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.
We Can Help You Claim For The Following Road Traffic Accident Claims
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.
Why Choose Bott and Co?
- Almost 300 Years Of Combined Legal Experience
- 100% Independent - We Act For Your Best Interests
- Reduced Success Fees On Special Damages
- Support For Immediate Physio & Replacement Vehicle
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.
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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
- 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.
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.
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 Compensation 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.
David Bott
Senior Partner of Bott and Co, David is a fellow, and past president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Championing consumer rights, he regularly speaks at legal conferences and has appeared on a number of television shows including The One Show and Watchdog, as well as BBC Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live. Find out more about David Bott.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Road Accident?
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.
Calculate how much you could claim
Injuries may include
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 towards what your claim may be worth.
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.
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.
A comprehensive list of compensation amounts is available at the bottom of this page.
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.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Claim 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.
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.
Average Compensation Claim Amounts For Road Traffic Accidents (Updated July 2020)
| 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. |
| Neck Injury | Minor | £2,150 – £6,920 | Soft tissue or whiplash injury but with recovery within three months to two years of incident. Amounts vary on severity of injury, level of pain and effect on restriction of ability to take part in your usual activities. |
| 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 de-gloving 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. |
Find Out If You Can Claim
Our experienced legal team are usually able to advise you if you can claim on your initial call, which will take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
SPEAK TO OUR LEGAL TEAM