specialise in helping car crash victims understand their options by providing a no-obligation telephone assessment as well as free legal advice. Should your claim appear to have strong enough grounds, we could appoint your case to one of our No Win No Fee personal injury solicitors.

If youโ€™d like to know anything else about the car accident claims process, please donโ€™t hesitate to use the live chat to contact us right away.

error: Content is protected !!