Even minor car accidents can leave you with long-term injuries. Insurers may try to make you an early offer, but it's important to take impartial legal advice before you accept. Our car accident lawyers handle the majority of our car accident compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis.
We are proud to have partnerships with national charities and be recognised in the latest legal directories, such as the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Being caught in a car accident is an extremely distressing experience for everyone involved. The implications of a serious injury can disrupt your normal everyday life, impact your finances, and leave you with severe mental trauma.
In 2024, it was reported that nearly 29,500 people were seriously injured or killed in an accident on the road in Britain. Our car accident lawyers have unparalleled experience helping injured victims of car accidents achieve the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Making a car accident injury claim can seem daunting, particularly if you are still recovering from your injuries. However, making a claim for compensation can give you access to further support and advice, as well as providing the means to cover the cost of additional treatment.
At Slater and Gordon, we understand the impact an accident on the road can have. We work with hundreds of people injured on UK roads every year, working tirelessly to obtain the justice, compensation, and support they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Claims can be pursued against a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian, if you can prove that their negligent behaviour caused the accident, resulting in your injuries. In cases where liability for the accident is uncertain, it may still be possible to make a claim, though if it is found that you were partially responsible for causing the accident, the total amount of compensation you receive may be reduced to reflect this.
If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, it is always best to speak to a specialist car accident lawyer, who will be able to provide expert legal advice relevant to your circumstances. Speak to a member of our team today on 0330 041 5869 or by contacting us online.
How much compensation can I claim for a car accident injury?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident injury will largely depend upon the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your day-to-day life. As a general rule, the more severe your injuries are, the more compensation you will be entitled to. This is the case for both physical and psychological injuries.
If you have suffered minor whiplash injuries, please note that the introduction of the Civil Liability Act 2018 and the Whiplash Reforms on 31 May 2021 has changed the way in which whiplash claims are handled and set out the amount of compensation you will be able to claim. You can read more about claiming for whiplash here.
There are other factors that could affect the total compensation you receive. For instance, if it was deemed that your own actions contributed to the severity of your injuries (for example, you weren’t wearing a seatbelt or a cycle helmet), the amount you receive may be lowered in recognition of this.
What if I wasn't the driver? Watch Jack's story
Jack was left paralysed from the chest down after he was involved in a hit-and-run collision. Our car accident injury lawyers not only helped him recover compensation but also helped him get his life back on track.
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How long after a car accident can I claim for an injury?
Under UK law, most car accident claims must be submitted within three years of the date of the accident. This is known as the ‘limitation period’.
However, there are some cases in which the limitation period can vary or even be suspended. For example:
if your accident happened abroad, your claim may fall under foreign jurisdiction, meaning time limits to make a claim will be determined by the law in the country in which your accident took place.
if you are claiming on behalf of a child, you can submit a claim at any time before their 18th birthday. If a claim hasn’t been submitted by then, the child then has three years (until their 21st birthday) to make a claim themselves.
if you are claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity, the limitation period is suspended indefinitely. The three-year time limit will only start if the person regains mental capacity. However, keep in mind that this is true even if the person only regains capacity temporarily.
Understanding the deadlines and timescales involved in a car accident claim can be complex, particularly in cases of serious or lifelong injury, so it's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our dedicated car accident lawyers can identify any deadlines relevant to your case and discuss your options going forward, so you’ll always know where you stand and what to expect.
Injuries sustained in a car accident can have an impact on almost every aspect of your life, including your physical wellbeing, financial stability, and quality of life. All of this is considered when determining how much car accident compensation you could be owed, as well as any damage to property.
The compensation you receive will be comprised of two separate awards:
General damages: this provides compensation for the injuries themselves, including pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life). The amount you are owed will depend on the severity of your injuries and your expected recovery, such as how quickly you may recover or whether you’re likely to fully recover. If you aren’t expected to make a full recovery, your continuing difficulties are also considered. Medical expert evidence is used to support this claim.
Special damages: this covers any financial losses you’ve incurred due to your injuries. How much you are awarded and what losses are covered will depend on the circumstances of your accident, but it generally includes any lost wages (both now and in the future), the cost of any medical treatment, care or rehabilitation required, home and travel adaptations, and mobility aids or prosthetics. This part of your compensation will also include any future losses you are likely to suffer, including future loss of earnings and care costs.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, making a claim for compensation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our expert car accident solicitors are here to support you through every step, providing tailored legal expertise and handling the process from start to finish so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
To start your car accident injury claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team about the details of your case.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll talk you through the process and your funding options (most of our road traffic accident claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis).
To support your claim, we’ll help you gather all the relevant evidence, including police records, and obtaining copies of your medical records (with your permission).
Once we’ve collected all the initial information we need, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, working hard to secure the best possible result.
We will arrange for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence to the court.
As part of your claim, we’ll advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, where appropriate, to maximise your chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court so a judge can rule on the case.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s car accident lawyers?
We understand how difficult it can be when you’ve been involved in a car accident. Our expert car accident lawyers are leaders in their field and are on hand to help support you throughout your recovery; from helping you receive the best possible compensation, to advocating for your access to top-quality rehabilitation and treatment.
Our lawyers are among the best and most experienced car accident lawyers in the country, consistently receiving high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
We handle all car accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost and no financial risk to you.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic and collaborative approach to your road traffic accident claim, working closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require.
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of car accident compensation claim lawyers to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of car accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
How long will it take to settle a car accident injury claim?
Every car accident injury claim is different, so it can be difficult to know how long a claim will take to settle. There are several factors that can influence how long the process will take, such as how quickly the other party accepts liability for the accident.
More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries, can take longer to settle. It can take time to collect the necessary medical evidence, but it is vital that we understand the full impact of your injuries before settling your claim.
Your solicitor will work hard to ensure that your claim progresses as quickly as possible, and they will be on hand throughout the process to answer any questions.
What evidence will I need to start a car accident injury claim?
To make a successful car accident injury claim, we will need to prove that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. To do this, we’ll gather any evidence relevant to your case, including police and medical records, to help us establish what happened and who was at fault.
You should try to collect as much information as possible from the scene, including photographs of the scene and any damage caused, the details of the other drivers/parties involved, and the details of any witnesses. Providing this information to your solicitor can be crucial to building a comprehensive case.
You will also be required to undergo a medical examination, to help determine the extent of your injuries, and how quickly or how much you can be expected to recover. You may need to be examined by experts in multiple fields, depending on your injuries.
Can I claim against an uninsured driver?
Yes, it is possible to pursue a car accident claim if the driver at fault is uninsured, though the process will be slightly different. In most cases, your car accident claim would be made against the liable party’s insurer. If the driver was uninsured, this won’t be possible. Instead, a claim must be brought against the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB).
The MIB is a non-profit organisation which was set up by the UK government in 1946 to compensate people who have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, or a driver who flees the scene of an accident and cannot be traced. Claims made through the MIB will consider damage to your vehicle and property, as well as any injuries sustained.
To make a successful claim, you must still be able to prove that the uninsured or untraceable driver was at fault and that your injuries or the damage to your property was caused by their actions. We have extensive experience of handling claims through the MIB and can support you in collecting the necessary evidence. Speak to our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Do I have to use the solicitors recommended to me by my insurance company?
No. Many insurance companies will have relationships with particular law firms, who they will recommend you approach if you’re considering making a car accident injury claim. You do not, however, need to use the firm they recommend, and you are free to approach another law firm if you wish.
It is strongly recommended that before you begin any legal action, you take some time to make an informed decision and ensure that the law firm you choose meets your needs.
Our award-winning team have secured car accident compensations for countless clients across the UK, working closely with leading medical experts to prioritise recovery and treatment, and ensure the best possible outcome in every case.
For a no-obligation talk with one of our experienced car accident lawyers, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to find out how we can help you.
Who pays for the car accident compensation settlement?
In most cases, car accident compensation is paid by the liable (at fault) driver’s motor insurer. In the UK, all drivers are legally required to have at least third-party motor insurance, which exists specifically to cover any injuries or damage caused by the driver to other road users.
When a car accident claim is made, your car accident solicitors will notify the liable driver’s insurer and present evidence showing how the accident happened and why their policyholder is responsible. The insurer then handles the claim on their behalf. This means that even though your claim is brought against the other driver, it is their insurance company that pays the car accident compensation if liability is accepted or proven.
In situations where the other driver is uninsured or cannot be identified, such as in a hit‑and‑run accident, compensation may still be available through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), a non-profit organisation set up by the government to compensate innocent victims where no insurer can be pursued.
Do car accident claims go to court?
It is highly unlikely that your car accident claim would need to go to court. Most claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with the liable (at fault) party’s insurer.
Your dedicated car accident lawyer will gather all the relevant evidence, including medical and financial records, and determine how much compensation you are owed before entering discussions with the other side. Where liability is established early, an agreement on the settlement amount can often be reached relatively quickly. Even where liability is disputed, many cases can still be settled out of court through continued discussion and negotiation.
In rare cases, it won’t be possible for both sides to reach an agreement, usually because either liability or the amount of car accident compensation owed is disputed. Court proceedings will then need to be issued. If this becomes necessary, your car accident lawyer will explain exactly what happens next and what to expect, and they will continue to advocate on your behalf.
Can I claim for a car accident on behalf of someone else?
It may be possible for you to make a car accident injury claim on behalf of a loved one. This is often the case if the injured person is under the age of 18, lacks the mental capacity to be able to make a claim for themselves, or has sadly died due to their injuries.
For children under the age of 18, an adult (such as a parent or guardian) can act as a litigation friend and instruct car accident injury lawyers on the child’s behalf.t While the claim can be started at any time before the child turns 18, court approval is required for any settlement to ensure it is in the child’s best interests. Compensation is usually held in a secure account until the child reaches adulthood.
Claims can also be brought on behalf of adults who lack capacity due to a serious brain injury or other condition. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a litigation friend can act for the injured person, ensuring their rights are protected and their needs are met.
In fatal car accident cases, certain family members may be able to bring a claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. Our compassionate team can advise on who is eligible to claim and what compensation may be available during what is often a very difficult time.
Will I need a medical examination as part of my car accident claim?
Yes, you will. Obtaining an independent medical report is a crucial part of a car accident claim, as it provides clear evidence of your injuries and their impact on your life. This is vital to valuing your claim and ensures that the compensation you receive fully reflects what you have been through and any expected long-term effects.
The examination is usually carried out by an experienced medical expert who will ask about your symptoms, treatment, and recovery. They may examine the affected areas and review your medical records. The appointment is typically straightforward and non-invasive. You may need to be examined by more than one expert if your injuries are complex and evidence is required from experts across various medical disciplines.
Can I still make a car accident claim if I was at fault?
Many car accidents are caused by a combination of errors, and it can sometimes be difficult to establish what really happened in the immediate aftermath when emotions are running high.
Even if you believe you were at fault, that may not be the case in purely legal terms, and another party involved may also be partially responsible. It is always worth speaking to a specialist car accident lawyer about what happened to better understand what your options are. Even if you were partially responsible, you may be entitled to claim compensation (though your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility).
Can I make a claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, you can still make a car accident claim, though it may affect the amount of compensation you receive.
Under UK law, failure to wear a seatbelt is often considered ‘contributory negligence’, which means that your failure to take proper safety precautions makes you partially ‘at-fault’ for the extent of your injuries. In other words, the law recognises that had you been wearing a seatbelt, your injuries would likely not have been as severe.
This doesn’t stop you from making a claim, but it does mean that your car accident lawyer will need to determine how much your actions (or inaction) contributed to your injuries. The compensation you are awarded will then be reduced by an equivalent amount.
Can I still make a claim if the police aren’t investigating?
It can be easy to assume that you can’t bring a car accident claim unless the police prosecute the other driver. In reality, a criminal case and a civil compensation claim are entirely separate processes and while a police report can support a claim, it is not essential. The absence of a prosecution should never stop you from seeking advice about your rights and potential entitlement to car accident compensation.
The police decide whether to prosecute based on whether a criminal offence has been committed and whether there is sufficient evidence to meet the criminal standard of proof, which is very high. A car accident claim, on the other hand, is a civil matter decided on the balance of probabilities, meaning it must be more likely than not that the other party was at fault.
How long does it take after a medical examination to receive car accident compensation?
The time it takes to receive car accident compensation after a medical examination can vary depending on the circumstances of your claim. The medical examination is a key stage, as it provides independent evidence of your injuries, recovery, and any ongoing symptoms.
If your injuries are straightforward and you have made a full recovery, compensation can sometimes be agreed soon after the report is finalised. However, where injuries are more serious or symptoms are ongoing, it may be necessary to wait until your condition has stabilised. This is to avoid settling too early and risking under-compensation. Our experienced car accident lawyers will always balance the desire for a swift outcome with the need to protect your long‑term interests.
Delays can also occur if liability is disputed or if the insurer requests further medical evidence. Throughout the process, your legal team will keep you informed and explain the reasons for any delays, ensuring you always understand where your claim stands.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson