Last Updated 20th January 2026. If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a road traffic accident claim. Our panel of experienced solicitors help drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians claim compensation for injuries, financial losses and suffering. Most road traffic accident claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, and you usually have three years to start a claim in England and Wales.
Key Takeaways
- Settlements for claims for road traffic accidents will include compensation for the physical pain and suffering caused as well as any incurred financial losses.
- You can still claim compensation even if you are partially responsible for the accident.
- Some whiplash and other low-value injury claims might be made differently to a traditional compensation claim.
- If your loved one died in a collision, the estate can claim for their pain and suffering and also claim on behalf of the dependants.
- Rules and regulations are in place that apply to all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorbike riders, horse riders and drivers, to help make Britain’s roads safer.
Your first step to getting the compensation you deserve is to contact one of our friendly advisors. They will provide you with a free consultation that will not only look at whether you have valid grounds to claim, but also advise on how much compensation you could be awarded as well as evidence. If you have good grounds to claim, you can be connected to one of the solicitors from our panel. Our panel offers a type of No Win No Fee contract to help ease your mind and wallet when making a personal injury claim.
Jump To A Section
- Can I Make A Claim After A Road Traffic Accident?
- What Are The Different Types Of Road Traffic Accidents?
- What Are The Changes To Whiplash Claims?
- How Much Compensation For A Road Traffic Accident?
- What Else Can Road Accident Compensation Cover?
- Fatal Road Traffic Accident Claims
- Case Study: £51,000 Road Traffic Accident Claim Payout
- What Should I Do After Being Involved In An Accident On The Road?
- How Long After A Road Traffic Accident Can You Claim?
- No Win No Fee Road Traffic Accident Claims
- Why Choose Public Interest Lawyers for Road Traffic Accident Claims?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Information
Can I Make A Claim After A Road Traffic Accident?
Yes, you may be able to make a claim following a road traffic accident. If you were injured and another road user was at least partly responsible for what happened, you could have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. To determine whether you may be eligible, consider the following:
- Were you owed a duty of care? In other words, did another road user have a legal responsibility to act in a way that would prevent harm?
- Was that duty breached? For example, did they fail to follow road safety laws or drive in a careless or dangerous manner?
- Did this breach cause your injuries? This could include physical or psychological harm that resulted directly from the accident.
If you answered ‘yes’ to all 3 questions, negligence has occurred and you have good grounds to claim compensation. Everyone using the roads owes each other a duty of care to navigate in a safe and responsible manner so as to avoid injuries to themselves and others. To comply with this duty of care, road users must adhere to the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act 1988.
Road Traffic Accident Claims On Behalf Of A Loved One
If you would like to make a road traffic accident claim on behalf of a loved one, you would have to be appointed as their litigation friend if they are unable to claim for themselves. A litigation friend is any responsible adult without a conflict of interest who can make decisions on behalf of another party during the claims process.
Litigation friends can manage claims on behalf of children under the age of 18 (although they can claim once they turn 18) and those without the mental capacity to handle the claims process (they can claim if they ever recover this capacity).
It is generally a simpler process to claim as soon after the accident as possible with the events fresh in the minds of witnesses and evidence easier to obtain. Furthermore, your loved one may have financial needs to aid with their recovery.
For more information about making a road accident compensation claim on behalf of your loved one, speak to one of our advisors.
What Are The Different Types Of Road Traffic Accidents?
Different types of road traffic accidents include those involving pedestrians, motorcycles, bikes, buses and more. As everyone using the roads owes a duty of care, accidents go beyond simple collisions involving cars. The following sections take a look at some of these.
Car Accidents
70,089 car occupants (or 55% of accidents) suffered injuries on Britain’s roads in 2024 (according to the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain, Annual Report 2024). This makes car accidents the most common road traffic accident. They may involve one or more vehicles.
Passenger Accidents
Passengers can also make a claim. This would be made against the person responsible for their injuries, so may be against the driver of the car they were in or another driver.
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are considered one of the most vulnerable road users because they are more likely to be injured in the event of a collision than occupants of other motor vehicles. 12% of reported road casualties in 2024 involved motorcyclists (Reported Road Casualties Great Britain).
Cyclist Accidents
Cyclists are also more likely to be injured in a collision and thus, considered another of the more vulnerable road users. According to the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain Annual Report 2024, 14,549 pedal cyclists were injured on Britain’s roads during 2024.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians, as with motorcycle riders and cyclists, are at increased risk of injury if they are involved in a road traffic accident. The Reported Road Casualties Great Britain Annual Report 2024 puts them at the second most common reported casualty at 15%.
Public Transport Accidents
You are also entitled to compensation if you suffered injuries in a public transport accident. Your claim could be made against the transport company or another driver, depending on who was liable for the accident.
HGV Accidents
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can cause serious damage when involved in a collision. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an HGV or lorry, you may be entitled to make an HGV accident claim or seek lorry accident compensation, whether you were driving the lorry or were in another vehicle involved in the crash.
What Are The Changes To Whiplash Claims?
Changes were made in 2021 to the way certain whiplash claims are handled. Essentially, your claim will be filed in a different manner than that of claiming for injuries valued above £5,000. Once your claim is settled, you cannot reopen it, so it is very important that it is accurately valued.
These changes also apply to all low-value injuries (£5,000 or less) suffered in a road traffic accident if:
- You were the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle,
- Are 18 or older,
- The accident occurred in England and Wales.
For more information, please see our whiplash claim guide.
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021
In addition to how the claim is made, the way in which whiplash injuries are valued also changed. Whiplash is now valued in accordance with the tariffs found in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, instead of using the Judicial College Guidelines (see the next section). We’ve included a few examples of these tariffs in the table below.
| Duration | Whiplash alone | Whiplash with a minor psychological injury |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 months | £4,215 | £4,345 |
| 15-18 months | £3,005 | £3,100 |
Please only use the table as a guide. An advisor can more accurately estimate how much compensation for road traffic accident claims.
How Much Compensation For A Road Traffic Accident?
How much compensation you are awarded for a road traffic accident will depend on the severity of your injuries, how many of them, what impact they’ve had on your enjoyment of activities and any related expenses. This is going to vary between road traffic accident claims.
We’ve provided a table using figures from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to help you understand how injuries are valued in personal injury claims. The JCG acts as a compensation guideline for different types of severity of injuries. Please only use the table as a guide and also note that the figure in the first row was not taken from the JCG.
| Injury Type | Severity | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple and Severe with Recovery of Financial Losses | Severe injuries, plus special damages such as lost wages, home support and accommodation adaptations | Up to or more than £1 million |
| Brain Damage | Very severe with reliance on full time nursing care | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Paralysis | Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 |
| Back | Severe (i) with pain, disability and incomplete paralysis | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Severe Leg Injuries (i) | The most serious leg injuries that do not involve amputation | £117,460 to £165,860 |
| Knee | Severe (ii) fracture extending into the joint | £63,610 to £85,100 |
| Arm Injuries | Permanent and substantial disablement | £47,810 to £73,050 |
| Neck | Moderate (i) immediate symptoms from fractures and dislocations | £30,500 to £46,970 |
| Facial Disfigurement | Significant scarring | £11,120 to £36,720 |
| Skeletal Injuries | Multiple fractures of facial bones | £18,180 to £29,220 |
How Is Road Traffic Accident Compensation Valued?
Road traffic accident compensation is valued by assessing your pain and suffering (general damages) and financial losses (special damages).
General damages will consider:
- Your physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Injury severity
- Loss of amenity
This part of your damages will also consider whether you’ve suffered multiple injuries, as a personal injury claim will award compensation for each one as part of your settlement. For example, you could claim compensation for whiplash, broken ribs, loss of limb and a head injury as long as you have medical evidence that proves they occurred in the same accident.
What Else Can Road Accident Compensation Cover?
Your road traffic accident compensation could also cover any documented financial loss that occurred due to your injuries, as such, you should save payslips, invoices and anything else that can prove out of pocket expenses. This part of your claim is referred to as special damages.
Lost Earnings And Future Loss Of Income
Your road traffic accident compensation can recover your loss of earnings if you have the payslips to support this. This applies even if you have sick pay that doesn’t bring you up to your full wage for your time spent off recovering. This part of your claim can apply to:
- Lost earnings
- Lost future income
- Missing pension contributions
- Holiday pay
- Workplace benefits you missed out on
Medical Costs
Your settlement can recover your medical costs if you have to seek private treatment due to a lack of availability or long waiting lists.
Care Costs
Care costs can incorporate many different expenses, including:
- Professional carers or nurses while you recover
- Care carried out by friends or family (they can be reimbursed for their time)
- Domestic support, such as with childcare, cleaning and cooking while you recover
All of these out-of-pocket expenses can be recovered as part of your special damages, so make sure you keep a record of them.
Rehabilitation And Recovery
Even minor injuries may require rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy for a broken arm. More severe injuries may require months of inpatient rehabilitation. Any expenses that arise as part of the recovery process can be claimed back.
Home Or Car Adaptations
Some injuries will require adaptations made to your home or car. Whether you’ve needed a shower seat, wet room, railings installed, your car altered, or any other items to ease your life following injuries, either temporarily or permanently, these costs can be recovered as part of your claim.
Travel Expenses
Any money you spend on taxis, petrol, parking or buses and trains to get to your medical appointments can be included in your compensation.
Miscellaneous Costs
For example, your belongings may have been damaged in the crash.
Early Compensation Payments
Early compensation payments, known as interim payments, can be made for essential costs once it looks like your claim will settle in your favour but an exact settlement hasn’t been decided. The amount you are given in an interim payment will be deducted from your settlement.
One of the personal injury solicitors on our panel can help you apply to the courts for any interim payments you may need.
To find out more about how compensation is awarded in road traffic accident claims, speak to one of our advisors.
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Claims
Fatal road traffic accident claims can be made by the estate for the 6 months following the accident. The estate may also claim on behalf of the dependants. However, if no claim is made during this time, then certain relatives can claim for the effect of the death on them.
Our dedicated guide to fatal car accident compensation explains how to claim for fatalities suffered on Britain’s roads. Alternatively, one of our advisors can discuss this process with you.
Case Study: £51,000 Road Traffic Accident Claim Payout
This illustrative case study* looks at how Miss G was awarded £51,000 after suffering significant injuries due to a T-bone collision.Miss G was crossing a roundabout when a driver failed to give way and suddenly pulled out in front of her. Despite hitting the brakes, Miss G collided with the rear right side of the vehicle, causing both cars to spin off the road.
She sustained injuries to her neck and shoulder in the crash, as well as a cut on her face. These injuries resulted in Miss G being off work for around 8 weeks, later returning in a reduced capacity. She also required ongoing physiotherapy and additional support to recover.
Following a consultation with a solicitor, Miss G and her legal representative set about gathering supporting evidence. Footage from her dashcam, along with details from the police report, showed that the other driver failed to give way and was therefore at fault in the collision. An independent medical assessment confirmed her injuries, and Miss G received a compensation settlement totalling £51,000.
- Injuries to her neck and shoulder £32,000
- Lost earnings £13,400
- Medical expenses, including physiotherapy and medications £5,000
- Travel expenses £600
You can learn more about road traffic accident claims in situations just like this one by speaking to one of our friendly advisors.
What Should I Do After Being Involved In An Accident On The Road?
You may want to notify the police and seek medical attention, among other steps, after being involved in an accident on the road.
What To Do Immediately After A Road Accident
Immediately after a road accident, you should:
- Stop in a place of relative safety and use hazard lights (if possible).
- Switch off engines and extinguish cigarettes.
- Contact emergency services (if needed).
- If uninjured, move to a place of relative safety.
After these steps, the parties involved in the accident need to exchange details:
- Your own name and address with that of the other driver(s).
- The name and address of the vehicle’s owner (if different).
- Vehicle registration number.
- Insurance information.
These details should also be given to anyone with reasonable grounds for needing them, such as a police officer.
Additionally, you may wish to take photographs of the scene and make a note of eyewitness contact details as well as ensure that any dashcam footage is secure.
Gathering Further Evidence To Make A Claim
Gathering further evidence is essential to making a claim. You need to prove that the other driver was, at least partially, at fault. Items you can collect include:
- Medical records,
- Photographs of your injuries (if visible) and damage to your vehicle,
- Any accident footage,
- Copies of accident reports, such as from the police,
- Anything else that can help support your version of events,
- Proof of your special damages.
One of the solicitors on our panel can help you gather evidence. Please get in touch with an advisor to find out if you are eligible to move forward with a road traffic accident claim.
How Long After A Road Traffic Accident Can You Claim?
You have 3 years from the date of the road traffic accident in which to claim. This is the general personal injury claim time limit set by the Limitation Act 1980.
However, for parties that cannot manage a claim themselves (as discussed earlier), this time limit is suspended until such a time that they are deemed able to handle the claims process.
Our dedicated personal injury claim time limit guide might be useful. Alternatively, speak to an advisor now for a free assessment, which will include a limitation period check or advice on claiming as a litigation friend on behalf of those who cannot manage their own claim.
No Win No Fee Road Traffic Accident Claims
The No Win No Fee solicitors on our expert panel work via a Conditional Fee Agreement, which means:
- No upfront solicitors’ fees.
- No solicitors’ fees as they work on your claim.
- No solicitors’ fees if your claim is not successful.
It is when your claim is successful that your solicitor will take a success fee. This fee is deducted directly from your compensation as a set percentage that is agreed upon before work commences on your claim. Furthermore, this percentage is limited by the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
Talk to our team today for a free eligibility check or answers to any further questions.
Why Choose Public Interest Lawyers for Road Traffic Accident Claims?
By choosing Public Interest Lawyers for your road traffic accident claim, you can get a free eligibility check in just a few minutes by talking to our advisors. They won’t beat around the bush or waste your time; you’ll simply get clear, no-nonsense answers to your questions and a no-cost, zero-obligation assessment to determine if you could pursue compensation.
Our panel of expert solicitors are some of the most experienced in the business. With decades of legal practice between them, they know their way around a claim. Here are just some of the ways they can support claimants and the services they can provide:
- Accurate valuation of your claim, which is especially important when deciding how your case should proceed.
- Help accessing medical care to aid with your recovery.
- Applying for any interim payments that you may need to cover your essential costs.
- Handling all negotiations with the other party’s insurer.
- Explaining the progress of your claim in language you can understand.
- Arranging a medical examination with an independent assessor to make sure all your injuries are accounted for.
Contact Public Interest Lawyers
If working with Public Interest Lawyers seems like something you would like to pursue, contact one of our advisors now. They will assess your claim entirely for free without any obligation to use our services any further.
- Call 0800 408 7825
- Fill out our ‘contact us’ form
- Ask about traffic accident claims in our live chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding road traffic accident claims.
Am I Able To Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For A Road Traffic Accident?
Yes, you are able to claim even if you were partially at fault for a road traffic accident. This is what is known as a split liability claim, and your compensation will be reduced by the percentage at which you were at fault.
How Long Will It Take To Settle A Road Accident Claim?
How long it takes to settle a road accident claim depends on the complexity of the case. A claim that is more complex will take longer to settle than a straightforward case.
What Can I Do If The Third Party Denies Fault?
The best thing to do if the third party denies fault is to instruct a solicitor who can negotiate your case and help you gather further evidence that supports your version of events.
Do Road Traffic Accident Claims Go To Court?
Generally speaking, most road traffic accident claims don’t go to court. It is typically more beneficial for all parties involved to settle early. However, if the at-fault driver denies responsibility for the accident or negotiations fail, you may need to go to court.
Who Will Need To Pay My RTA Compensation?
Your RTA compensation will be paid for by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Are The Common Causes Of Road Accidents?
Common causes of road accidents are:
- Behaviour or inexperience (75%)
- Speed (36%)
- Distraction or impairment (28%)
- Road (22%)
These percentages were recorded by attending police officers in Great Britain during 2024, who may record more than one element as road safety factors. They were published in September 2025 in the Guide to Road Safety and Contributory Factors.
Road Traffic Accident Claims Process – Step By Step
The road traffic accident claims process involves seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, gathering supporting evidence, and speaking with a solicitor. The following is a breakdown of these and other steps:
- Seek medical attention and ensure your injuries are recorded.
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a reference number.
- Collect evidence such as photographs, witness details, and dashcam footage.
- Speak to a solicitor to assess liability and the value of your claim.
- Attend an independent medical assessment.
- Negotiate a settlement or proceed to court if liability is disputed.
More Information
For more information, please read these guides:
- Everything you need to know about taxi accident claims.
- A complete guide to the personal injury claims process.
- Learn how compensation is calculated in a pothole claim.
These outside resources might also be of interest:
- Details on what to do if you are involved in a road collision from the Police.
- Information on vehicle insurance from the Government.
- Advice on when to call 999 from the NHS.
Thank you for reading our guide to road traffic accident claims, including our *example case study.