Car accident claims

A serious car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. If your injuries were caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to make a car accident claim. Our specialist team is here to help you get the support, rehabilitation, and compensation you need.

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Author

Sarah Ouko

Associate Solicitor

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make a car accident claim?

You can make a car accident claim if you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. This includes situations where another driver’s careless or negligent actions caused the collision. That might have been by speeding, failing to give way, or driving while distracted.

Even if you think you might be partly to blame, you could still claim compensation – it would simply be reduced to reflect your level of fault. Our expert car accident lawyers handle claims like this every single day every day, so we understand the complexities of this type of law.

Often, even if some time has passed since the collision, it’s still worth speaking to us. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your injury to make a car accident claim, but there are exceptions. We’ll tell you honestly whether you have a case.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we handle claims on a No Win No Fee basis. We think it’s important to help injured drivers and passengers recover the compensation they deserve – with no financial pressures and additional stress. We’ll work closely with you throughout the process, and offer support and guidance the whole way.

Example of a car accident claim

A driver is stationary at a red light when they are hit from behind by a vehicle travelling at speed. The impact causes a serious neck and spinal injury, leaving them unable to return to their previous job and requiring months of physiotherapy and specialist care. If the driver behind failed to brake in time for example due to distraction or excessive speed, this could be a valid car accident injury claim.

Common car accident claims we support

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What compensation can help with

Close-up of hand gripping car steering wheel inside vehicle

Getting your life back on track after a serious collision.

Car accident compensation isn’t just about the immediate aftermath. For many people, the financial, physical, and emotional consequences of a serious collision can last for months, years, or in some cases, can lead to life-long change.. Our team will support you throughout your case, fighting for the right settlement that truly reflects the impact on your life. Securing compensation after a car accident makes it easier to access the care and support you need, not just now but for the future.

A successful car accident claim may help fund:

Medical treatment and specialist consultations
Physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy
Psychological support, including treatment for PTSD and anxiety
Home or vehicle adaptations to support independent living
Loss of earnings, both current and future
Care provided by family members or professional carers
Travel expenses to and from appointments
Damage to your vehicle, clothing, and personal property

Understanding the potential value

We secured a six-figure settlement for a client whose vehicle was struck by a HGV, resulting in multiple injuries. The settlement helped to fund psychological support and private therapy, as well as a bespoke recovery programme to manage his chronic pain, and improvehis overall quality of life. More recently, our client made positive strides in his recovery and was even able to climb a mountain near his home.

Understanding interim payments

For serious car accident injury claims, waiting for a claim to finish can cause real financial pressure, particularly when you’re unable to work and care costs are mounting. Where possible, we’ll apply for interim payments during the claims process – to help cover immediate costs for rehabilitation, specialist equipment, or additional care.,

Specialist car accident solicitors

Why choose Fletchers for your car accident claim?

Our personal injury department is one of largest in the country. We handle complex car accident claims every day – many of which need extensive rehabilitation packages and long-term care considerations, We’ve supported drivers, and passengers, who’ve experienced severe spinal injuries, brain injuries and amputations. Sadly, we also support families whose loved one has been killed in a fatal collision. We understand the complexities of this work, and we understand the difficulties that can come with it.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist car accident and serious injury solicitors with decades of combined experience
Ranked by Legal 500 for our “commitment to leveraging technology efficiently and maintaining a supportive, client-centric approach”
In-house rehabilitation team coordinating early access to medical and therapeutic support
Multi-million-pound settlements secured for clients with life-changing car accident injuries
Proud partners of road safety charities including Brake, Road Peace, Aftermath, and Road Victims Trust
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we’ve supported
No win no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You’re not alone

A serious car accident can affect you deeply.

Immediately after a car accident, it’s natural to focus your physical recovery. You might need to attend hospital for regular treatment, or you might feel unable to live as independently as you did before.But as time passes, the wider picture comes into view. Many of the people we support through a car accident claim find themselves unable to drive again for long stretches of time. They’re unable toplay with their children in the same way, or struggle to fall sleep without having flashbacks of the collision.

We’ve worked with many people who came to us carrying all of this. At the start of the journey, our clients sometimes feel unsure whether their situation was serious enough to warrant a legal case, or whether they had left it too late. Sometimes, even the thought of pursuing a car accident claim feels too daunting, on top of the strains they are already feeling. But what they often found was a team that took the weight of the legal side entirely. We’ve been doing this type of work for a long time, and we have a genuinely compassionate approach that we believe makes a real difference.

– At Fletchers, we kept you informed through the whole process. We explain the legal process simply and clearly – with no overwhelm – and fight for a settlement that genuinely reflects the impact of your car accident. Whatever stage you’re at, we’ll meet you there.

Happy amputee doing exercises for upper body strength on exercise machine at gym.

Rehabilitation support

We go beyond legal advice to support you, not just your case, making sure the right care and practical help are in place throughout the compensation claim process.

A message from our Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team

We work alongside Fletchers Solicitors’ legal experts – listening carefully to your needs, helping you understand what support is available and creating a personalised recovery plan.

Led by rehabilitation manager Julie Chorlton, we bring together expertise across healthcare, therapy and welfare support, and can help arrange access to treatment and financial support. We also work with accredited mental health professionals, giving you and your family access to counselling quickly.

OUR REHABILITATION & WELLBEING TEAM

People we’ve supported

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FAQs about car accident claims

How much is a bulging disc worth in a car accident?

Compensation for a bulging or slipped disc from a car accident depends on severity and recovery time. It is difficult to provide an accurate or precise figure for the amount of compensation you may receive, as this total will reflect the complexity of your claim, the impact the injury has had on your life and any other losses you may have suffered.

Who pays for car accident personal injury claims?

In most car accident claims, compensation is paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the other driver is uninsured or untraceable, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) may handle your claim instead.

How often do car accident claims go to court?

The majority of car accident personal injury claims are settled out of court. Only a small percentage proceed to trial, usually when there’s a dispute over fault or the amount of compensation.

How long do I have to make a car accident claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the collision to start a car accident claim. If the injured person was under 18 at the time, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday. If they lack mental capacity, there may be no time limit. It’s always best to seek advice as early as possible while evidence is fresh and witnesses are easier to trace. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within time, our team can quickly confirm your position.

How long does a car accident claim take to settle?

The time it takes to settle a car accident personal injury claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the other side accepts responsibility. At Fletchers Solicitors, we aim to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to.

In general:

Straightforward car accident claims where liability is accepted, and injuries are minor may settle quicker than more complex claims.

More serious or complex cases, such as those involving spinal injuries, brain trauma, or disputed liability, can take much longer as medical evidence and long-term recovery outcomes need to be fully assessed.

It’s important not to rush settlement, particularly for serious injuries, as your compensation should reflect your future medical, financial, and care needs. Throughout your claim, your car accident lawyer will keep you updated on progress and timescales, so you always know what to expect.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we focus on achieving fair outcomes, not fast compromises. We’ll guide you through every step of your No Win No Fee car accident claim and ensure your case is handled with the care and urgency it deserves.

How do I prove back pain from a car accident?

Proving back pain following a car accident involves establishing a clear link between the collision and your symptoms. Our team works with independent medical experts who will assess the nature and extent of your pain, review any imaging such as MRI or X-rays, and provide a report that connects your injury to the incident. Supporting evidence including accident reports, witness statements, and photographs also helps to build the strongest possible case.

How do I prove a herniated disc from a car accident?

A herniated or slipped disc can cause severe and lasting pain, affecting mobility, sleep, and quality of life. To establish that it resulted from a car accident, medical specialists will review your imaging, your symptoms, and your medical history before and after the collision to demonstrate causation. Our legal team uses this expert evidence to make sure your claim reflects the full impact on your ability to work, your independence, and your rehabilitation needs.

What are the car accident statistics in the UK?

According to the Department for Transport’s 2024 Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain, there were 1,602 road fatalities in 2024 — a 1% decrease from 2023. However, the number of serious injuries remained unchanged at 27,865.

Car occupants made up the largest share of those affected, with 692 fatalities and 70,089 total casualties recorded, down from 725 fatalities and 72,826 casualties in 2023. In total, 55% of all road casualties in 2024 were car occupants, compared to 15% pedestrians, 12% motorcyclists, and 11% pedal cyclists.

The data also highlights clear demographic trends. In 2024:

76% of fatalities and 61% of all casualties were male

4% of fatalities and 11% of casualties were aged 16 or under

22% of fatalities and 28% of casualties were aged 17–29

22% of fatalities and 8% of casualties were aged 70 and over

While the overall number of car accident casualties has fallen slightly, these figures show that thousands of people continue to suffer life-changing injuries on UK roads each year, many of whom are entitled to pursue car accident claims to help them rebuild their lives.

Can I claim if my car accident happened abroad?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident abroad, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with unfamiliar laws, insurers, and language barriers. Our expert accident abroad team can help you pursue a car accident abroad claim, ensuring you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. Whether your accident occurred on holiday or during business travel, we provide clear, practical advice and handle the claims process on your behalf, helping you focus on your recovery.

What are common causes of car accidents?

Our specialist car accident lawyers have handled thousands of car accident claims across the UK, and in our experience, most collisions are caused by a few common forms of negligence. These include situations where drivers fail to take proper care or attention on the road, often leading to serious and avoidable injuries.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents we see in claims include:

Speeding or reckless driving

Distracted driving

Failure to observe or signal properly

Driving under the influence

Tailgating or sudden braking

Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel

Poor road or weather conditions

How much compensation could I get in a car accident claim?

The value of a car accident injury claim depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, their impact on your ability to work and live your life, and your short and long-term care needs. Compensation in car accident cases ranges from a few thousand pounds for minor injuries to several million for life-changing cases involving spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, or amputation.

What is the difference between ‘road traffic accident’ and ‘road traffic collision’

We believe it is important to use appropriate language that honours accountability, but is also recognisable to those who need us online, at the time of seeking support.

It is our choice, where possible, to defer away from the word ‘accident’ in our online channels. Instead, it is our preference to use language that better honours accountability; such as ‘crash’, or ‘collision’. This is important in situations where an innocent party has been seriously injured due to another party’s negligence.

With that said, we also understand that terms like ‘road traffic accident’ are still widely recognised and understood by the general public. You will therefore continue to see these messages when appropriate, so those searching for our support can find it.