Suffered an Injury in a No-Fault Road Traffic Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation — find everything you need to know and see if you can make a claim
Every year we help over 40,000 people start their claim
Our quick form takes just one minute
We only work with regulated legal experts
Injured in a Road Traffic Accident?
Start Your No‑Win‑No‑Fee* Claim Today
Every year we help over 40,000 people start their claim
Specialist support to help you start your road traffic accident claim with confidence
Specialist support to help you start your road traffic accident claim with confidence
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, a road traffic accident injury claim can help you recover financially and access the support you need to move forward. We can connect you with one of our specialist partners who can handle your claim.
We work with regulated partners who handle road traffic accident claims on a No‑Win‑No‑Fee* basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront or if you don’t win your case. You’ll only pay if your claim succeeds. Successful claimants typically pay around 25% of awarded compensation. Click here for more information. Our specialist partners, to whom we refer consumer enquiries, pay us a marketing fee.
Do I Have a Claim?
You may be entitled to claim compensation if:
The accident was caused fully or partly by another road user
You suffered an injury, whether physical or psychological
The injury occurred within the last three years (court time limit; Scotland rules can differ). Free Guide: Understanding Time Limits for Making a Claim
You have some evidence, such as photos, witness details, dashcam footage, or a police report
Not sure if you have a claim? There's no obligation and no cost for discussing your case with a specialist advisor.
Who Can Claim?
Drivers injured in a road traffic accident
If you were driving and another road user caused the accident — for example through careless driving, speeding, or failing to give way — you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Passengers injured in a vehicle
Passengers are rarely at fault. If you were injured as a passenger in a car, taxi, or other vehicle, you may be able to claim against the driver responsible for the accident, whether that was your driver or another road user.
Vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians)
Cyclists and pedestrians are often more exposed and can suffer serious injuries even in lower-speed incidents. If you were hit by a vehicle, or injured due to unsafe road conditions, you may be eligible to make a claim.
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be eligible. This is known as contributory negligence, where compensation is reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
Examples can include: not wearing a seatbelt; minor speeding; brief inattention before the collision.
We work with trusted and regulated partners with a proven track record in personal injury claims.
What to Do After a Road Traffic Injury
Taking the right steps after a road traffic accident can strengthen your claim and protect your wellbeing.
1. Seek medical attention
Your health comes first. Even minor injuries should be assessed. Medical records can be important evidence in a road traffic accident injury claim.
2. Report the accident
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to:
- Exchange details with the other driver or road user
- Report the incident to the police, especially if someone is injured or the other driver leaves the scene
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible
3. Gather evidence
Helpful evidence can include:
- Photos of the vehicles, accident scene, road layout, and visible injuries
- Dashcam footage
- Witness names and contact details
- Vehicle registration numbers
4. Keep records of your losses
Keep receipts and records for anything the accident has cost you, including:
- Loss of earnings
- Travel expenses
- Treatment or rehabilitation costs
- Care and support needs
5. Get legal advice early
The sooner you begin, the easier it is to preserve evidence and understand your options.
Who’s Responsible for my Road Traffic Accident?
Liability in a road traffic accident depends on who breached their duty of care on the road.
Common responsible parties
- Another driver, for example through speeding, careless driving, or failing to give way
- An employer, if the at-fault driver was driving for work
- A vehicle owner, if poor maintenance contributed to the accident
- A local authority, where dangerous road defects or unsafe signage played a part
Examples of road traffic accident liability
- A rear-end collision caused by distracted driving
- A cyclist hit by a driver turning across their path
- A pedestrian injured at a crossing by a driver failing to stop
- A motorist injured after hitting an unaddressed pothole or dangerous road defect
Each case turns on its own facts, evidence, and the circumstances of the collision.
Start your claim enquiry
Start your claim enquiry
How the Claims Process Works
A quick overview of what to expect once you start your claim.
(These timelines are only for example and will vary from case to case.)
Free Claim Check
Usually Same DayComplete a quick form - it only takes around a minute. A friendly claims advisor will call you, usually within 24hrs, to discuss what happened and your options - free and with no obligation.
Start your claim enquirySolicitor Review
1–7 DaysIf you wish to proceed, your claim will be referred to one of our regulated partners, who will oversee your case on a No-Win-No-Fee* basis and explain the next steps.
Evidence & Medical
2–12 WeeksYour solicitor gathers medical records, workplace reports, witness statements and may arrange an independent medical assessment.
Free Guide: What Evidence do I Need to Collect →Liability & Negotiation
3–9 MonthsYour solicitor writes to your employer's insurer, sets out the case, and negotiates a fair settlement. Most cases settle without going to court.
Settlement or Court
VariesIf liability or value is disputed, court proceedings may be issued. Serious/complex claims can take longer, but interim payments may be sought to help during recovery.
Act early. The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident (or date of knowledge). For minors, the clock typically runs from age 18.
Act early. The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident (or date of knowledge). For minors, the clock typically runs from age 18.
Typical Compensation and What Affects It
Compensation (often called damages) is designed to recognise both the personal impact of your injury and the financial losses it causes. It includes an amount for your pain, suffering and loss of quality of life, as well as payments intended to restore you financially — covering lost earnings, medical costs, and other expenses linked to your accident.
What You Can Claim
General Damages
For pain, suffering and loss of amenity (based on Judicial College Guidelines and case law), for example:
- Physical pain
- Psychological trauma (such as anxiety, PTSD, or travel anxiety)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on daily activities (e.g. driving, working, hobbies)
- Long-term or permanent symptoms
- Reduced independence
Special Damages
For financial loss:
- Past/future lost income
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses (e.g. hospital visits)
- Care and assistance (paid or provided by family)
- Aids or home adaptations
- Pension or future earning impacts
Example Compensation Ranges (Guideline)
| Injury Type | Typical Compensation Range** |
|---|---|
| Minor whiplash or soft tissue injury | £1,000 to £4,000 |
| Moderate neck or back injury | £5,000 to £30,000 |
| Serious orthopaedic injury | £30,000 to £100,000+ |
| Severe life-changing injury | £100,000+ |
**Figures are indicative, based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th Edition, 2024) and publicly available settlement data. Actual awards depend on severity, recovery time, impact on daily life and work, and any long‑term effects.
Real‑World Scenarios
Passenger injury claim
A passenger suffers a fractured wrist in a collision, requires hospital treatment and physiotherapy, and loses two weeks’ wages.
Cyclist injury claim
A cyclist fractures an arm and needs surgery after a driver pulls out at a junction.
Pedestrian accident claim
A pedestrian develops ongoing mobility problems after being struck at a crossing.
Motorcyclist injury claim
A motorcyclist experiences both physical injuries and psychological trauma after a collision.
Why Choose Injury Specialists Direct
No‑Win‑No‑Fee*: no upfront costs — and no fee if your claim doesn’t succeed.
Fast Eligibility Check: Get started in under a minute.
Trusted, Regulated Partners: we only partner with firms regulated for personal injury and who are experienced in road traffic accident claims.
Free, Confidential Service: your data is handled securely under UK GDPR. We are GDPR compliant and will never share your data without your consent.
Nationwide Coverage: claims supported across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Injury Specialists Direct connects you with accredited personal injury specialists. We are not a law firm - our role is to ensure you speak to the right solicitor for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware that your injury was linked to it.
Start your claim enquiryYes. Passengers can often claim if they were injured in a road traffic accident caused by another person, including the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in.
Start your claim enquiryYes, in some cases. This is often called a part-fault or contributory negligence claim. Your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
Start your claim enquiryIn plain English, it usually means you do not pay upfront legal fees to start the claim. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. Full terms and conditions should always be explained clearly before you proceed.
Start your claim enquiryMost claims settle without a court hearing. Your solicitor will normally try to resolve the case through evidence and negotiation first.
Start your claim enquiryYes, if your whiplash injury was caused by a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim. The process and compensation rules can vary depending on the circumstances.
Start your claim enquiryYes. Anxiety, travel anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological injuries may form part of a road traffic accident injury claim where supported by medical evidence.
Start your claim enquiryYou may still be able to pursue a claim through a separate process, including in some cases through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
Start your claim enquiryIt depends on the injury, recovery period, effect on work and daily life, and any financial losses. A proper estimate usually follows a medical assessment and review of the evidence.
Start your claim enquiryUseful evidence includes medical records, photographs, witness details, dashcam footage, police reports, and proof of your financial losses.
Start your claim enquiry*Successful claimants typically pay fees of 25% of awarded compensation including vat. This may be subject to your individual circumstances and the actual fee may be more or less than this. You may be required to pay an additional fee for other costs such as after-the-event (ATE) insurance. If you cancel your agreement with your solicitor outside of the 14 day cancellation period, then termination fees may apply.
Our specialist partners, to whom we refer consumer enquiries, pay us a marketing fee.
Minor road traffic accidents:
If you have a minor personal injury claim as a driver or passenger in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you do not have to use the services of a claims management company to pursue your claim. You may be able to present the claim yourself for free, directly through the Official Injury Claim Portal.
Uninsured or untraced drivers; foreign-registered vehicles or accidents abroad:
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and wish to make a claim against an uninsured or untraced driver; or if the accident was in the UK involving a foreign- registered vehicle; or if the claim involves a road traffic accident abroad, you do not have to use the services of a claims management company to pursue your claim. It may be possible for you to present the claim for free, directly with the Motor Insurance Bureau.
Criminal Injury Claims:
If you think you have a criminal injury claim, you do not have to use the services of a claims management company to pursue your claim. You can present the claim yourself, for free, directly to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
InjurySpecialistsDirect is a trading style of Digital Direct Solutions Ltd. Digital Direct Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of Claims Management activities. Firm Reference Number 834651. Copyright © 2023 InjurySpecialistDirect. All rights reserved.
