Car Accident Claims — Personal Injury Compensation

Car Accident Injuries and Your Right to Claim

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in the UK. Even relatively low-speed collisions can cause significant injuries, particularly to the neck and spine. If another driver's negligent driving caused or contributed to your accident, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered.

Negligent driving can take many forms: failing to observe traffic signals, tailgating, driving while distracted by a mobile phone, failing to give way, excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply failing to pay proper attention to the road. In every case, the injured person must establish that the driver's negligence caused the accident and their injuries.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a very wide spectrum of injuries, from minor soft-tissue strains to catastrophic, life-altering conditions:

• Whiplash and soft-tissue neck and back injuries — the most common car accident injuries, caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head on impact
• Fractures — wrists, arms, ankles, legs, ribs and collarbones are frequently broken in collisions
• Head and brain injuries — from concussion to traumatic brain injury depending on severity of impact
• Facial injuries — lacerations, broken nose or jaw, dental injuries
• Knee and shoulder injuries — ligament damage and dislocations from bracing for impact
• Psychological injuries — post-traumatic stress disorder, travel anxiety and depression are recognised and compensatable
• Internal injuries — requiring emergency medical intervention

The Official Injury Claim Portal and Low-Value Claims

Since May 2021, low-value road traffic accident claims (those with a value of up to £5,000 for injury in accidents involving motor vehicles) are processed through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal. The portal is designed for unrepresented claimants, but many people find navigating it complex and are at risk of undervaluing their claim, particularly where injuries are more than minor or include psychological components. A solicitor can assist you in ensuring your claim is properly valued before you settle.

Evidence to Support Your Car Accident Claim

• Photographs of both vehicles, the road scene and your visible injuries
• Dashcam footage from your vehicle or nearby vehicles
• CCTV from nearby premises or traffic cameras
• The other driver's name, address, vehicle registration and insurance details
• Police reference number if the accident was reported
• Witness names and contact details
• Medical records and GP or A&E attendance records
• Payslips showing lost income if you have been unable to work

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Your compensation will be assessed under two heads. General damages compensate for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries, assessed by reference to medical evidence and the Judicial College Guidelines. Special damages cover your actual financial losses: lost earnings, medical expenses, physiotherapy, vehicle repair or hire costs, travel to appointments, and care provided by family members.

For serious injuries — such as traumatic brain injury or permanent spinal damage — future losses including loss of earning capacity and long-term care costs can substantially increase the total award.

No Win, No Fee Car Accident Claims

We act on a Conditional Fee Agreement (no win, no fee). If your claim is unsuccessful you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. We explain the terms clearly before you sign. We can also advise on After the Event insurance to protect you against potential adverse costs in the event your claim fails.