Road Traffic Accident Claims

We’ve been fighting for the legal rights of victims of road traffic accidents for almost two decades.

We understand the impact such events can have on your life. We know what’s important for you following an injury to yourself or a loved one.

Not only does our award-winning team of solicitors have extensive experience helping thousands of injured people every year, but some of them have been involved in a life-changing accident themselves, so we understand more than most exactly what you’re going through.

Whether you’ve suffered a whiplash injury or been involved in a car accident, a cycling accident or a motorcycle accident, our specialists are here to help.

Contact us today and discover why we’re different. We’ll listen, we’ll fully understand what you’ve been through, and we’ll look to make it right.

Why Claim With Bott and Co?

Our road accident claims team has close to 300 years of combined legal experience.

Completely independent of insurers, we act only in your best interests providing expert legal advice to help you claim the amount of compensation you’re legally entitled.

We’re No Win No Fee

Our service is strictly no-win-no-fee, so there’s no up-front cost and nothing to pay if we don’t win your case.

Unlike most firms, we don’t deduct fees for certain types of out of pocket expenses we’ll claim for on your behalf. This means you may receive significantly more when claiming with us than with another firm.

Physiotherapy

In association with our specialist rehabilitation partners, we can provide immediate private physio and rehab appointments; getting you the treatment you need when you need it most.

Replacement Vehicle

We have a nationwide network of replacement car providers, so we’ll make sure you have an appropriate rental car while yours is repaired.

Monitor Your Claim With Our App.

Our specially designed app will give you 24/7 access to updates and progress on your claim.

Our guide below explains all you’ll need to know about making a road traffic accident claim.

Do You Have To Report A Road Traffic Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, you are legally required under the Road Traffic Act 1988, to do the following;

Stop and remain at the scene of the accident for a reasonable time. If you choose not to do so, you may be committing an offence.

Provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, insurance, and details of the ownership of your vehicle at the scene or at a police station within 24 hours.

What To Do If You’ve Been Involved In A Road Accident

In addition to what is legally required, we recommend that you collect as much information and evidence as possible. Such details should include

Road accidents can occur for all sorts of reasons.

Driver Negligence

Accidents can be caused by a driver not paying due attention to the road. This can happen if the driver is distracted by changing the music in their car or using a mobile phone. Negligence can also occur if someone is eating or drinking while driving, especially if it happens to be an alcoholic drink. Likewise falling asleep at the wheel can be classed as negligence.

Reckless Driving

Examples of accidents caused by reckless driving may include when a vehicle is speeding or is not abiding by road signals such as signs and traffic lights.

Weather Conditions

It’s not just adverse weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, or snow and ice that can increase the chance of an accident. Drivers’ visibility can be impacted by extreme sunlight too.

Road Conditions

Some areas of roads, such as known blind spots may be more dangerous to drive on, but these conditions can be even more dangerous if the road surface is sub-standard such as having potholes, or if the road signs aren’t legible.

Simple 4 Step Claims Process

• Contact us to find out if you can claim
• We'll build your case to present to the other side
• Medical assessment to ensure you receive the correct amount
• We negotiate the maximum settlement for you.

Who Can Make A Claim For A Road Accident?

You can claim for compensation if you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. That means if you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or even a pedestrian, you have a right to claim.

How Long After A Road Traffic Accident Can You Claim?

You have up to three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If you were a minor, you have up to three years following your 18th birthday to claim.

How Do I Claim For A Road Traffic Accident?

The first step is to speak to our friendly, expert solicitors to discover if you have a claim. We are usually able to advise you if you have a legal right to claim on your first call, which will take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.

What Is The Claims Process?

We understand that the legal process can feel daunting, so we’ve worked hard over the last two decades to make claiming with Bott and Co as simple as possible. Claiming with us is split into three stages.

Assessment Of Your Claim

Our solicitors will assess your case by discussing the specifics of the accident, your level of injuries, and discover who may have been at fault. The information you provide will become the basis of your case and may determine the value of your claim.

More often than not, we will arrange for you to attend a medical appointment to assess the extent of the injuries.

Legal Representation

Our solicitors compile your case and calculate the amount of compensation you may be legally entitled. We’ll then send this to the third parties representatives and discuss liability for the accident.

Settlement

A successful claim will conclude with a settlement amount being agreed and paid by those representing the party who was at fault for the accident.

What Can I Claim For?

The purpose of compensation is to put the injured party back in the same position you were before you were involved in the accident. You can receive compensation for your injuries as well as any out of pocket expenses.

General damages are calculated to compensate you for your injuries and the care you may require.

Special damages are calculated to compensate you for your out of pocket expenses you may have incurred that relate to your accident.

How Much Can I Claim?

The Judicial Board Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases provides guidance on the amount of compensation you may be able to claim for your injuries. Amounts relate to the severity of your injuries, and the time it’ll take you to recover.

Also, you can claim for any out of pocket expenses you’ve incurred concerning the accident. These costs can be as far-ranging as damage to your vehicle or bike, possessions, through to all medical expenses, and loss of earnings.

How Long Does A Claim Take?

Government initiatives in recent years have had a positive impact on the speed of which claims under £25,000 in value are processed.

However, due to the unique nature of each claim, it is very difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the time a claim may take.

The length of time it takes for your claim to complete will depend on its complexity. Claims can be more complicated if your injuries are severe, or if you were involved in a “hit and run” when it may be more difficult to prove liability.

How Much Will It Cost Me To Claim?

There is no initial cost for you to claim as we offer our legal services on a No Win No Fee basis, which means if we don’t win your case, you won’t pay a penny.

For successful claims, a fee of up to 25% is deducted from the compensation amount agreed. This is similar to most solicitor firms.

However, unlike many firms, we do not make any deductions from the amount of compensation you’ll receive for some of the out of pocket expenses we recover for you. This can make the overall amount of compensation you receive considerably higher than what you may receive with another firm.