Involved in a crash? Tilly Bailey & Irvine's North East Solicitors have the specialist knowledge and experience to support your road traffic accident claim (RTA).
Whether you were the driver or a passenger; a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle; in a car, van, or motorcycle, you could place a road traffic accident claim for damages if the accident wasn’t your fault. From whiplash claims to the more sensitive cases where the accident has been fatal, our service is wholly dedicated to quality representation and client care, always focusing on achieving justice for the victims’ families.
To claim compensation for a road traffic accident, the first step is to contact our solicitors. We will evaluate the circumstances of your accident and the injuries you received and decide whether you have a chance of making a successful claim.
If a compensation claim for a car accident exists, we can offer a no win, no fee arrangement. This means that if we are not successful in getting compensation for your road traffic accident injury, you will not pay any legal fees.
Call: 01429 225200If you have received an injury, such as whiplash, after being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. To qualify for compensation, you will need to prove that the driver of the other vehicle, (or vehicle, if you are an injured pedestrian or cyclist), was negligent. For example, they may have been using their mobile phone when driving, not driving in accordance with the weather or conditions at the time of the accident or they may have been travelling too close to you and rear-shunted your vehicle.
Even if your accident was caused by an uninsured driver or the driver cannot be traced, you could still make a claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Compensation is awarded to enable you to get you back to the same position you were in before an accident. The courts typically make a financial award dependent on the severity of the whiplash injury, and an amount to cover any out-of-pocket expenses such as:
Compensation amounts for minor whiplash range from £1,000 to £2,750. However, in serious cases, where the victim’s life is severely impacted due to permanent neck and spinal damage sums in excess of £100,000 may be awarded.
To claim compensation for a road traffic accident, the first step is to contact our solicitors.
We offer free interview and a no win, no fee arrangement. This means that if we are not successful in getting compensation for your road traffic accident injury, you will not pay any legal fees.
Even if you are unsure whether a claim for compensation exists, if you have been involved in a road traffic accident, give us a call and we will assess your situation.
Call: 01429 225200
In the UK, a road traffic accident (RTA) is defined as any incident that occurs on a public road involving a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian. This includes collisions between vehicles, as well as accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.
Rear-end Collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. They are often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden braking.
Intersection Collisions: Accidents at intersections involve vehicles colliding while crossing or turning at junctions. Factors contributing to these accidents include failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging the distance and speed of other vehicles.
Single Vehicle Accidents: These accidents involve only one vehicle and can include collisions with roadside objects such as trees, barriers, or lampposts. Factors contributing to single-vehicle accidents may include driver error, speeding, or adverse weather conditions.
Pedestrian Accidents: Accidents involving pedestrians can occur at crossings, junctions, or while walking along roadsides. Factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include failure to observe pedestrian crossings, distracted driving, or pedestrian error.
Cyclist Accidents: Accidents involving cyclists often occur at junctions, roundabouts, or when cyclists share the road with motor vehicles. Factors contributing to cyclist accidents include failure to give cyclists sufficient space, dooring incidents, or cyclists not following traffic rules.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can involve collisions with other vehicles, road hazards, or loss of control due to speeding or adverse road conditions. Factors contributing to motorcycle accidents include lack of visibility, driver error, or road surface defects.
Common injuries resulting from road traffic accidents include whiplash, fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
1. Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in road traffic accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backwards and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes, tingling or numbness in the arms.
2. Fractures: Fractures, or broken bones, can occur in various parts of the body during a road traffic accident. Common fracture sites include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures can vary in severity, from minor hairline fractures to more severe breaks requiring surgery and prolonged recovery.
3. Head Injuries: Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even with the use of seatbelts and airbags, the head can still strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a collision, leading to injuries such as cuts, bruises, concussions, or more severe brain trauma.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result from the impact of a road traffic accident, leading to damage to the spinal cord and potentially causing paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site. These injuries can have lifelong consequences and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and restricted movement. Whiplash is an example of a soft tissue injury, but road traffic accidents can also cause sprains, strains, and contusions in various parts of the body.
6. Psychological Trauma: Road traffic accidents can also result in psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event like a car crash can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, affecting their ability to function in daily life.
These injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts on individuals involved in road traffic accidents. Seeking prompt medical attention and legal advice following an accident is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and support for recovery, as well as to explore options for compensation for damages incurred.
The average payout for a car accident in the UK varies depending on the severity of injuries, financial losses, and other factors unique to each case. Compensation amounts can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. It's essential to consult with a solicitor to assess the specifics of your case.
It's advisable to seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in road traffic accident claims, especially if you've suffered injuries or incurred significant losses. One of our solicitors can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
To make a road traffic accident claim, you should gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, and then contact our personal injury claims team. They will assess your case, advise you on the next steps, and handle the legal process on your behalf.
Yes, you may still be able to make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) if the responsible party cannot be traced or is uninsured. The MIB compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Yes, if you've been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and other damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Speak to a member of our team so we can assess your situation and advise on how to move ahead with a claim for compensation.
Compensation after a car accident is typically paid by the insurer of the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is uninsured or untraced, compensation may be paid by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
The amount you can claim for whiplash depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Compensation for whiplash typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, but it varies case by case.
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the cooperation of the parties involved. Some claims may be resolved in a few months, while others may take longer.
We’ll work with you to get your road traffic claim resolved and settled as quickly as possible and for the best payout possible.
Anyone who has been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn't their fault may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a road traffic accident claim. However, there are exceptions to this time limit, so it's essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.
The processing time for road traffic accident claims varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the efficiency of the claims process. Some claims may be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take longer to reach a settlement.
Yes, as part of the claims process, you will likely need to undergo a medical examination by an independent medical expert. This examination helps assess the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, forming a crucial part of your compensation claim.
We can advise and handle the entire process for you, making it a straightforward procedure for you.
Most solicitors offer road accident compensation claims on a "no win, no fee" basis, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Under this arrangement, you won't have to pay any upfront legal fees, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you generally won't be liable for legal costs. If your claim is successful, your solicitor's fees will typically be recovered from the compensation awarded.
Most road accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations between solicitors and insurers. Only a small percentage of claims proceed to court.
Our road traffic accident solicitors will strive to reach a fair settlement without the need for a court appearance, but if a resolution cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court for a final decision.
According to Gov.uk, between 2004 and 2021 the number of pedestrians involved in road collisions in Great Britain as reported by or to the police, who suffered fatalities or serious injuries had fallen whilst the amount of pedestrian traffic increased.
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