UK ROAD ACCIDENT CLAIM ADVICE

Even if you are partly responsible for a collision it is still possible to make a road accident claim. Being partially responsible means that you will be entitled to a reduced amount of compensation. Your solicitor can work out to what extent you were at fault and advise you of the percentage deduction that will apply from the total compensation that you would otherwise have received.

Even if the negligent driver of the vehicle is your husband, wife or a family member you can still claim compensation as a passenger. In almost all cases you will not be claiming compensation from them but rather from their insurance company.

If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision and the party at fault has no insurance then a road accident claim for personal injury compensation and in some cases all other losses may still be pursued through the Motor Insurers Bureau. The MIB administers a compensation fund that is financed by the insurance industry to compensate the victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision you must stop and exchange your name and address, registration number and insurance details with the other party. If the other party is unwilling to provide their details, then you should write down their registration number and make a note of the vehicle type, colour of vehicle.

Do not admit liability, fault or negligence at the scene of the accident. Sometimes, even when you think you are totally to blame, this may not be the case - it may only have been partially your fault.

Don’t forget to write down your version of events as soon as possible. You should also record the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. If you have suffered any injury see a doctor for medical treatment and to get the injury recorded.

Keep an ongoing record of your symptoms and medical treatment received. You should also keep receipts relating to any expenses incurred as a result of the accident such as medications, physio, chiro etc. You should also make a note of any loss of income if you are unable to work because of your injuries.

Please be aware that there are time limits set by law within which you must make a road accident claim, otherwise you will lose your right to compensation. Generally there is a 3 year limitation period for personal injury matters, but you should ask your solicitor to advise you as to what the applicable time limit is in your particular case as there are exceptions to the general rule.

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹