Compensation claims for road accidents
You should consult a lawyer or a no-win, no fee solicitor if you have an accident of any kind on the road. If you've been injured, you can claim for compensation but any claim must be made within three years of the accident itself. If you've been hurt in a road traffic accident involving another driver’s negligence, you can claim for loss and injury. You can also claim if the accident was caused by the road being in a dangerous condition.
Driver
If you were the driver of a vehicle that was involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Remember to exchange details with the other driver, including name, address, telephone number, car registration details and insurance details. Never discuss who was to blame for the accident and do not admit fault (Your opinion of who was to blame may change when you have had time to consider the facts more calmly).
Injured passenger
As a passenger injured in an accident, you are almost certainly entitled to compensation. This could be claimed from the driver of the car you were traveling in (or, more precisely, their insurance company) or the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
Pedestrian
Pedestrians injured in a road accident are almost always entitled to compensation and should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Even if the driver who hit you was not insured, you may still get compensation from an insurance industry fund set up to help victims of uninsured drivers.
Cyclist
Cyclists involved in road accidents can claim compensation for injuries and for damage to their bikes. You should exchange details with the car driver or other party, inform the police of the accident and take contact details of any witnesses on the scene.
Motorcyclists and pillion passengers
Motorcyclists and their passengers have the same rights as car drivers and their passengers. Remember to exchange details with the other driver, including name, address, telephone number, car registration details and insurance details. Never discuss who was to blame for the accident and do not admit fault.