Car Accident Claims – How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to make a car accident claim for compensation. A claim can help cover medical treatment, lost income, travel expenses and the longer-term impact an injury may have on your life.

We specialise in personal injury claims, including those involving road traffic accidents. If you contact our claims advisors today, you’ll receive free legal advice about your options as part of a no-obligation telephone consultation. If our advisor finds that your car accident claim is viable, they’ll refer you to one of our personal injury solicitors.

To get expert advice on a car accident claim today, call us on 0800 6524 881. Otherwise, please carry on reading.

Am I Eligible To Make A Car Accident Claim?

Anybody injured in a car accident may be eligible to make a compensation claim, depending on the circumstances. This will often include drivers and passengers who were injured because of another road user’s negligence.

Generally, to make a successful car accident claim, you’ll need evidence to prove that:

• The other party owed you a duty of care;
• They breached that duty and caused the car accident; and
• You suffered an injury as a result.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, please call our advisors. They’ll be able to review what happened and answer any questions you have.

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

Yes, even if you were partly at fault for a car accident, you may still be eligible to claim compensation. This is known as “contributory negligence“. It means the court can still award compensation, but the amount may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility for the collision.

For example, if you were speeding and the other driver jumped a red light, both drivers may share responsibility for the crash. In such a case, you could still claim compensation for your injuries. However, the amount you receive may be reduced according to your level of fault.

If you were partly to blame, please speak to a personal injury solicitor on our team. They’ll be happy to advise you on your specific situation.

Common Causes Of Car Accident Claims

Car accident claims usually arise when a driver fails to take reasonable care on the road. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions.
• Failing to give way at junctions or roundabouts.
• Rear-end collisions caused by tailgating or sudden braking.
• Distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone.
• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
• Hit-and-run accidents when the responsible driver leaves the scene.

Once the cause of the car crash has been identified, a solicitor can assess who was legally responsible and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

Many different injuries can lead to a car accident claim if they were caused by somebody else’s negligence. Some of the more common include:

*A Note On Whiplash Injuries

Government reforms have changed how some low-value whiplash claims are handled. If you suffered a minor whiplash injury in a road traffic accident, your claim may fall under the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal, which allows some people to manage a claim themselves.

However, not all whiplash claims must go through this process. Claims involving additional injuries, higher-value losses, or more complex circumstances may still be handled outside the OIC system. Checking which route applies can help avoid delays or undervaluing a claim.

How Much Compensation Will I Get For A Car Accident?

Car accident compensation varies from case to case. Solicitors will usually assess claims using two categories of damages:

• General damages:
  Compensation for pain, suffering, psychological trauma, and loss of amenity.
• Special damages:
  Compensation for financial losses, such as lost earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, care needs, and vehicle damage.

Your solicitor will calculate compensation based on medical evidence and how the injury affects your life.

Car Accident Compensation Calculator

We’ve included a compensation calculator to help you see the potential level of general damages for your car accident injuries.

These figures are only estimates. A car accident solicitor can provide a more accurate valuation once medical reports are available.

Evidence To Support A Car Accident Claim

Strong evidence can significantly improve a car accident claim. This may include:

• Dashcam footage. Dashcam footage can make it easier to prove what happened. Request CCTV footage if security or traffic cameras recorded the scene.
• Medical evidence. Visit A&E or a minor injuries unit to have your injuries treated. Medical records, such as hospital notes and prescriptions, can show how serious your injuries were.
• Police report. If the police attended or the accident was reported, keep the police reference number, as this may help support your claim.
• Photos. If it’s safe for you to do so, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks and injuries after the accident to support your claim.
• Witness details. Witness statements can support your claim if the other driver’s insurer denies liability.
• Other driver’s details. Exchange contact, registration, and insurance details with the other driver. Avoid admitting liability at the scene.
• Financial records. Keep receipts, invoices, and statements for medical costs, repairs, and lost wages related to the car accident.
• Correspondence. Save all correspondence with insurance companies, other drivers, and any relevant parties.
• Diary. Keep a diary of your recovery, documenting your pain, suffering, and how your injuries have affected your life.

Once you’ve obtained as much evidence as you can or need assistance with obtaining it, call our free advice line for an advisor to discuss your options with you.

Car Accident Claim Time Limits

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a car accident claim. However, exceptions can sometimes apply, such as for children and people who lack mental capacity.

In some cases, the 3-year period may begin from your “date of knowledge“. This is usually the point when it became clear that you’d suffered a significant injury linked to the car accident.

We suggest contacting us for legal advice as soon as possible so that we can check the time limit specific to your situation.

Do I Need A Solicitor To Make A Car Accident Claim?

You could make a claim yourself, but many people choose to use a solicitor. Insurers may dispute liability or offer lower settlements, whereas a car accident solicitor can:

• Gather and present evidence.
• Value the claim accurately.
• Handle all legal paperwork & negotiations.
• Represent you in court if needed.

In our experience, most car accident claims are settled out of court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions about car accident injury claims.

Starting The Car Accident Claims Process

If you’re considering making a car accident claim, you can speak to an advisor on 0800 6524 881 for a no-obligation assessment. If your claim has reasonable prospects of success, we could appoint your case to a No Win No Fee personal injury solicitor.

You can also use live chat to ask questions or get further information about the car accident claims process.