A road traffic accident can leave you shocked, injured, and unsure about what to do next. However, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can protect your health, strengthen your compensation claim, and help you recover financial losses.
If another road user’s negligence caused your accident and you were injured, you can usually claim compensation in England and Wales. Awards depend on the injury, from a fixed £275 for whiplash lasting up to three months to six figures for serious injuries, plus financial losses. You normally have three years to claim.
After a road traffic accident, your first priority is safety: check for injuries, call 999 if needed, and move vehicles clear of danger if you can. Once everyone is safe, exchange details, gather evidence, and report the accident, since these steps protect both your health and any compensation claim.
A road traffic accident can leave you shaken, in pain, and unsure what happens next. However, the actions you take in the minutes and days afterwards can make a real difference: they protect your health, support your legal position, and help you recover any financial losses you’ve suffered.
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation through National Claims.
Am I Eligible to Claim?
You may be eligible to make an Road Traffic Accident Claim if:
- Another driver, cyclist, or road user caused or contributed to the accident through negligence
- You were injured, however minor it may seem at first
- You suffered financial losses, such as vehicle repairs, hire car costs, or time off work
- You were a passenger, even if your own driver was at fault
- The accident happened within the last three years (with some exceptions for children and protected parties)
A common misconception is that you can’t claim if you weren’t driving. In fact, passengers can claim regardless of which driver caused the accident. Similarly, many people assume minor whiplash isn’t worth pursuing, but even moderate soft-tissue injuries can qualify for meaningful compensation. As a result, it’s always worth having your situation reviewed rather than assuming you don’t have a case.
Can you claim compensation after a road traffic accident?
Yes, you may be able to claim if another driver, cyclist or road user caused or contributed to the accident through negligence and you were injured. You can also claim if you were a passenger, even if the driver of your own vehicle was at fault.
Accidents that can support a claim include collisions involving cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport, and those caused by distracted driving, speeding, drink driving, dangerous overtaking or poor vehicle maintenance. Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to a claim, so it is worth having your situation reviewed.
How to make a road traffic accident claim, step by step
- Get medical attention. A medical record of your injuries is the foundation of any claim.
- Exchange details, report the accident where required, and tell your insurer.
- Gather evidence: photos, dash-cam footage, witness details and a note of what happened.
- Speak to National Claims for a free assessment of your options.
- If your claim is worth £5,000 or less for the injury, it will usually go through the Official Injury Claim service. For more serious injuries, we can introduce you to a panel solicitor.
- Your solicitor, or the portal, deals with the other driver’s insurer on your behalf.
- The claim is negotiated and settled. If a solicitor is involved, their fee is taken from the compensation recovered.
How much compensation after a road traffic accident?
Compensation has two parts: general damages for your injury (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) and special damages for your financial losses. How the injury is valued depends on the type of claim.
The whiplash tariff
For whiplash injuries lasting up to two years from road accidents on or after 31 May 2025, compensation is set by a fixed statutory tariff. The tariff is slightly higher where a minor psychological injury, such as travel anxiety, is suffered at the same time.
| How long the whiplash lasts | Whiplash only | Whiplash with minor psychological injury |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | £275 | £300 |
| 3 to 6 months | £565 | £595 |
| 6 to 9 months | £965 | £1,025 |
| 9 to 12 months | £1,510 | £1,595 |
| 12 to 15 months | £2,335 | £2,435 |
| 15 to 18 months | £3,445 | £3,550 |
| 18 to 24 months | £4,830 | £4,975 |
Source: Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025. Accidents between 31 May 2021 and 30 May 2025 follow the earlier, lower tariff. The tariff generally applies to car occupants. Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are usually valued under the Judicial College Guidelines instead.
Compensation for Other Injuries
Injuries outside the tariff, and any other injuries suffered alongside whiplash, are valued using the Judicial College Guidelines (18th edition, published April 2026).
These are guideline brackets for general damages only, not a prediction of your claim.
| Injury | Severity | Guideline bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Neck | Minor soft tissue | Up to £10,420 |
| Neck | Moderate | £10,420 to £50,850 |
| Back | Minor (recovery within about two years) | £5,750 to £10,420 |
| Back | Moderate | £36,680 to £51,230 |
| Back | Severe | £51,230 to £92,130 |
| Ankle | Modest | Up to £18,150 |
| Ankle | Moderate | £18,150 to £35,130 |
| Knee | Moderate (lasting damage) | £19,610 to £34,600 |
| Head | Minor head or brain injury | £2,920 to £16,870 |
| Brain | Less severe | £20,240 to £56,890 |
| Brain | Moderate | £56,890 to £289,420 |
| Brain | Moderately severe | £289,420 to £372,570 |
| Brain | Very severe | £372,570 to £533,720 |
Source: Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 18th edition. The guidelines are not binding, and awards depend on your recovery, any ongoing symptoms and how the injury affects your life.
Financial losses you can claim on top
You may also recover medical and rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings, travel costs, care or help at home, and vehicle-related losses such as repairs or a courtesy car. Keep receipts and payslips.
Can I claim without a solicitor?
Sometimes. If your injury is valued at less than £5,000 (and your whole claim at less than £10,000), you can usually claim yourself through the Official Injury Claim service, a free online service run by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau for the Ministry of Justice. This applies mainly to car occupants. Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians follow different rules. For more serious injuries, disputed liability or complex losses, a specialist solicitor is usually advisable, and we can introduce you to one on a no win no fee basis.
How long do you have to claim?
You normally have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first knew your injury was linked to it, to start a personal injury claim in England and Wales. If the injured person is under 18, the three years usually starts on their 18th birthday. Different rules can apply where someone lacks mental capacity. Dash-cam footage, witness details and CCTV are easier to secure early, so do not leave it late.
Road Traffic Accident Statistics
According to the Department for Transport, there were 1,538 reported road fatalities, 29,918 people killed or seriously injured and 127,883 casualties of all severities on Britain’s roads in 2025.
Legal Obligations After an Accident
According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must stop at the scene and provide necessary information. Failing to do so may result in fines, penalty points, or even disqualification from driving.
Can You Claim Compensation After a Road Traffic Accident?
Yes. If another road user caused the accident through negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.
This could include accidents involving:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- Vans
- Lorries
- Public transport vehicles
You may also claim if the accident involved:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drink driving
- Dangerous overtaking
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Experts at National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors who understand road traffic accident claims.
Road Traffic Accident Compensation Amounts
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and financial losses. The figures below are based on Judicial College Guidelines.
| Injury Type | Estimated Compensation |
|---|---|
| Minor Whiplash | £1,000 – £4,000 |
| Moderate Neck Injury | £7,000 – £13,000 |
| Serious Back Injury | £15,000 – £38,000 |
| Moderate Brain Injury | £43,000 – £219,000 |
| Severe Leg Injury | £54,000 – £127,000 |
| Psychological Injuries | £5,000 – £115,000 |
Every claim is unique. Therefore, compensation amounts may vary depending on your circumstances.
Making a Claim for Compensation
If you were injured in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
To maximise your chances of a successful claim, it is recommended to seek legal advice from experienced solicitors.
National Claims can put you in touch with expert solicitors who will guide you through the claims process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Car Hire after a Road Traffic Accident
If the accident was not your fault and your car is off the road, you may be able to get a replacement hire car with nothing to pay upfront. Through our credit hire partners, eligible non-fault drivers can have a like-for-like replacement vehicle, prestige models included, subject to eligibility and availability. Hire charges are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
This is different from a basic courtesy car, which is usually a small vehicle provided while your own car is being repaired. Where the other driver was at fault, you can usually claim the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement for as long as you reasonably need one, for example while your car is repaired or until a write-off settlement is agreed.
To be eligible, the accident should not have been your fault, you should need a vehicle, and the damage should have happened in a UK road accident. If liability is disputed, or you are found to be partly or wholly at fault, the position on hire charges can change, so tell us as early as possible.
Find out more about car hire after an accident, including managed repairs and what happens if your car is written off.
Replacement vehicles are provided on credit hire terms to eligible non-fault drivers, subject to driver criteria and vehicle availability. Charges are recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer.
People Also Ask
Q1: How much compensation can I claim after a road traffic accident?
A: It depends on your injury. Whiplash lasting up to two years is paid under a fixed tariff, from £275 to £4,830 for accidents on or after 31 May 2025. Other injuries are valued using the Judicial College Guidelines, from about £2,920 for a minor head injury to over £500,000 for very severe brain damage, plus financial losses.
Q2: How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?
A: You normally have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you knew your injury was linked to it, to start a claim. For children, the three years usually starts at their 18th birthday. Evidence such as dash-cam footage and witness details is easier to gather early, so do not wait.
Q3: Can I claim if I was a passenger?
A: Yes. Passengers can usually claim if a driver was at fault, including the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in. The claim is normally made against the at-fault driver’s insurer, and passengers are rarely held responsible for causing a collision. A solicitor or the Official Injury Claim service can explain which route applies.
Q4: Do I need a solicitor to make a road traffic accident claim?
A: Not always. If your injury is worth less than £5,000, many car occupant claims can be made yourself through the free Official Injury Claim service. For more serious injuries, disputed liability or complex losses, a specialist solicitor is usually advisable. National Claims can introduce you to a panel solicitor on a no win no fee basis.
Q5: What if the other driver was uninsured or drove off?
A: You may still be able to claim. If the other driver was uninsured or cannot be traced, a claim can usually be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. Report the accident to the police and keep your evidence, because these claims have specific requirements and deadlines.
Q6: Are road traffic accident claims no win no fee?
A: If a panel solicitor accepts your case, it is usually on a no win no fee basis, so you do not pay upfront legal fees. Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered as a success fee towards solicitor costs. Cancelling outside your cooling off period may incur a fee.
Q7: Can I get a hire car after a non-fault accident?
A: Yes, if the accident was not your fault and you need a vehicle, you may be eligible for a like-for-like replacement hire car arranged through our credit hire partners, with nothing to pay upfront. Hire charges are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Availability depends on eligibility criteria, and your position can change if liability is disputed.
Road Traffic Accident Statistics
According to the latest report by the Department for Transport:
- There were 1,558 road fatalities in Great Britain in 2022.
- A total of 29,742 serious injuries were reported.
- Driver error was a contributing factor in 64% of accidents.
These statistics highlight the importance of safe driving practices and being prepared in the event of an accident.
How National Claims Can Help
National Claims is committed to assisting accident victims by:
- Offering free initial consultations to assess your case.
- Connecting you with qualified personal injury solicitors who specialise in road traffic accident claims.
- Providing a no-win, no-fee service, ensuring financial risk is minimised.
For more information, visit National Claims to start your claim today.
Conclusion
Experiencing a road traffic accident can be stressful, but taking the right steps can protect your health, finances, and legal rights. Remember to prioritise safety, collect essential details, and seek professional legal advice to ensure you receive fair compensation. National Claims is here to help you navigate the process and connect you with trusted solicitors to support your claim.
Being involved in a collision is stressful, but knowing how to make a road traffic accident claim puts you back in control. Prioritise your safety and health first, then gather the evidence that supports your case: witness details, photos, and a medical record.
From there, the process is simpler than most people expect. National Claims handles the difficult parts of your road traffic accident claim, from establishing liability to negotiating with the other driver’s insurer, so you’re never left dealing with it alone.
Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, you deserve fair compensation without financial risk. National Claims connects you with experienced solicitors on a No Win No Fee basis, so there’s nothing to lose by finding out where you stand.
Don’t wait to start your road traffic accident claim — the sooner you act, the stronger your evidence, and the smoother the process.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, don’t delay—reach out to National Claims today for expert guidance and assistance.
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This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
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