Road Traffic Accident Claims Solicitors

In England and Wales, you usually have three years from the date of your accident to start a road traffic accident claim, or from when you first became aware that you had an injury and that it may have been caused by the accident or someone else’s actions. It is always best to get in touch as soon as possible. The earlier a claim is made, the easier it is to gather evidence and the fresher the details will be in witnesses' minds.

There are exceptions. If a child is injured in a road accident, a parent or guardian can claim on their behalf at any point before the child turns 18. Once they turn 18, they have until their 21st birthday to claim independently. For people who lack mental capacity, whether because of the accident itself or for another reason, the time limit does not apply unless capacity is regained, meaning there may be no time limit to bring a claim in some cases.

Yes, in certain circumstances. You can start a claim on behalf of someone else if that person is under 18, lacks the mental capacity to bring the claim themselves or has died as a result of the accident. In cases involving a death, a claim is usually brought by the person responsible for administering the estate or by eligible family members. Our solicitors can advise you on the right process depending on the situation.

There is no fixed timeframe. The length of a claim depends on the type of accident, the severity of your injuries, and whether the other party accepts responsibility. In some cases, more straightforward claims can often be resolved within a few months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries, can take longer. Delays can also occur if additional evidence is needed or liability is disputed.

It is often important to wait until your condition has stabilised before agreeing a final settlement, so the full impact of your injuries can be properly assessed. We will keep you updated throughout the claim and work as efficiently as possible to reach the best outcome for you.

The insurer of the at-fault party usually pays compensation in a road traffic accident claim, once liability has been accepted. You do not need to be concerned about pursuing the other party directly.

If the other driver was uninsured or cannot be traced, you can still make an untraced drivers claim. In these cases, a claim is made to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which exists to compensate victims of accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers. Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors have extensive experience handling MIB claims and can guide you throughout the entire process.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your accident. There is no set figure, as every case is different. Your solicitor will assess both general and special damages to help ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injuries and any financial losses.

If you have urgent medical or financial needs while your case progresses, it may be possible to apply for an interim payment, providing the other party accepts liability. This can give you earlier access to funds for treatment or living costs.

Yes. If your accident was caused by a poorly maintained road, such as a pothole, damaged surface, or inadequate signage, you may be able to claim against the local authority or organisation responsible for maintaining that road. Under the Highways Act 1980, local authorities have a legal duty to keep public roads and pavements in a reasonably safe condition.

These claims follow a different process from claims against other drivers, and strong evidence as soon as possible is particularly important, as the defect may be repaired before it can be inspected and your claim is made. Photographs of the road defect, its location, and any damage or injuries caused can all help support your case. Our solicitors can advise you on whether you may have a claim and explain the steps involved.

Yes, and it can be very effective. Dashcam footage provides an objective record of what happened and can help establish who was at fault, particularly when the other driver disputes liability or gives a different account of events. It can show the speed of vehicles involved, road conditions, the behaviour of other drivers, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

If you have dashcam footage, it is important to preserve it as soon as possible after the accident, as recordings are often overwritten automatically. Other types of footage can also be helpful, including CCTV from nearby buildings or businesses and footage from other road users' cameras. Your solicitor will take steps to identify and obtain relevant evidence to support your claim.

Yes. Footage recorded on a helmet or action camera can be used in the same way as dashcam footage to support your claim. It can help show how the accident happened, particularly in cases involving motorcyclists or cyclists, and may be especially useful where there are no independent witnesses.