A road traffic accident can turn your life upside down — leaving you injured, without a car, and facing costs you never planned for. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you have the right to claim compensation. This step-by-step guide explains how road traffic accident claims work in England & Wales.
What You Can Claim For
A road traffic accident claim can cover far more than just your injury:
- Personal injury — such as whiplash or more serious injuries
- Lost earnings and loss of future income
- Vehicle damage and a replacement vehicle
- Medical, rehabilitation and travel costs
- Related road traffic accident losses such as credit hire and storage
The Claims Process, Step by Step
- At the scene — check for injuries, call the police if needed, and exchange details with the other driver.
- Gather evidence — photos, dashcam footage, witness details and a police reference number.
- Get medical attention — and keep a record of your treatment and symptoms.
- Start your claim — lower-value injury claims go through the government’s Official Injury Claim portal; a solicitor handles more complex or higher-value claims.
- Settlement — your injury and losses are valued and negotiated, and you receive your compensation.
What if the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Untraced?
You can still claim. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of accidents caused by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers, so being hit by an uninsured driver does not leave you without options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident in England & Wales. Different time limits apply for children and those who lack capacity.
Can I claim if I was a passenger?
Yes. As a passenger you are almost never at fault, so you can usually claim against the driver responsible — even if that was the driver of the car you were travelling in.
What if I was partly to blame?
You may still claim. Your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, but partial fault doesn’t necessarily prevent a claim.
Is a road traffic accident claim No Win No Fee?
Yes — Din Solicitors handles road traffic accident claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, with nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.
Start Your Road Traffic Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured or left out of pocket by an accident that wasn’t your fault, Din Solicitors can help you recover what you’re owed across England & Wales, on a No Win, No Fee basis. Start your claim today or call 01422 647175 for free, no-obligation advice.