If you have been injured as a driver or passenger in a collision that was not entirely your fault, you may be able to make a car accident claim.

Truth Legal can investigate what happened, gather medical and accident evidence, deal with insurers and seek compensation for your injuries and financial losses. You will speak directly to the lawyer handling your case and receive clear, honest advice.

You do not need to understand the claims process or have every document ready before contacting us. Call our personal injury solicitors on 0330 314 1300 to discuss what happened and find out where you stand.

Can I Make a Car Accident Claim?

You may have a claim if another driver caused or contributed to the collision and you were injured. Drivers and passengers can make car accident claims. Car passenger injury claims can be brought against whichever driver was responsible.

The evidence must connect another person’s actions with your injuries. You may still have a case if you were partly responsible, although compensation could be reduced.

Collisions We Can Help With

We can advise people injured in:

• Rear-end collisions
• Accidents at junctions and roundabouts
• Unsafe overtaking or lane changes
• Accidents involving speeding or distracted driving
• Collisions involving drink or drug driving
• Multi-vehicle accidents
• Accidents involving taxis or company cars

Photographs, dashcam footage, witness accounts, police information and vehicle damage can help when the other driver denies responsibility.

Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

A collision can cause whiplash, broken bones, head injuries and neck or back pain. Some symptoms may not be immediately clear. Seek medical advice if you are injured or develop symptoms after the collision. 

We consider how the injury has affected your work, mobility, family responsibilities and independence. Back injury claims may account for treatment, lost earnings and longer-term restrictions.

Anxiety in traffic, flashbacks or disturbed sleep can also form part of the medical evidence. Serious injuries may create a need for rehabilitation, care or equipment.

What Can Compensation Cover?

Medical evidence and proof of financial losses are used to assess compensation. It may account for:

• Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost earnings and reduced future income
• Treatment, rehabilitation and counselling
• Travel expenses and prescription costs
• Care or practical help from relatives and friends
• Equipment or home adaptations

A claim can include care after a personal injury accident, even when a relative or friend provided unpaid support. Keep wage slips, receipts and notes of expenses to help calculate your losses.

How Car Accident Claims Work

Reviewing What Happened

We will listen to your account of the collision, ask about your injuries and review the information available. If there are concerns about responsibility, evidence or time limits, we will explain them clearly.

Gathering Evidence

Relevant evidence may include photographs, dashcam footage, witness details, police records, medical notes, vehicle damage reports and correspondence with insurers. We can identify which evidence is likely to matter and seek information that you do not already have.

Obtaining Medical Evidence

An independent medical expert may assess your injuries, recovery period and treatment needs. Serious cases may require evidence from several specialists. It can be sensible to wait until the medical outlook is clearer before accepting a final settlement.

Dealing With the Insurer

We will present the claim, respond to questions from the insurer and assess any offer against the medical and financial evidence. Many claims settle through negotiation. If court proceedings become necessary, we will explain each stage and prepare the case with you.

Whiplash and the Official Injury Claim Service

Some lower-value road traffic injury claims in England and Wales use the Official Injury Claim process. Broadly, this can apply where the personal injury element is worth no more than £5,000 and the overall claim is worth no more than £10,000. 

The 2021 Whiplash Reforms also introduced fixed tariffs for certain whiplash injuries. The correct claims process depends on factors including the accident date, the people involved, the injuries suffered and the likely value of the claim.

We will explain which process applies to your case.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Seek medical help if needed. When it is safe, try to:

• Exchange contact and insurance details
• Report the collision to the police where required
• Tell your insurer
• Photograph the vehicles, road and visible injuries
• Save dashcam footage before it is overwritten
• Collect witness details
• Keep receipts and evidence of lost earnings

Do not panic if you miss a step. Tell us what you have, and we can identify what may still be available.

What if the Driver Was Uninsured or Left the Scene?

A claim may still be possible if the driver was uninsured or could not be traced. Eligible claims are usually made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

Report a hit-and-run collision to the police as soon as possible. Keep any information that may help identify the vehicle or driver, including a partial registration number, vehicle description, witness details, photographs or recordings.

How Long Do I Have to Claim?

The usual time limit in England and Wales is three years from the accident date. Different rules can apply to children and people who lack mental capacity.

Starting car accident claims early gives your solicitor more time to gather evidence before it becomes harder to obtain.

No Win, No Fee Funding

Suitable claims may use a no win, no fee agreement. You will not usually pay our legal fees upfront. If the claim is unsuccessful, you will not normally pay our fees, subject to the terms of the agreement. 

Funding through no win, no fee solicitors is not available for every case. We will explain the costs, risks and any deduction before you decide.

Why Choose Truth Legal?

We handle car accident claims with clear advice and care for what an injury has changed. You will have direct contact with your lawyer, without having to go through a call centre.

You can expect:

• Honest advice about evidence, risk and possible outcomes
• Clear updates without unnecessary legal language
• Support with rehabilitation and financial losses
• A lawyer you can contact when questions arise

We cannot promise a result. We can give you straight answers, explain your options and keep you informed throughout your claim.

Speak to Our Car Accident Solicitors

Tell us what happened, what injuries you have suffered and how the collision has affected you. We will ask the right questions and explain your options clearly.

Call us on 0330 314 1300 or contact us online to discuss your circumstances.

FAQs About Making a Claim

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

You may still be able to claim, but compensation could be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. The evidence must be reviewed before your solicitor can advise you.

Can a passenger make a car accident claim?

An injured passenger may be able to claim against another motorist or the driver of the vehicle in which they were travelling. This can include a friend, relative, taxi driver or private hire driver.

How much compensation could I receive?

The amount is based on the injury, recovery period, financial losses and effect on everyday life. A reliable valuation needs medical evidence and proof of your past and future losses.

How long does a car accident claim take?

Timescales vary according to the injury, whether fault is admitted and when the medical outlook becomes clear. Serious or disputed cases usually take longer.

Will my claim go to court?

Many claims settle through negotiation. Court proceedings may be needed if responsibility or the amount of compensation cannot be agreed. We will explain what to expect and help you prepare if proceedings are necessary.