Making a Road Traffic Accident Claim in London

The streets of London are always busy and full of people. Even so, there is always a chance of a traffic accident in a city with more than 8 million registered vehicles and an expected 5.6 million daily car trips.

If someone else’s carelessness causes you to get hurt in a London traffic accident, you might be able to get money to pay for your injuries. This page gives you a short and helpful outline of how to file a claim for a traffic accident in the city.

The Reality of Road Traffic Accidents in London

Transport for London (TfL) says that 23,162 people were involved in car crashes in London in 2022. In 2023, there were about 23,000 accidents that caused about 3,500 serious injuries and 101 deaths. These numbers show how common RTAs are in the city, which is a bad thing. Most of the time, accidents only cause minor injuries, but even small bumps and bruises can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

Your Rights After a Road Traffic Accident in London

It’s good to know that if you get hurt in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to get paid. This payment will help with:

• Medical Expenses: The costs of taking care of your injuries, such as hospital stays, medicine, physical therapy, and recovery.

• Loss of Earnings: Compensation can help offset lost income if your damage keeps you from working or lowers your earning ability.

• Pain and Suffering: Your claim might be based on both the emotional and physical suffering your injury causes.

• Vehicle Damage: You might be able to get money to fix or replace your damaged car if it was damaged in the crash.

Eligible Scenarios for a London Road Traffic Accident Claim

Every traffic event is not qualified for a claim. In the following common scenarios, you might be entitled to reimbursement:

• Car Accidents: When another driver’s carelessness, like speeding, failing to yield the right of way, or failing to slow down, causes your accident, you might be able to make a claim.

• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially at risk on London’s roads. If a car driver is at fault for your motorbike crash, you may be able to get money for it.

• Cyclist Accidents: Cyclists are especially susceptible on congested metropolitan roads. What if a car or another vehicle caused your bike accident? You might be able to file a claim.

• Pedestrian Accidents: Many areas of London grant pedestrians their right-of-way. If you were out on a walk and a car or other vehicle struck you and it wasn’t your fault, you can be qualified for compensation.

How Road Traffic Accident Claims Have Helped Londoners

Case studies of real Londoners who got money from claims after car accidents are shown below:

• Case Study 1: A car that failed to stop at a junction hit a bike rider on their way to work. The biker had to have surgery because he broke his arm. A personal injury solicitor asked for money to cover medical bills, physical therapy, and missed wages while the client was healing.

• Case Study 2: A car approaching a corner too quickly collided with a pedestrian right-of-way across the street. The pedestrian’s neck pain lingered following whiplash injuries. A personal injury solicitor was able to organise a settlement including medical treatment as well as pain and suffering compensation.

• Case Study 3: A biker collided with a car changing lanes without looking in blind areas. Severe leg injuries kept the rider from working for several months. A personal injury solicitor obtained a sizable payback for medical treatment, lost income, and more physical rehabilitation.

• Case Study 4: A car that was running a red light hit a London cab driver who was trying to get through traffic. The cab driver couldn’t work for a while because of back pain and a headache. Because the back injuries were expected to have long-term effects, a personal injury lawyer was able to get payment for medical bills, lost wages, and any future lost wages.

These are just a few of the ways that Londoners have benefitted from the claims that our personal injury lawyers have made after someone else’s carelessness caused an accident. Check out How to report an accident.

Steps to Take After a London Road Traffic Accident

What you do right away after a car accident could have a big effect on your claim. This is what one should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the most important thing, so get medical help. Even if your injuries seem small at first, you should see a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Report the Accident: Right away, call the cops to report the accident. Get a copy of the police record because it could be very important to your case.

• Exchange Details: Safely trade contact information with the other driver or drivers, such as your name, home, insurance information, and car registration number.

• Gather Evidence: If at all possible, photograph the scene of the crash, any damage done to the involved cars, and your injuries. Note the time, date, and weather conditions.

• Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor: A personal injury solicitor can assist you in navigating the claims process, gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance carrier of the other party, and, if necessary, representing you in court. SilverOak Solicitors offers a free first appointment to go over your matter.

No Win No Fee: Making the Process More Accessible

Many personal injury lawyers practise a no-win, no-fee approach. This means that there will be no upfront expenses to start the claim procedure and that you will only be paid should your claim be successful. Usually, the charge is a percentage of your pay-off.

Thanks to the No Win No Fee model, a lot of people who are thinking about filing a claim following a car accident don’t have to worry about the money. It allows you to seek damages free from considering the initial expenses of legal assistance.

What to Expect When Making a Personal Injury Claim

 How your personal injury claim is handled will depend on how complicated your case is. But let’s look at the big picture:

• Initial Consultation: After hearing your case, a personal injury expert will assess your claim and recommend the best line of action.

• Gathering Evidence: To back up your claim, your personal injury solicitor will gather information like police reports, comments from witnesses, and medical records.

• Negotiation or Litigation: If you’ve been hurt, your personal injury lawyer will try to work out a fair settlement with the other side’s insurance company. If talks fail, you may have to go to court with your claim.

• Compensation: If your claim is accepted, you will get money for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Solicitor

There are so many personal injury solicitors in London that it might be hard to choose the right one. Here are some things to think about:

• Experience: Look for a solicitor with a proven track record of success in handling road traffic accident claims.

• Specialisation: Choose a solicitor specialised in traffic accidents, particularly those who grasp the nuances of London’s legal system.

• No Win No Fee: Many solicitors offer this option, allowing you to pursue your claim without financial risk.

• Transparency: Ensure the solicitor clearly explains any costs linked to the procedure and keeps you up to date on how your claim is going.

Moving Forward After a London Road Traffic Accident

 Being involved in a car accident can be physically and emotionally draining. Knowing your rights and the claims process will help you to obtain the compensation you are due. For legal advice, never hesitate to see a seasoned personal injury law specialist attorney. The outcome of your claim might be much influenced by their knowledge.

Remember that you are not alone as you deal with the effects of a London car crash. You could work on getting better while a professional takes care of the formal parts of your case with your help and direction. Talk to SilverOak Solicitors right now!