Everything You Need to Know About Road Traffic Accident Claims

Being involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) can be a frightening experience with long-term effects. From suffering permanent or short-term injuries, to having anxiety about driving, there are many ways that being in an RTA can affect your quality of life.

If your road traffic accident has caused any injury, you may have to take time off work and could lose income as a consequence. You may also require physiotherapy or another type of medical treatment to rehabilitate after your injury. This is why it is important to seek expert legal advice of personal injury solicitors to ensure that you are able to claim the maximum amount of compensation.

In this article, we will provide you with essential steps to take after a road traffic accident, and explain how personal injury solicitors can assist in the process.

The Most Common Road Traffic Accidents

According to the UK government, there were more than 130,000 individuals affected by road traffic accidents in 2023, out of which there were 1,624 fatalities. It is difficult to determine the exact number of victims who pursued compensation, but it is evident that the following types of road traffic accident claims are the most prevalent in the UK:

• car accident claim
• motorbike accident claim
• cycling accident claim
• bus and coach accident claim
• pedestrian accident claim
• passenger accident claim
• whiplash claim

Ensure Your Safety First

If you are a driver, your first and most important responsibility after a road traffic accident is to prioritise the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others affected. Move your vehicle to a secure area and promptly contact emergency services for any required medical aid.

If you’re a cyclist or pedestrian involved in an accident, seek immediate medical attention and move to a safe area away from traffic. Ensure that you and others involved receive the necessary care and assistance.

Gather Information About the Accident

After an accident, gather important information. Note down the date, time, and location of the incident. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved, and try to get information from witnesses if possible. This information will be crucial when dealing with insurance claims and seeking legal help.

Also, take photographs of the damage to your vehicle and any personal injuries you have. Take detailed pictures from different angles to accurately show the extent of the damage. It’s also a good idea to photograph the entire accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signs. These photos will be valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Report the Road Traffic Accident

In the UK, you need to report certain road traffic accidents to the police. If the accident resulted in injuries, damage to vehicles or property, or if the parties involved didn’t exchange information, you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours. You can find more information in our article: How to Report an Accident?

Seek Medical Attention

Have you sustained any injuries during the road traffic accident? Some injuries may not be obvious right away, so it’s important to have a medical professional examine you and provide the necessary treatment. Having a medical report will also be useful as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company promptly after the accident, giving them accurate and detailed information about what happened. Follow their guidance and instructions throughout the claims process as they assess the damage to your vehicle. Remember to keep copies of all documents related to your insurance claim.

Start Your Personal Injury Claim

You are free to use any legal firm of your choice. Choosing the right solicitor have a significant impact on the amount of compensation that you receive. Personal injury claims following a road traffic accident are usually required to be filed within three years of the date of the accident. Some solicitors will also be more interested in quick settlement of a claim rather than spending more time working on your case to achieve the maximum compensation, which could mean that you lose out financially, especially over the long-term.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident, some medical issues might develop over time, rather than being instant. If your solicitor encourages you to take an early settlement for your claim, this could prevent you from claiming for medical costs further down the line. When you are choosing your solicitor, they should be able to explain to you the full process of the claim and factor both short-term and long-term medical implications and the full costs of rehabilitation. Your solicitor should use similar cases as examples of injuries or other medical issues that can develop over time, to ensure these costs are included in your compensation.

Keep a record of all documents related to the accident, such as medical reports, insurance communication, repair estimates, and any incurred expenses. This documentation will substantiate your claim and assist your personal injury solicitor in constructing a robust case on your behalf.

Why Choose SilverOak Solicitors for Your RTA Claim

At SilverOak Solicitors, we always prioritise the best interests of our clients. We use our legal knowledge and experience of winning road traffic accident claims to help achieve the best possible outcomes. Additionally, we work on a Risk Free, No Win No Fee basis so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our success fee is both ethical and the lowest on the market.

We know that you want to get your compensation payment paid into your bank account as soon as you can, but we also make sure that every potential aspect of the claim is reviewed, so that you receive the maximum amount of compensation. Contact our RTA claims team today and we can discuss the next steps.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive?

The compensation awarded to an individual involved in a road traffic accident depends mainly on the severity of their injuries. To determine the final compensation amount, two separate categories are assessed and combined. The first category, general damages, encompasses the pain and suffering caused by the injury and serves as an initial consideration for compensation.

General Damages: The amount of money someone gets depends on how badly they were hurt and how it affected their life. For mild to severe injuries, the general damages went from £2,500 to £50,000 in 2023.
In addition to general damages for pain and suffering, special damages for missed income and future medical care are also taken into account. Some people get up to £200,000 in compensation for the need for long-term care.

How a Personal Injury Solicitor Can Help

If you require guidance after being in an accident, a personal injury solicitor can help you build your case and claim compensation. We can also help you with information regarding the out-of-pocket expenses that could potentially be involved in your personal injury case or accidents resulting from car doors.

In 2023, the total compensation paid out for road traffic accident claims exceeded £4 billion, showcasing the financial burden and need for proper legal representation. Solicitors ensure you claim for both immediate medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation needs. At SilverOak Solicitors, our team of experienced personal injury solicitors will evaluate your claim and offer insight into the most effective course of action. Contact us to speak with one of our personal injury experts about your case today.