Yes, passengers injured in a road traffic accident can claim interim payments while their personal injury claim is ongoing. These are early compensation payments intended to ease financial pressure before the full claim is settled. National Claims can help connect you with experienced solicitors to request an interim payment and support you through your injury claim.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, waiting for your personal injury claim to settle can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unable to work or cover basic expenses. Fortunately, UK law allows injured passengers to apply for interim payments, which are early partial payouts made before the final compensation is awarded.
In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning of interim payment, how it works, whether you’re eligible, and how much you could receive. We’ll also show how National Claims can help you access the support and legal advice you need.
What Is an Interim Payment?
Definition:
An interim payment is a partial payment of compensation made before the full personal injury claim is settled. It’s designed to help victims cover immediate costs such as:
- Lost income due to time off work
- Medical bills or physiotherapy
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Rent, mortgage, or other daily living expenses
This payment interim helps ease financial stress while the legal process continues.
According to the UK Ministry of Justice, some personal injury cases can take 12–24 months to resolve — making interim payments vital for claimants in financial hardship.
What Are Interim Payments and How Do They Work?
Interim payments are usually requested once liability (fault) has been accepted by the insurer of the responsible party. However, in some cases, a court may order an interim payment if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries
- There is clear evidence the other party was at fault
- You have urgent financial needs (e.g. rent arrears, medical bills)
These payments are not in addition to your final compensation. Instead, they are deducted from your eventual total award.
Can Passengers Claim Interim Payments?
Yes. Passengers have the right to claim interim payments, just like drivers or pedestrians, if they’ve been injured in an accident and another party is found to be at fault.
Whether the at-fault driver is the person driving your vehicle or another motorist, passengers are generally not considered liable. This makes it easier to:
- Prove fault
- Secure early financial support through interim payments
- Build a strong compensation claim
Real-Life Interim Payment Example
Let’s say you were a passenger in a taxi involved in a collision. You suffered a fractured arm and needed six weeks off work. You filed a compensation claim, but it could take 12 months to settle.
In the meantime, your solicitor applies for an interim payment of £4,000 to help cover your lost wages and medical expenses.
Later, when your full claim settles at £18,000, the £4,000 is deducted, and you receive the remaining £14,000.
How to Apply for an Interim Payment
To request an interim payment, your solicitor will need:
- Medical evidence of your injuries
- Proof that the defendant has admitted liability
- Evidence of your financial needs (e.g. payslips, bills, care costs)
This is where National Claims can help. Our team connects you with expert personal injury solicitors who handle the application, negotiate with insurers, and ensure your payment is fair and timely.
People Also Ask
1. What is an interim payment in personal injury claims?
It’s an early payment of compensation to help cover financial needs while your full claim is being processed.
2. Are interim payments taxable in the UK?
No. Compensation, including interim payments, is generally not subject to tax in the UK.
3. How long does it take to receive an interim payment?
If liability is accepted and your solicitor submits a strong application, you could receive your payment within a few weeks.
4. Do I have to pay back an interim payment?
No. It is part of your final settlement, not a loan. However, if your claim is later unsuccessful, you may be required to repay it — but this is rare and only happens if your solicitor proceeds without securing liability.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Your interim payment will usually reflect part of your overall compensation. The total you can claim depends on:
- The severity of your injuries
- How long you’re unable to work
- Your medical costs
- Any long-term impact on your quality of life
Here’s a general estimate:
| Injury Type | Likely Interim Payment | Final Compensation Range |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash (minor) | £500 – £1,000 | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| Broken bones (moderate) | £1,500 – £5,000 | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| Severe injury with rehab | £5,000 – £15,000+ | £25,000 – £100,000+ |
These are rough estimates. Every case is different. National Claims can connect you with solicitors who’ll assess your specific situation and fight for maximum compensation.
Why Choose National Claims?
Navigating compensation claims can feel daunting — especially when you’re also dealing with physical recovery and financial pressure.
At National Claims, we make the process simple by:
✅ Connecting you with expert solicitors
✅ Helping you apply for interim payments quickly
✅ Handling your case on a no win, no fee basis
✅ Supporting you from first contact to final payout
Our goal is to help you get the support you need without delay.
Final Thoughts
Being injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident is distressing enough — but facing financial struggles during recovery makes it even worse. That’s where interim payments can make a real difference.
Whether you need help with rent, medical costs, or simply replacing lost wages, you have options. With National Claims, you don’t have to wait until your claim is settled. We’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who can request an interim payment and support your full claim from start to finish.
👉 Reach out to National Claims today — and let’s secure the compensation and early financial relief you deserve.
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Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
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