What Is a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
Each year thousands of accidents occur resulting in life-changing impact on the individuals involved. In addition to physical injuries, victims can experience mental and psychological trauma, as well as significant damage to property.
Though several accidents occur through pure accident, there are times where one party is liable for the damages caused to others. Being cognizant as to how these situations unfold is vital for all involved, as well for those who’ve had to file accident claims for personal injury protection.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the types of accidents that occur, consequences for individuals and their property, and the measure of consideration we owe to those who have committed negligence and are at fault. The intention of the blog is to promote awareness and improve road safety, therefore making the roadways a safer place for everyone.
Some of the frequent Road Traffic Accidents are
Rear-End Collisions: This is the most prevalent type of accident on UK roads. Such incidents typically occur due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking. The amount of compensation awarded is contingent upon the severity of the injuries sustained and the extent of financial losses incurred, with additional considerations for pain and suffering.
Accidents at T-Junctions and Other Junctions: These types of accidents are among the most hazardous, contributing significantly to the overall number of road traffic collisions in the UK. If you sustain injuries due to the negligence of another party, you have the right to seek compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents: If a pedestrian is injured as a result of another road user’s negligence, they may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. It is crucial, however, to submit this claim within the time limits established by the Limitation Act 1980.
Steps to Take After a Road Traffic Accident
If you find yourself injured as a result of an accident, you’re in the right place.
Stop Safely: If it’s possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from the flow of traffic, ensuring it remains visible to other road users. Activate your hazard lights.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 999 for emergency assistance immediately.
Exchange Information: Exchange details with other drivers and any witnesses, including names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance information. Avoid admitting fault or apologising, as this could be used against you later on.
Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant features. Make a note of the date, time, and location of the incident.
Report the Accident: If there are injuries, significant damage, or if details were not exchanged at the scene, ensure that you report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
There are time limits on claims. The Limitation Act 1980 specifies a time limit of 3 years for Road Traffic Claims, with exceptions when dealing with accidents involving minors or people without mental capacity. If these situations arise, the claim can be made later than the specified limit.
What Can You Claim For?
If you’re involved in a Road Traffic Accident, you may claim a number of types of compensation. Medical expenses can cover treatment, medication, rehabilitation, and similar. If you have lost income due to the injury, you will be compensated for the wage loss and, possibly, the future wage loss. Your pain and suffering compensation will account for both your physical pain and confinement and your emotional distress.
If there is damage to your vehicle or other property, the repairs or replacement can be claimed as well. In more serious cases of injury and loss of life, loss of consortium can be claimed for the loss of companionship and support by other family members including spouses, children, and parents. If there is an accident and/or motor vehicle accident involving an unknown motor vehicle, you may qualify under the Hit and Run Motor Accident Compensation Scheme to be paid through the Motor and Accident Indemnity scheme or through your own insurance. There is also the possibility of secondary victim claims for family members who witnessed the accident and suffered a psychiatric injury.
Legal and Insurance Aspects
Get Medical Help: It’s important to see a doctor, even if you are feeling well, since some types of injuries may not be immediately validated.
Report to your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company, even if you don’t want to make a claim.
Collect Evidence: Collect any evidence for your claim, photographs, witness statements and invoices for repairs
Seek Legal Advice: If you think the accident wasn’t your fault and have suffered injuries or damages, you should consider seeing a solicitor who specializes in road traffic accident claims.
Practical Advice & Support
Claim Central‘s legal team provides practical advice, and then accompanies you through your claim process. If you’re involved in a road traffic accident in the UK, make sure to report the incident to the police and your insurance company, then take steps to gather evidence, such as taking pictures of the incident, gathering witness particulars, and keeping medical reports. Record all expenses incurred relating to the incident, and also pay attention to how the incident is affecting the rest of your life, as these will assist you in supporting your claim.
Claim Central offers expert legal assistance and information. We will lead you through the claims process, protect your legal rights, and obtain recovery for your injuries and losses.
