Road Traffic Accident Compensation Claims

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are very common in the UK and the physical and psychological effects they can have can be severe. If you have been involved in a RTA, you may be able to claim compensation. Whatever your injuries, taking legal action and securing this money you’re entitled to can help you to get the rehabilitation you need.

Whether you were a driver, passenger or pedestrian when the accident happened, you can start court proceedings to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Compare personal injury solicitors today to start your road traffic accident compensation claim.

In What Circumstances Can I Claim RTA Compensation?

If you’ve been affected by any kind of RTA, you might be able to make a compensation claim. The party you make claim against depends on what type of incident it is. If you are a passenger in a vehicle, car accident compensation claims will be made against the insurance company of the driver at fault. For pedestrians, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists, these claims will also be made against the third party at fault.

Types of accident claims include:

• Bicycle Accident
• Motorcycle Accident
• Pedestrian Accident
• Public Transport Accident
• Taxi Driver Claim
• Uninsured Drivers
• Whiplash Compensation Claim
• Fatal Road Accident

Road traffic accidents can have a significant impact on your life and cause injuries such as concussion, whiplash, spinal cord damage and head injuries. Making a claim for compensation can help to relieve some of the financial pressure that can come with an RTA. You may be unable to work and therefore earn an income, or you may need to pay for specialist care or equipment. There are also added costs of repairing your car or temporarily hiring one.

Your solicitor will provide you with expert advice, going through the requirements of making a claim and, if needed, explaining any added complications such as suffering a road accident on holiday or determining who is at fault in a rear end collision.

A road accident claim can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. This depends on a number of factors including how serious your injury is or if the other side tries to fight the claim. However, it is possible to secure interim payments if it’s a long case to help with living costs in the meantime.

How To Make A RTA Compensation Claim

When you’re involved in a road traffic accident, there are a number of important steps to take to make a compensation claim.

1. Notify The Police

Firstly, you should notify the police immediately, particularly if there is any impending danger to you or other road users, or if there is a disagreement over the cause of the incident and who is to blame. The police will also make an official record of the accident, which is helpful when making a compensation claim.

2. Take Down Contact Details

It is important to make a note of the people who have been injured and the vehicles involved in the incident. Make sure you get the contact and insurance details of the drivers. If there were any witnesses to the incident, try to get their contact details as well.

3. Take Photographs

If you can and it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the scene of the accident and any injuries you have suffered.

4. Keep Evidence Of Medical Treatment

If you need medical treatment, it’s crucial to get your injuries treated right away. After any initial treatment, keep a log of any physical or psychological effects of the accident, and keep receipts for any treatment or medication you need as a result of your injuries. Keep records of any loss of income and travel expenses related to the accident too.

5. Speak To A Road Traffic Accident Solicitor

When it comes to making RTA compensation claims, hiring a specialist solicitor will help to ensure you get the best possible settlement.

Different factors can affect your claim, potentially making the case more complicated. For example, many insurance companies use delaying tactics to postpone any payments and try to find ways to lower the amount paid. A specialist RTA solicitor will help you to receive a fast and fair settlement from the insurance company.

At the time of approaching the court to start your RTA compensation claim, it’s vital to have the necessary documents. They need to be official and contain the appropriate proof materials. Your solicitor will help you to ensure all of this documentation is in place.

Fees And Compensation

A personal injury solicitor will help you to get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. As they can take on your case on a no win, no fee basis, you don’t have to risk your personal finances to make a claim. You only pay if your claim is successful which is calculated as a percentage of your compensation payout. Legally, this can’t be more than 25% inclusive of VAT. Consulting with a lawyer will cost you nothing and it can help you to get the compensation you deserve.

The amount of compensation you may be able to claim for your RTA will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• The type and severity of injury you have suffered
• Current or future earnings, including potential loss of earnings
• Medical and travel expenses you have incurred
• Required modifications to your home, mobility aids or care and support

To find out how much money you may be entitled to receive, please use our personal injury calculator.

Time Limits On Making A RTA Compensation Claim

When making a road traffic accident claim, there is a three year time limit which starts from either the date of the accident or the date of diagnosis with injuries as a direct result of the accident. For a child, the time limit doesn’t apply until the day they turn 18, from which time they’ll have three years to make a claim just like anyone else.