Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a car accident compensation claim. A trusted car accident lawyer from JMW Solicitors can help you understand your legal options and secure the compensation you deserve.
We have years of experience representing people who have been injured in car accidents across England and Wales. Working with a dedicated lawyer for a car accident can aid you with every aspect of the claims process, so you can focus on your recovery.
We take on car accident claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s no financial risk in pursuing your case. From the moment you get in touch, we’ll explain your rights clearly and help you take the next steps towards compensation for your car accident.
To speak to a car accident claims lawyer today, call 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you at a time that suits you.
On this page
- What our clients say
- How JMW Can Help
- Meet The Team
- Case Studies
- Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Who Can Make a Car Accident Claim?
- What is the difference between car accident claims and road traffic accident claims?
- How much compensation will I receive for a car accident claim?
- Dealing with insurance companies after a road traffic accident
- FAQs about car accident claims
What Our Clients Say
How JMW Can Help
Car accidents are among the leading causes of serious personal injuries, such as head and spinal injuries. These types of road traffic accident injuries can have life-long repercussions, such as brain damage and paralysis of the limbs or the entire body, paraplegia and tetraplegia. Our professional car accident solicitors are experienced in dealing with such severe cases and are on hand to ensure your claim is as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery.
Whether you were driving the car involved in the accident or were a passenger, our solicitors will work to build you the strongest possible case for your car accident claim.
We have helped people who have been affected by a wide range of injuries to claim compensation, including:
- Broken bones
- Burns, lacerations and scarring
- Fatalities
- Head and neck trauma
- Brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord trauma
- Paralysis
We will help you to determine the best steps to take throughout your case while identifying the financial losses you have incurred as a result of your car accident and ensure they are included as part of your claim.
These can include:
- Loss of earnings
- Policy excess or the value of your vehicle
- Hire car charges
- Medical treatment, rehabilitation and medication costs
- Property damage
- Cost of care and nursing, as well as any necessary aids and appliances
- Travel expenses
JMW’s personal injury solicitors are experts in the field of car accident claims, so you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
Meet The Team
Case Studies
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen anywhere - on rural roads, city streets, motorways, or roundabouts. No matter how experienced or careful you are as a driver, someone else’s negligence can put your safety at risk. A car accident lawyer can help you identify who was at fault and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the UK include:
- Rear-end collisions, caused by tailgating or sudden braking
- Accidents at junctions, often due to failing to give way or misjudging distance
- Roundabout crashes, particularly when a driver exits from the wrong lane
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases injury severity
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using a mobile phone or being otherwise distracted at the wheel
- Reckless overtaking or lane changing
- Poor weather or road conditions, including ice, fog or surface defects
- Hit-and-run incidents, where the responsible driver flees the scene
Regardless of how the crash occurred, you may be entitled to car accident compensation if another party was at fault. At JMW, we investigate the details of your accident thoroughly, working with accident reconstruction experts where needed to prove liability and build your case.
Who Can Make a Car Accident Claim?
Many people assume only drivers can make car accident claims. In reality, anyone injured due to someone else’s actions may be eligible. If you were involved in a road traffic incident that was not your fault, a car accident claims lawyer at JMW can assess your case and explain your options clearly.
You may be able to claim if you were:
- A driver in a car struck by another vehicle
- A passenger in a private car, taxi, or public transport
- A cyclist or motorcyclist involved in a collision
- A pedestrian hit while crossing or walking along the road
- The family member of someone involved in a fatal car accident, bringing a claim on their behalf
We support people in all types of car accident claims in the UK, including those involving uninsured or untraceable drivers. If the person who caused the crash has no valid insurance or cannot be found, we may still be able to pursue your claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
What Is the Difference Between Car Accident Claims and Road Traffic Accident Claims?
While road traffic accidents can include car accidents, road traffic accident claims also deal with those that involve other types of vehicles, such as heavy goods vehicles and motorbikes. In many cases, the potential for injury following an accident with a larger or lighter vehicle is more severe. Therefore, claims for road traffic accidents must be considered separately from car accident claims.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive for a Car Accident Claim?
The amount of compensation you will receive in a car accident compensation claim will depend on the nature of any injuries sustained; more serious injuries will usually result in higher financial rewards.
Your total compensation amount may also factor in the financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident. For example, you may be compensated for damage to your vehicle, or for loss of earnings if you took time off work to recover from your injuries, or even care you may need for the rest of your life.
The figures below provide a rough idea of how much you could receive for a car accident claim for your personal injuries alone, based on the most recent Judicial College Injury Tables:
| Minor to Moderate neck injury | Up to £38,490 |
| Serious or severe neck injury with permanent symptoms | £45,470 - £148,330 |
| Back injury recovering in up to five years | Up to £12,510 |
| Back injury causing permanent symptoms | £27,760 - £160,980 |
| Minor brain or head injury | Up to £12,770 |
| Minor to moderate brain damage | £15,320 - £219,070 |
| Loss of one leg below the knee | £97,980 - £132,990 |
| Loss of both legs below the knee | £201,490 - £270,100 |
It is important to note that the above figures are for general injuries, so figures for your circumstances may differ. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your own circumstances, get in touch with JMW today or take a look at our Compensation Calculator.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Road Traffic Accident
In many cases, insurance companies offer injured car drivers a financial settlement before any court proceedings can take place. This may be following communications between the injured driver and the offending party, or after the offending party has been informed that a claim is being made against them.
The reason insurance companies make a financial settlement offer is to save on legal costs and compensation payouts, which could be higher as a result of legal action. In simple terms, insurance companies do this so they do not have to pay as much compensation to the injured driver.
Injured drivers are often enticed by an initial settlement offer because it may seem like a faster, simpler route to receiving compensation. However, these settlement offers are usually made on condition that, if the injured driver accepts the offer, they cannot take any further legal action against the offending party. Furthermore, the money offered by insurance companies in these types of financial settlements is rarely enough to cover all the costs that an injured driver incurs, and is significantly less than what the driver may be able to gain through a compensation claim. This is especially true in cases where an injured driver’s condition worsens.
In an investigation carried out by the Law Society, it was found that those who make a full personal injury claim after an accident usually win up to three times more compensation than those who accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company.
Before you accept any terms or agreements following your accident, you should consult with a professional solicitor, who will be able to help you make the right choices and get the support you need.
FAQs About Car Accident Claims
- What type of damages can I claim in a car accident?
The amount of car accident compensation you could receive will depend on the type of injury you have, its severity, and how it has affected your day-to-day life. Your car accident lawyer will use national guidelines and expert medical evidence to help calculate your compensation amount.
In general, your car accident claim will include two types of compensation:
- General damages - these account for the physical injury, emotional distress, and disruption to your lifestyle. Factors include:
- How serious your injury is
- How long your recovery will take
- Whether the injury is permanent or leaves lasting effects
- The effect on your ability to work, travel, socialise, or care for yourself
- Special damages - these are usually the larger part of your claim in a more serious case and reflect your financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- Loss of earnings (including bonuses or pension contributions)
- Private physiotherapy or surgery
- Home adaptations, specialist equipment or mobility aids
- Travel to medical appointments
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Additional childcare or housekeeping support
Every car accident compensation claim is different. We’ll look at your short-term and long-term needs and include projected future losses in your claim where applicable.
In some cases, we can secure interim payments - a portion of your compensation paid early - to cover urgent medical treatment or help if you’re unable to work.
- How long do I have to make a car accident claim?
Claims for compensation following a car accident should be made within three years after the date that the incident occurred. However, it is sometimes possible to make a car accident claim up to three years after it was discovered that your injuries were caused by the accident.
- How much compensation can I claim for a car accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, it is important that you speak to a solicitor about your options as soon as possible. The amount of compensation you are able to claim following your car accident will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the length of time you have been required to take off work as a result.
- What to do after a car accident in the UK?
If you are involved in a car accident in the UK, 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 help to ensure your claim is a success.
Immediately after the car accident, you should carry out the following steps:
- Stop the car, no matter how minor you believe the incident was
- Switch off the car engine and turn on the hazard lights to alert other road users that you are stationary
- Check yourself for any injuries, as well as any passengers you are travelling with - if anyone is seriously injured, call an ambulance
- If no one in the car is seriously injured, get out of the car when it is safe to do so and assess the situation
- Take photographs of the scene of the accident, the damage to your vehicle and injuries sustained by any occupants of the vehicle
- Take photographs of the damage to any other vehicles involved so that other parties cannot make false claims about the extent of the damage at a later date
You should take down the following information from anyone who witnessed the incident:
- Names
- Addresses
- Telephone number/email address
Witness statements can play a significant role in the success of your car accident claim, therefore we will prioritise obtaining these. If you are able to, take photographs of the scene. If the other driver has no valid insurance or they flee the scene after the accident, you should contact the police and report the accident as soon as possible. If you are unable to do this, you should ask someone you trust to do so in your place.
- What can I do if my vehicle is damaged?
During the process of making a claim with us, our team can arrange for your vehicle to be inspected by a qualified engineer. This will help us to generate a report that will help to ensure the insurers pay the right amount of money for your repairs. If your car has to be written-off, we will aim to secure the value of your car.
- Can I arrange a like-for-like replacement?
Our team can arrange for you to receive a like-for-like replacement car while we work to secure you the funds for any repairs that need to be made, or until you can purchase a new car.
Talk to Us
Speak to our experienced team of solicitors today about making a car accident compensation claim by calling 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.
