Road traffic accident claims

Road traffic accident solicitors

If you are involved in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, it can be a life changing event. Our legal experts are here to help you get the rehabilitation, compensation and to support your needs following a road traffic accident.

Meet our road traffic accident and serious injury experts

Many of our road traffic accident solicitors are considered leaders in the field with a significant amount of expertise.

Tracey Benson, head of serious injury south

Tracey Benson

Head of Serious Injury - South

Matthew Tomlinson, our Head of Serious Injury in the North

Matthew Tomlinson

Head of Serious Injury - North

Expert profile of Richard Gaffney

Richard Gaffney

Principal Lawyer

Richard Crabtree

Richard Crabtree

Principal Lawyer

One of the UK’s leading specialist law firms.

We are proud to have partnerships with national charities and be recognised in the latest legal directories.

The times best law firms 2023
RoadPeace
Brake The Road Safety Charity
The legal 500

As a leading law firm with dedicated specialists in personal injury and road traffic accident claims, we have supported thousands of people affected by road traffic accidents. Whether it's obtaining compensation for you, helping with benefits, accessing rehabilitation, challenging statutory provisions or protecting any compensation awarded, we work with you to reduce the burden of dealing with any of the additional issues faced at such a difficult time. We will make the claims process as straightforward as possible and ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

We recognise every road traffic accident claim is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. We offer No Win No Fee funding. This means that if your case is unsuccessful, you won't have to worry about any legal fees. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to exceptional legal services.

Who can claim road traffic accident compensation?

Apart from the driver of the vehicle, there are other categories of victims who can make a road accident claim, namely:

  • Passengers
  • Pedestrians
  • Motorcyclists
  • People on public vehicles, e.g., buses, coach, taxis
  • Cyclists
  • Horse riders
  • Scooters
  • Bereaved families

Whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or simply a bystander, our experienced and passionate teams are here to provide the legal support you need. We have handled thousands of road traffic accident claims, so whatever the nature of your accident, we have the expertise and experience to help you.

Am I entitled to compensation?

If an injury has been caused by someone else’s negligence, the injured person, or the family of the injured person, may be entitled to compensation. The injured person may be a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian and the nature of the injury can be minor, serious or fatal.

Our expert road traffic accident solicitors will need to ensure your claim meets requirements. We will need to check whether the accident occurred within the last three years, which means we would strongly recommend you contact us as soon as possible after the accident.

What can I claim for after a road traffic accident?

Being involved in a road traffic accident can have detrimental effects on all aspects of your life, from your health and fitness, your mobility, your ability to work through to your recovery and much more. When you are involved in a road traffic accident, you can claim compensation for a range of circumstances:

  • Current / Future loss of earnings – If you are injured and unable to work, you could claim for compensation that covers any past, ongoing and long term future loss of earnings/pension.
  • Medical / Travel expenses incurred – Your compensation will cover past and future medical expenses such as operations, physiotherapy and any travel expenses to get there.
  • Care and support needs – Compensation can cover any current or future long term care needs/support you require as a result of your injuries.
  • Rehabilitation - We can claim for and arrange rehabilitation for all types of injuries. This could include intense residential rehabilitation for serious injury managed by a specialist rehabilitation co-ordinator.
  • Equipment and accommodation - If your housing is no longer suitable and you need long term specialist equipment we will include the cost of such additional equipment/adaptions and alternative accommodation where relevant. We will employ experts to assess your needs in these complex cases.
  • We can include the cost of the most advanced prosthetics.
  • If a family member or loved one has lost the capacity to manage their own affairs as a result of serious injury, our Court of Protection department offer a full range of services alongside our serious injury lawyers.
  • Pain and suffering – Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries suffered. It also refers to the pain, distress, inconvenience, and emotional trauma that accompanies a serious injury.
  • Compensation for vehicle damage or personal items – Your compensation will cover the cost of any repairs to your vehicle or the cost of the vehicle if it is written off and any hire charges incurred.

Whilst a significant amount of injuries that occur as a result of a road traffic accident will resolve following rehabilitation, some injuries can be much more serious with permanent or long-term effects. These include brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations and polytrauma which will involve intense rehabilitation and multiple provisions to enable the injured person and their family to return to life as it was pre-accident as much as possible.

In the case of fatal accidents, we ensure that the dependents are financially recompensed for the loss of their loved one and the financial support/income they have lost.

At Slater and Gordon, we go above and beyond securing you a final settlement figure. It is difficult to estimate how long a case may take to resolve, but we're committed to ensuring you are able to get treatment and support you need. We'll work hard to make sure you have access to any necessary treatment, rehabilitation aids and equipment, and adaptions to your property - or even support you in buying a new property if needed - as soon as possible to assist with your future independence.

In most cases we can obtain financial assistance in the form of interim payments, which are payments made before a case reaches a final settlement. Interim payments can pay for rehabilitation, loss of earnings, adapted accommodation, equipment and professional care.

When someone has been injured, the chances are that their entitlement to benefits will not be at the forefront of their or their family’s mind. However, their financial position can be a concern and one more worry they could really do without. We instruct dedicated benefits and welfare rights advisors on cases, who can explain all there is to know about benefits entitlements and can also help make any applications and challenge decisions.

We also have a dedicated Trusts team who can ensure that any means tested benefits are protected from any compensation received. They provide specialist advice and arrange a Personal Injury Trust for the compensation, as money held in such trust does not affect entitlement to means tested provisions.

How is my Road Traffic Accident Claim valued?

Each road traffic claim varies and is valued on the facts of the specific circumstances so we cannot estimate a definitive amount of compensation that you could receive. The damages awarded will not only reflect the injuries sustained, but also the rehabilitation, care and adaptions needed as well as any future loss of earnings and future financial impact.

If you've suffered a minor whiplash injury where it appears to us that compensation for your injury is valued at less than £5,000, then your claim will be processed as part of the Official Injury Compensation Portal small claims track. Unfortunately, Slater and Gordon no longer act for clients whose claims are valued in the small claims track, but our specialists would be able to identify this with you during the initial conversation and provide advice on your options.

Every case is complex but our expert personal injury lawyers work tirelessly to negotiate the best settlement possible for our clients. One such case involved a cyclist who was knocked off her bike by a lorry. She sustained catastrophic injuries, and our lawyers were able to obtain a multi-million pound settlement.

How do I Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim?

The road traffic accident claims process can be complex. If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident, it’s always best to get in touch with our team so we can discuss your case in more detail and carefully assess the best way forward for you.

When looking to make a road accident claim, these are the steps to follow:

  • Contact us online today to speak to one of our expert personal injury lawyers, who will be able to discuss your claim with you.
  • We will assess your claim and contact the insurers of the party to blame and commence the process.
  • We will liaise with the police and witnesses.
  • To support your personal injury claim, we’ll need to obtain medical evidence. We’ll obtain this evidence with your permission, and then assess your medical records and arrange for you to have an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing expert medical evidence required in cases such as this.
  • We’ll ensure you have access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence.
  • In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim for road traffic accident injuries. However, there are occasions when a successful settlement cannot be reached and we will need to commence Court Proceedings and proceed to a hearing before a Judge. The vast majority of cases reach a compromise without the need for a full hearing before a Judge.
  • Our expert solicitors will keep you informed and supported as the claim progresses.

Talk to us about your case

Call us now on:   0330 041 5869

Paul's Story: Life After Amputation

After being involved in a traffic collision while riding his motorbike, our client Paul, a police officer was injured, which led to him having his leg amputated after years of trying to save the leg. Here’s how our personal injury team helped.

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Richard Gaffney and his team supported me throughout my personal injury claim, from being paralysed in a hospital bed to successfully settling my claim arising from a cycling accident over 3 years later. He was always calm and measured in our dealings particularly when I was often frustrated with the slow nature of the legal process. As a fellow cyclist I was reassured by his empathy with my demise. Highly recommend if you are prepared to fight to the bitter end. Client testimonial (for Richard Gaffney)
Client testimonial (for Richard Gaffney)
Nothing was too much trouble for Matt. He always explained things and made sure I understood everything. I was delighted with the settlement he secured on what I know was a very challenging case. Client testimonial (for Matthew Tomlinson)
Client testimonial (for Matthew Tomlinson)

Why choose our road traffic accident solicitors?

When it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a road traffic accident, it is crucial to have a trusted and experienced personal injury solicitor by your side. Our lawyers have consistently received high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 and also hold APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) accreditations. Our lawyers are amongst the best and most experienced personal injury lawyers in the country, and are leaders in their field.

We are also accredited by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and The Law Society's Lexcel program. We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.

We work closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to negotiate fair compensation on your behalf. We also have an in-house rehabilitation co-ordinator to provide support immediately to ensure you get the best start to your recovery.

Your long-term recovery is what matters, and we work with several charities that support those who’ve suffered a serious injuries and victims of road traffic accidents, including Brake, Road Peace, Aftermath, After Matters, Headway, Spinal Injuries Association, The Limbless Association and more. These relationships allow us to point you in the right direction with any ongoing help and support you and your family may need.

Talk to us about your case

Call us now on:   0330 041 5869

Why choose Slater and Gordon?

Expertise

We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.

Affordability and advice

We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.

Tailored advice

We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.

Local access

We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.

Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today

Call us now on:   0330 041 5869

Frequently asked questions about road traffic accident claims

Can I claim compensation for a road traffic accident that was partly my fault?

Contributory negligence can be complicated, and we can often feel responsible, even when it is not our fault, for an accident which occurs. It is very important to speak to someone who can examine the facts and advise on the best course of action. In all cases of injury, in particular if serious injuries have occurred, even if there is a finding of what is called “contributory negligence”, you may still be entitled to partial compensation and in all instances, it is better to get a slightly reduced compensation award than no support at all. Our lawyers are experts in handling the complexities of such cases. We’ll discuss the circumstances of your accident with you and provide honest feedback on whether you could pursue a claim and what the likely outcome would be.

Can I make a no win no fee road traffic accident claim?

The road traffic accident claims we pursue are via a no win no fee agreement. If you are successful in your claim, your opponent will cover the costs for most of your legal fees. If you are unsuccessful you won’t pay any fees providing you have not misled us in any way.

How long does a claim for a road traffic accident take?

As each case is different, we cannot give an exact timescale that your road accident claim will take but in every case we endeavour to conclude each claim as quickly and efficiently as possible

How long after a road traffic accident can you claim?

You have three years from the date of the accident or from the date the injury was discovered to commence a road traffic accident claim so you shouldn’t delay in seeking legal advice from a specialist lawyer.

Can I start a road traffic accident claim for someone else?

Claimants will need to be over the age of 18 to bring a claim in their own right. If you’re bringing a claim for anyone under the age of 18, you’ll need to be appointed as a litigation friend, who is a person who acts on behalf of the child in this situation, usually a parent or legal guardian. Court approval of any settlement will be required at the conclusion of the case. Those injured when they are below the age of 18 have the right to claim injury compensation in their own right for three years from the date of their 18th birthday, which means until the day before their 21st birthday.

An injured person may also not be capable of making a claim if they have lost mental capacity (usually caused by a brain injury), whether it was caused by the injury or not. They will need a litigation friend to bring the claim on their behalf. The Court will approve any settlement. This will include people who lack capacity as a result of:

  • A brain injury
  • An illness such as Alzheimer's or Dementia
  • A mental illness or learning difficulties

If the collision resulted in a fatality, a claim can be made by the estate’s legal representatives (the person named as executor in the Will if there is one) or otherwise by a family member on behalf of all the dependents.

Will I have to go to court to settle my road traffic accident claim?

The vast majority of road accident cases will settle by way of a negotiation or compromise. However, if the case does not settle before the trial, attendance at court may be necessary. However this is rare.

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