road accident compensation claims

Road Traffic Accident Claims - How Do I Make A Claim For Compensation?

We explain your legal rights to claiming compensation if you've been involved in a road traffic accident.

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We’ve been fighting for the legal rights of victims of road traffic accidents for over 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 road traffic accident claims 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 may be going through.

Why Claim Compensation For A Road Traffic Accident With Bott and Co Solicitors?

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

Contact us today and discover why we’re different. 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 to.

Whether you’ve suffered a whiplash injury or want to claim for a car accident, a cycling accident or a motorcycle accident, our legal specialists are here to help.

No Win No Fee Road Traffic Accident Claims Solicitors

Our legal 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.

We also cover all the upfront costs, and we make sure you are protected on the rare occasion we don’t win your claim with our After The Event (ATE) insurance policy. This means you won’t be liable for the other side’s costs should we not win the claim.

Similarly to all law firms, we deduct a success fee should your claim be successful. Our award-winning team will provide further information once you contact us for a free claim evaluation.

Why Choose Bott and Co?

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    A History of Success

    We have helped our clients claim over £120m in compensation over the last twenty years.

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    Expert Legal Advice

    Recognised not just within our industry but also by Martin Lewis as “pioneers” in our field.

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    On Your Side

    Completely independent, our only focus is helping you claim for what you are legally entitled to.

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    Fully Regulated

    We are members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Your claim is in safe hands.

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When Can I Make A Claim For A Road Accident?

Usually, you can claim compensation if you were involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault. However, you may also be able to claim if the accident was partially your fault.

You do not have to be the driver of the vehicle to claim, so that means if you were a passenger, cyclist or even a pedestrian, you have a right to claim.

What Is The Time Limit To Make A Road Traffic Accident 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.

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"Proficient and Professional. I was astounded at the professionalism of the solicitor assigned to my case. I can only say that they went above and beyond."

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How Do I Claim Compensation For A Road Traffic Accident?

In May 2021, the government changed how road traffic accident claims are processed. Part of this change involved how whiplash claims are calculated. Compensation amounts for whiplash injuries are now based on the duration of your injury.

Additionally, further changes include

  • The small claims limit for road traffic accident injuries has risen from £1,000 to £5,000.
  • For claims under £5,000, you cannot recover legal costs from the other side.
  • Some minor injuries caused by road traffic accidents, such as fractures and some soft tissue injuries, are now classed as small claims.

These changes do not affect claims worth more than £5,000 or more vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists.

Our experienced team of road traffic accident solicitors will be able to let you know the value of your claim and your legal rights.

The first step is to speak to our friendly, expert solicitors to discover if you have a legal right to make a claim.

We will advise you if you have a legal right to claim and how much compensation you may be entitled to receive during the call.

Simple 4 Step Claims Process

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

What Is The Road Traffic Accident 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.

Our Specialist Road Traffic Accident Solicitors Will Assessment Your Claim

Our solicitors will assess your case by discussing the specifics of the accident and 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.

Under the new government guidelines, the valuation of your claim will determine how your claim is processed.

Why Should You Contact Us Today?

  • You’ll have access to free legal advice from our expert team of specialist legal advisors who can explain your legal rights to claiming compensation.
  • We can arrange for a replacement vehicle and provide you with a number of medical services such as physio and rehabilitation.
  • Get our expert legal team on your side, and draw on over 20 years of experience successfully claiming what is rightfully yours.
  • We’re independent of any insurers or third parties. We only look out for your best interests.
  • Our legal advice comes with no obligation to make a claim, and all information shared is strictly confidential.

Speak to our award winning legal team now by calling 01625 415 850 or request a call back.

Road Traffic Accident Injury Claims Valued Up To £5,000.

Claims for injuries valued up to £5,000 are now classed as a “small claim.”

Road Traffic Accident Injury Claims Valued Between £5,000 and £25,000.

Claims valued between £5,000 and £25,000 are known as “single track” or “fast track” claims and will be managed by our solicitors through the claims portal newly set up by the Ministry of Justice.

If the person at fault for the accident admits liability for the accident, our solicitors will agree with the other side’s solicitors for the correct amount of compensation to be paid to you. Usually, payment is received within four weeks of the claim being settled.

If the person at fault for the accident disputes liability and discussions between solicitors break down, the case is removed from the portal and may go to a court hearing.

Court hearings, even at this stage, are rare. However, as the court sets fixed dates, many cases are settled at this stage due to further negotiations by both parties.

Road Traffic Accident Injury Claims Valued Over £25,000.

Cases with a value of over £25,000 are known as “multi-track” claims. Typically these cases are when injuries are severe or life-threatening. As these cases are more complex, the claims process can take longer. Compensation amounts for these types of claims are set by the Judicial College Guidelines.

Looking Out For Your Best Interests

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    No Win No Fee

    Our No Win No Fee promise means you are at no financial risk if you decide to make a claim

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    Interim Payments

    We can provide an advance compensation payment where applicable

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    Same Day Payments

    We make immediate, sometimes same day payment upon settlement of your case

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How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Injuries Caused By A Road Accident?

Compensation amounts for road traffic accidents are calculated by combining the amount of compensation you are legally entitled to for both your injuries and any financial costs you have incurred because of your accident.

Compensation for your injuries is known as “General damages,” while compensation for your out of pocket expenses is known as “Special damages.”

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.

Our interactive calculator below will help you find out how much compensation you may be able to claim for your injury.

Try Our Road Accident Claims Calculator To See How Much You Could Claim

Injuries may include

Minimum amount
Maximum amount

Additional Compensation

The above figure, known as 'general damages' only relates to the compensation you may be able to claim for
your injuries. You may also be able to claim for 'special damages' which includes your out of pocket expenses,
medical costs, and loss of earnings. Contact our legal team to discuss the specifics of your accident and how
much you might be able to claim.

The amounts listed are based on average settlement figures awarded by Judges at Trial and are intended to ensure a fair settlement is reached.

Please be aware that compensation amounts vary on a case by case basis. These figures are intended only as a guide toward what your claim may be worth.

A comprehensive list of road traffic accident compensation amounts is also available at the bottom of this page.

As part of claiming with Bott and Co, you will undergo an independent medical assessment. It is following this assessment that we will know an accurate amount of compensation we may be able to claim for you.

Claiming Compensation For Special Damages

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 For A Road Accident 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.

Award Winning Customer Service

Our experienced expert legal team is ready to take your call.

  • Free Consultation

    Contact us and find out if you can make a claim and how much it might be worth.

  • Tailor-Made Claim Process

    We adjust our simple claim process to fit your personal needs and requirements

  • Comprehensive Support

    Immediate access replacement vehicles, physio and medical support

  • Stress-Free Claim Management

    Choose from a selection of ways to keep up to date with your claim.

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How Much Will It Cost Me To Claim Compensation For A Road Accident?

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.

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.

Road Traffic Accidents – What To Do If You’ve Been In An Accident

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

  • Photo and video evidence of the crash scene.
  • Photo and video evidence of your injuries or damage to vehicles.
  • Photos and video of the road, especially if the road conditions may have played a part in the cause of the accident.

Average Compensation Claim Amounts For Road Traffic Accidents

Part of Body Level of Injury Compensation Amount Injuries May Include
Head Injury Severe £247,280 – £354,260 Badly disabled, brain damage with little or no response. Includes people in a vegetative state in need of full time nursing. At the lower end, cases resulting in minimally conscious state with life expectancy of less than 15 years.
Head Injury Serious £192,090 – £247,280 Serious physical symptoms or a significant change to your intellect or personality. It could cause substantial dependence on others, paralysis and reduced life expectancy.
Head Injury Moderate £13,430 – £192,090 Symptoms can range from minor personality change, depression, poor concentration, and a small risk of epilepsy. At the top end of the bracket, symptoms could result in permanent vegetative state, high risk of epilepsy and some intellectual deficit.
Head Injury Minor £1,940 – £11,200 In these cases, if there has been any brain damage, there is likely to have been a recovery within a few weeks. Awards can be influenced by the presence or absence of headaches.
Eye Injury Severe £56,070 – £354,260 Injuries leading to complete blindness, or blinded in one eye and/ or severely reduced vision in other.
Eye Injury Serious £7,990 – £57,590 Injuries leading to the loss of an eye, lost sight in one eye or suffering some but not total visual impairment.
Eye Injury Minor £1,930 – £7,650 Minor injuries, such as being struck in the eye, explosion to fumes, or being splashed by liquids. In the majority of cases, recovery is within a few weeks.
Ear Injury Severe £79,560 – £123,310 Injury leading to complete deafness. If injured as child, higher compensation may apply is there is a loss of speech.
Ear Injury Serious £27,450 – £39,940 Loss of total hearing in one ear, amounts dependent on additional symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus.
Ear Injury Moderate £11,040 – £26,040 Compensation amount apply for those suffering from partial hearing loss to mild or severe tinnitus.
Ear Injury Minor Up to £6,140 Very slight or occasional tinnitus, possible NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss).
Facial Injury Severe £26,120 – £85,340 Facial disfigurement, very serious multiple fractures to the jaw, (resulting in eating restrictions and risk of arthritis in the joints) chronic tooth pain, or scarring, amounts depending on how seriously affected. Men could receive less for facial disfigurement than women with same injury. Typically teens to early 30s, those psychologically damaged receive higher awards.
Facial Injury Serious £15,750 – £42,460 Facial fractures such as broken jaw or nose. Amounts dependent on severity. Also apply to broken, damaged or lost teeth.
Facial Injury Minor £1,500 – £7,650 Facial injury that didn’t include broken bones and left only very light or no scarring. Cases may include loss or damage to two front teeth or less, simple fractures of the jaw and nose with full recovery.
Neck Injury Severe £39,870 – £130,060 Neck injuries involving serious fractures, damage to discs and partial paraplegia. Cases also include severe soft tissue damage, leading to chronic pain conditions and significant disability of a permanent nature.
Neck Injury Moderate £6,920 – £33,750 Injuries such as fractures or dislocations which may result in spinal fusion. Cases may include disc lesion, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent recurring pain. Also injuries which have accelerated a pre-existing condition.
Back Injury Severe £34,000 – £141,150 Back injury usually requiring surgery such as damaged spinal cord leading to partial paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder function and psychological issues. Cases may include nerve root damage, disc lesions, fractures, impaired agility, personality change and arthritis.
Back Injury Moderate £10,970 – £34,000 Compression or crushed fracture of the lumbar spine causing a large risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain. May include spinal fusion, prolapsed disc requiring surgery and prolonged acceleration or exacerbation of a pre-existing back condition.
Back Injury Minor £2,150 – £10,970 Soft tissue injuries, including less serious strains and sprains and disc prolapses. Full recovery takes place between 3 months and 5 years.
Shoulder Injury Severe £16,830 – £42,110 Injuries associated with damages to the neck and the brachial plexus resulting in significant disability.
Shoulder Injury Serious £4,520 – £16,830 Serious injuries may include fractures to the humerus, fractures to the clavicle and rotator cuff tears leading to surgery.
Shoulder Injury Minor £2,150 – £6,920 Suffered pain from a soft tissue injury lasting 3 months to less than 2 years, but have eventually had a full recovery.
Injury To Pelvis and Hips Severe £34,340 – £114,810 Severe hip or pelvis fractures that have led to bowel damage or have required a spinal fusion. Amounts depend on long-term effects (e.g. child-birth complications) and likelihood of more surgery. Injuries include minor fractures resulting in hip replacement.
Injury To Pelvis and Hips Moderate £11,040 – £34,340 Injury that required a hip operation / replacement (or may lead to you requiring one in the future), but are unlikely to suffer from any serious disability as a result.
Injury To Pelvis and Hips Minor £3,460 – £11,040 Minor soft tissue injuries with complete recovery, where there is little or nor residual disability within 2 years.
Arm Injury Severe £114,810 – £263,060 Amputation of one or both arms. Amount awarded depends on where amputation is, age and the effect the operation has on life and whether there are phantom pains.
Arm Injury Serious £34,340 – £114,810 Arm injury not resulting in amputation, but has a serious effect on ability to use arm(s) resulting in disability.
Arm Injury Moderate £16,830 – £34,340 If there is a degree of disability for a period of time (such as a broken arm) but are expected to make a complete (or almost complete) recovery.
Arm Injury Mild £5,810 – £16,830 Simple fractures of the forearm. Awards at the top end of the scale will include longer than usual recovery periods and other extenuating factors.
Elbow Injury Severe £34,340- Amounts could apply if injury has required surgery or resulted in severe disability.
Elbow Injury Serious £13,720 – Elbow injuries that did not require surgery or lead to a disability, but has resulted in restricted movement.
Elbow Injury Moderate Up to £11,040 The majority of elbow injuries fall under this category. These amounts apply to injuries like tennis elbow, deep cuts or simple fractures that don’t lead to permanent damage.
Hand Injury Severe £25,430 – £176,660 When a person has had one/both hands amputated, or had their hand rendered almost useless by amputation of more than one finger. Also cases where several fingers have been amputated but re-joined, leaving it clawed, clumsy and unsightly.
Hand Injury Moderate £3,810 – £25,430 Injuries like deep cuts and soft tissue damage that have resulted in impaired function of the hand that may require surgery. At the bottom end of the scale, this will cover crush injuries, penetrating wounds and any permanent but non-intrusive symptoms.
Hand Injury Minor £800 – £3,810 Soft tissue injuries with a recovery time of 6 months or less. Less serious injuries include crush injuries and laceration.
Wrist Injury Severe £21,480 – £52,490 Wrist injuries resulting in complete loss of function and significant permanent disability.
Wrist Injury Serious £11,040 – £21,480 Injuries include broken wrist or soft tissue damage, resulting in some permanent disability.
Wrist Injury Moderate £3,090 – £8,970 Injuries including minor undisplaced fractures and an uncomplicated Colles fracture requiring the use of plasters, but recovery expected between 12 months and 2 years.
Finger Injury Severe £7,990 – £32,210 One or more finger completely amputated. Amount depends on which finger(s) had to be removed and the level of disability the person suffers as a result. This includes total and partial loss of index finger and fractures of the index finger.
Finger Injury Moderate £3,460 – £14,330 At the top end of the scale, amputation or loss part of the little finger. On the lower end, If you have suffered from a broken finger but have had a complete (or almost complete) recovery.
Finger Injury Minor Up to £4,160 Injuries such as fractured fingers that have healed fully within 12 months. At the bottom end of the scale, there will be minor scarring.
Thumb Injury Severe £11,040 – £48,080 Injuries include having part or all of your thumb amputated, suffering nerve damage, fractures, or losing your ability to grip properly. May also involve the insertion of wire.
Thumb Injury Moderate £3,460 – £11,040 Injuries including fractures, recovering within six months and at the higher end of the scale, damage to tendons or nerves, causing impairment of sensation. At the higher end of the scale, cosmetic deformity of the thumb.
Thumb Injury Minor Up to £1,930 These injuries may have caused severe pain for a short time, but will have resolved completely within 3 months.
Leg Injury Severe £48,080 – £247,280 Injuries would usually include either a single or double amputation (the higher awards reserved for above the knee amputations), extensive degloving including bone grafting, and in most cases a permanent future mobility restriction.
Leg Injury Moderate £15,750 – £48,080 Injuries including a broken leg, multiple fractures or crushing injuries, generally to one leg. Compound fractures or ligament injuries resorting in instability with a near-certainty of arthritis . Minor fractures with an incomplete recovery or serious soft tissue injury.
Leg Injury Minor Up to £12,350 Injuries that resolve within a few months, including soft tissue injuries, cuts, bruising, contusions. At the top end of the scale, simple fractures of femur, tibia and fibula.
Knee Injury Severe £22,960 – £84,360 Joint injury that has resulted in serious disability, constant pain or muscle wastage. Compensation amounts would depend on whether you are likely to need surgery in the future and the effects your injury will have on your life.
Knee Injury Moderate £13,010 – £22,960 Serious damage to the kneecap, ligaments or muscles, resulting in some disability with continued pain and discomfort. Also included are injuries involving dislocation, torn meniscus or acceleration type injuries over a prolonged period of years.
Knee Injury Minor Up to £12,050 Injuries involving twisting, lacerations or bruising, where there is continuous aching or discomfort. At the bottom end of the scale, soft tissue injuries resolving in a few months.
Ankle Injury Severe £43,900 – £61,110 Severe ankle injury leading to serious deformity, disability or even the possibility of amputation in the long-term.
Ankle Injury Moderate £12,050 – £43,900 Ankle injury requiring operation/plaster. Amount depends on if injury affects ability to work and if you need special footwear. Fractures, ligamentous tears, which lead to less serious disabilities when walking/standing, risk of future osteoarthritis.
Ankle Injury Minor Up to £12,050 Minor or undisplaced fractures, sprains and ligamentous injuries where there is an element of scarring. At the bottom end of the scale, injuries where recovery is complete without scarring and within a year.
Achilles Injury Severe £21,910 – Muscles have been severed and this has led to restricted ankle movement. Injuries include a limp and residual scarring, and where further improvement is unlikely.
Achilles Injury Moderate £11,040 – Cases involving partial rupture or significant injury to the tendon. At the top end of the scale, injuries involving disability and permanent scarring.
Achilles Injury Minor £6,800 – £11,040 Tendon damage to the ankle, resulting in minor instability. At the top end of the scale, cases may involve scarring.
Foot Injury Severe £73,620 – £176,600 Amputation of one or both feet, including traumatic amputation of the forefoot where there was a significant risk of the need for full amputation.
Foot Injury Moderate £12,050 – £61,410 Fractures of both heels with restriction on mobility, including degloving, heel fusion and deformity. At the bottom end of the scale, injuries will include metatarsal fractures, resulting in permanent deformity and continuing symptoms.
Foot Injury Minor Up to £12,050 Injuries include ruptured ligaments, puncture wounds where symptoms include a permanent limp, pain or aching, minor fractures, lacerations or contusions from which a complete recovery has been made within 2 years.
Toe Injury Severe £12,050 – £49,180 Amputation of all of your toes or your big toe. Amount depends on whether you lost your toe(s) in an incident or had them surgically removed. Severe crush injuries leading to amputation of one or two toes, but not the big toe.
Toe Injury Moderate £8,420 – £12,050 Injuries include multiple fractures or crush injury to two or more toes including the big toe. At the top end of the scale, there will be some permanent disability, and there will have been a number of unsuccessful operations.
Toe Injury Minor Up to £8,420 Injuries include one or more broken toes. Compensation amounts will depend on how quickly you recover and whether or not you will suffer long-term symptoms. Injuries at the bottom end of the scale will have resolved completely within a short space of time.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Severe £52,490 – £88,270 Cases will involve permanent effects which prevent the injured person from working at all, or at least from functioning at the pre-trauma level. Cases arising as a result of a traumatic event/accident.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Moderate £22,290 – £52,490 This category involves the same type of symptoms as the severe category, but there is a much better prognosis, with a likely recovery with professional help over a number of years.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Minor £3,460 – £7,170 At the top end of the scale, the injured person will have largely recovered, and any continuing effects will not be grossly disabling. At the bottom end of the scale, virtually a full recovery will be made within 2 years.
Scarring (not facial) Severe £6,870 – £19,930 A number of noticeable laceration scars or single disfiguring scars.
Scarring (not facial) Moderate Up to £7,580 At the top end of the scale, the injured person will have largely recovered, and any continuing effects will not be grossly disabling. At the bottom end of the scale, virtually a full recovery will be made within 2 years.
Scarring (not facial) Minor £2,080 – £6,870 A single noticeable scar, or several superficial scars of leg, arm or hand, with some minor cosmetic deficit.