UK CAR ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Car accident compensation claims can normally be made if you have been injured during the last three years in a vehicle collision. Provided the incident was not your fault then you are entitled to damages for the injury and related expenses – this is your right. It is a legal requirement to have motor insurance in the U.K. and most other countries and one of the reasons for this is to ensure that those who are unfortunate enough to be injured can obtain damages and have it paid by or on behalf of the “at fault” party.

What can I claim?

The amount payable usually includes both General Damages and Special Damages. The main item of General Damages is pain and suffering and to determine these damages the solicitor will consider the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines and review the previous awards made in similar cases. Special Damages relate to items that can be calculated accurately and mathematically without the need for guesswork or opinion. They include loss of earnings, cost of medical treatments, general expenses, personal property damaged and the excess under a motor insurance policy. In some cases interest and a figure for future losses will also be determined and added to the claim.

How much will it cost?

NOTHING – our solicitors when they accept a case will act on a “No Win – No Fee” basis and we will not deduct any money from an award of damages made to you. If you are awarded £5,000 you keep £5,000. Our solicitors are paid by the losing opponent or their insurer but only if the case wins. We will also make sure you are protected in the unlikely event that your case does not win.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Car accident compensation claims need to be made within three years but in some circumstances – such as when a minor is injured – the three year period will not start to run until the age of 18. There are certain other exceptions. It is important that we review your circumstances as soon as possible after the incident has happened. The longer it has been the harder it can sometimes be to get information such as witness statements – memories do fade with time so you should contact us as soon as possible.