Road Traffic Accident Solicitors
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, either as a driver or passenger, you may be entitled to pursue a compensation claim. The expert solicitors at JMW will offer you an award-winning legal service that will let you get on with what is really important - making a full recovery from your accident - while we take the bulk of the legal responsibility on our shoulders.
Our team will guide you through the whole process of making a road traffic accident compensation claim in a straightforward way, aiming to make your claim as stress-free as possible. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning that making a claim with us is a risk-free process.
For comprehensive yet easy-to-understand advice on this area of law, and to get your claim started, don't hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form and we will give you a call back.
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How JMW Can Help
Motoring accidents and traffic collisions can take a variety of forms, from rear-end shunts to dramatic head-on collisions. This means that the possible injuries sustained can range from whiplash and slight bruising to serious, life-changing injuries, including damage to the head and spine. For those who are injured in incidents where a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or motorbike was involved, the injuries sustained can be even more severe.
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you should make a claim for compensation. Your claim will be made against the insurance company of whoever was responsible for the collision; if you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in a collision, this may even be the driver of your vehicle. If you were the driver - or if you were a cyclist, pedestrian or motorcyclist - and were hit by another road user, it would be made against the insurance company of the individual driving the vehicle that hit you.
We will help you identify the financial losses you have experienced as part of your road traffic accident and ensure they are included as part of your claim. For example, thiesecould include :-
- Loss of earnings
- Policy excess or the value of your vehicle
- Hire vehicle charges
- Medical treatment, rehabilitation and medication costs
- Property damage
- The costs of care and nursing, and any necessary aids and appliances
- Travel expenses
Our experts are knowledgeable and highly experienced in road traffic accident claims, so you can rest assured that making a claim with us after a traffic collision will mean that you stand the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims
Car Accidents
If you are involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. Injuries can range from minor fractures to brain and spinal cord injuries, but we have specialist solicitors dealing with every level of injury.
Bus and Coach Accidents
If you have been involved in a bus or coach accident that wasn’t your fault, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. For more information, visit our dedicated page.
Hit and Run Accidents
Visit our hit and run drivers page for more information on making a claim if you’ve been injured in this type of accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, visit our motorcycle accidents page to make a claim for compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents
If you’re a pedestrian who has been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, visit our dedicated page to make a claim for compensation.
Road Traffic Accidents Abroad
If you've been involved in a road traffic accident while abroad, find out here how you can make a claim.
Road Traffic Accidents Involving Animals
If you've been involved in a road traffic accident where the cause of the incident was an animal, find out how you can make a claim for compensation here.
Taxi Accidents
If you've been involved in a road traffic accident while in a taxi, find out how to make a claim for compensation here.
Uninsured Drivers
If you've been involved in a road traffic accident that was caused by an uninsured driver, you are still entitled to make a claim for compensation. Visit our dedicated page for more information.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Road Traffic Accident
Insurance companies are often keen to offer injured parties an out-of-court settlement straight away. This could happen once they have been contacted by a person needing to get their vehicle repaired, or once they are informed that a claim is being made against the party they represent.
Insurance companies often make this decision because it saves them money, both in terms of legal fees and in avoiding paying victims the full amount of compensation to which they may be entitled. While you may feel relieved that the insurance company has admitted liability without a lengthy legal process, and will accept the offer. Doing this without fully understanding the long-term impact of your injuries, can lead to significantly less compensation than you deserve. Read our useful article on what happens once liability has been accepted to find out more about this process.
Accepting an offer before an injury claim has been fully investigated can lead to problems further down the line, as what might seem like an appealing settlement at first, might not be enough to cover your medical expenses, lost earnings or care for your family should your injuries worsen. Once you accept an offer to settle an injury claim, you cannot reopen your case - that is why it is important you seek legal advice before accepting any offer from an insurance company.
A solicitor will advise you how much you should rightfully receive as compensation for your accident and help you to make informed decisions about your claim every step of the way. They will ensure that you get medical advice if your injury requires it, and diligently gather evidence that supports your claim.
According to data obtained by the Law Society, victims of accidents who take legal advice from a solicitor get up to three times more compensation than those who accept the first offer from an insurance company.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim For a Road Traffic Accident?
Any compensation claim will be made up of two types of funds:
- General damages: this is a sum for the injuries you sustained during the car accident, and depends on their severity and your recovery time. The overall figure is determined using personal injury guidelines and previous similar cases. For an estimation of the compensation you could receive, take a look at our compensation calculator.
- Special damages: this sum is for any financial losses that you have incurred as a result of the car accident. This can include:
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As no two accidents are the same and no two sets of individual circumstances are the same, overall compensation sums will vary from claim to claim. The goal with any claim is to put you back in the position you would have been in were it not for the accident, so it is important that we are able to fully understand your circumstances before the accident, and how your injuries have impacted them. We would advise that you retain any receipts and other documents for purchases made as a direct result of the accident, as these can be used as evidence to strengthen your case.
Why Choose JMW?
Choosing the right legal representation is very important for a successful personal injury claim. Our firm is recognised for its excellence and expertise, by esteemed legal directories such as the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. When you decide to claim with us, you can be confident that you have the support of an experienced team at your back with a proven record of success
At JMW, our legal team possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling road traffic accident claims. Our solicitors specialise in this area of law, to ensure that clients receive expert legal advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, drawing on our solicitors' in-depth understanding of road traffic legislation and insurance policies.
We offer no win, no fee agreements on all accepted personal injury claims, meaning you can pursue a compensation claim without the worry of upfront legal costs. If your claim is not successful, you will not be required to pay our fees.
We understand that every road traffic accident claim is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Our approach is client-centred, focusing on understanding and addressing your individual needs and concerns. We make the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so that you are informed and supported every step of the way.
FAQs About Road Traffic Accident Claims
- What should I do following a road traffic accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a collision, and once you are safe and any immediate medical needs you have are seen to, there are certain steps you should take to support a potential compensation claim. These measures can help to prove that another person was responsible for the incident and ensure your claim is a success. You should take down the following information from anyone who witnessed the incident:
- Names
- Addresses
- Telephone number/email address
If the witnesses consent to provide one, a statement of their version of events can be hugely supportive in any claim you make. Remember to also take photographs of the scene of the incident if you are able to.
You should contact the police and report the incident immediately if the other driver flees the scene or refuses to provide relevant particulars such as address and insurance.
- Can I get access to physiotherapy immediately?
We understand the importance of helping people get back to normal quickly following injury. This is why we can offer those individuals injured in a road traffic accident the opportunity to access immediate physiotherapy, to speed up the recovery process.
We pride ourselves on the speed at which the process is completed, from the first assessment to the start of the first session. Although this varies depending on our client’s circumstances, it can be as little as a matter of days before your first visit to a qualified physiotherapist. This means you can get your recovery underway as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy can be key to helping an individual get their life back on track following injury, This is because compensation claims are designed to return the injured party to the position they were in prior to their injury, and the therapy can promote a more rapid recovery in many instances of injuries associated with road traffic accidents.
- How do I arrange a vehicle inspection?
If your vehicle has been damaged, we can make the necessary arrangements for it to be inspected by a qualified vehicle engineer with a view to either getting the insurers to pay for your repairs, or pay you for the written-off value of the car.
- How do I arrange a like-for-like replacement?
We can also arrange for you to be provided with a like-for-like replacement courtesy car to ensure that while your own vehicle is off the road, your inconvenience is minimised.
- How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the road traffic accident to make a compensation claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as if the individual involved is a child, or if they lack the mental capacity to make a claim themselves. In these instances, the time limits can vary or may not apply at all. Our solicitors can help you to understand these time limits by assessing your situation and informing you on when you must initiate the claims process.
- How is liability determined in a road traffic accident case?
Liability in a road traffic accident case is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements and traffic camera footage. This evidence is used to establish which party was at fault for the accident. In some cases, liability may be clear-cut, while in others, it may require thorough investigation.
- What if the other party is uninsured or underinsured?
If the other party involved in the road traffic accident is uninsured or underinsured, you can still make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The process of claiming compensation this way differs from other personal injury claims, and your solicitor can guide you through it..
- How long does it take to settle a road traffic accident claim?
The time it takes to settle a road traffic accident claim varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Some claims may be settled within a few months, while more complex cases may take years. A solicitor can provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your case. Even in a case that takes years, it is likely that we will obtain interim payments to assist you during the course of the claim.
- What fees are associated with hiring a solicitor for a road traffic accident claim?
Fees for hiring a solicitor for a road traffic accident claim can vary. In most cases at JMW we offer a no win, no fee agreement, meaning you will not have to pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the solicitor's fees will be deducted from the compensation awarded if the claim is successful. The specific terms, including any additional costs, should be discussed with your solicitor before proceeding.
- Do I have to go to court for my road traffic accident claim?
Most road traffic accident claims are settled out of court. However, if the other party disputes your claim or if an agreement on compensation cannot be reached, your case may need to go to court. Your solicitor will prepare your case and represent you in court if necessary; however, for personal injury claims this is generally considered a last resort, and the majority of cases do not require this.
- Can I still claim compensation if the accident was partly my fault?
You can still make a claim even if you were partly at fault for the road traffic accident. This is known as 'contributory negligence'. In such cases, the compensation awarded may be reduced to reflect your share of the blame. It is important to disclose all details of the accident to your solicitor, who can then advise on the likely outcome of your claim.
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Talk to Us
To get in touch with our specialist team of solicitors, please don't hesitate to call us on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and we will give you a call back as soon as we can to discuss your situation in greater detail and provide more guidance on what happens next.
