Making a road traffic accident claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with injuries, time off work, and insurers who want to settle quickly and cheaply. You do not have to face it alone.
At NJS Law, our specialist road traffic accident solicitors have over 200 years of combined experience recovering maximum compensation for injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians across England and Wales.
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and we handle every claim on a no win, no fee basis — so there is no financial risk to you and no upfront cost to get started.
Whether your accident happened on a motorway, a quiet residential street, or anywhere in between — if another road user’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the legal right to claim.
We will tell you within minutes whether you have a valid case, entirely free of charge.
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Handling claims across England and Wales
Every road user owes a duty of care to others under the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act 1988. If that duty is breached and you are injured, you are entitled to claim compensation. Three conditions must be met.
Every road user — driver, motorcyclist, cyclist, and pedestrian — owes a duty of care to others.
All motorists must comply with the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act 1988 to prevent harm.
Road Traffic Act 1988 · Highway Code
The other road user failed to meet the required standard — speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone, failing to indicate, driving without due care and attention..
Standard of the reasonable road user
There must be a direct link between the other road user's breach and your injuries. The breach must have caused or materially contributed to your harm..
Causation — "but for" test
Injuries from car accidents often cause medical costs and lost income.
We assess liability, gather evidence, and guide you through the compensation process.
Recovering after a pedestrian collision can be difficult.
We establish fault and secure compensation for your recovery needs.
Motorbike collisions often cause severe or long-term injuries.
We evaluate fault and gather evidence to support your compensation claim.
Cyclists face unique risks when drivers fail to give proper space.
We help you evidence your injuries and financial losses.
Passengers often suffer injuries despite having no control over the vehicle.
We help you claim compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Transport operators must ensure passenger safety.
If you were injured on a bus or tram, we help gather evidence and support your claim.
Passengers rarely expect serious injuries on rail services.
We assess the circumstances, identify responsibility, and support your compensation claim.
Heavy goods vehicle impacts often cause serious injuries.
We investigate the collision and manage your claim while you focus on recovery.
Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim.
Complete the form below, email or call our road traffic accident solicitors for free, no-obligation advice.
| Situation | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver injured in a collision | ✓ Yes | Claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer |
| Passenger in any vehicle | ✓ Yes | Can claim against driver of own or other vehicle |
| Pedestrian struck by vehicle | ✓ Yes | Including hit and run incidents via MIB |
| Cyclist injured in road accident | ✓ Yes | Including dooring, junction collisions, HGV incidents |
| Motorcyclist injured in collision | ✓ Yes | Including lane-filtering and junction accidents |
| Child injured in road accident | ✓ Yes | 3-year limit begins at age 18; claim possible until age 21 |
| Victim of uninsured driver | ✓ Yes | Claim via MIB Uninsured Drivers Agreement |
| Victim of untraced (hit & run) driver | ✓ Yes | MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement — 2-year deadline |
Not sure if your accident gives rise to a claim? Our free guide gives you clear, straightforward answers.
Download our Free Road Traffic Accident Claims Guide
Step-by-step claims process
| Type of Claim | Limitation Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard road traffic accident | 3 years | From date of accident or date of knowledge |
| Child injured in road accident | Until age 21 | 3-year clock begins on 18th birthday |
| Person lacking mental capacity | Suspended | During period of incapacity |
| MIB untraced driver (hit and run) | 2 years | Shorter deadline — seek advice immediately |
| Fatal road accident | 3 years | From date of death or date of knowledge |
Important: If you are approaching your deadline, contact NJS Law immediately on 0800 6525 656. Once the limitation period expires, your right to claim is almost always lost permanently.
If you were injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Our solicitors offer free initial advice to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.
According to the Department for Transport, there were 135,480 road casualties in Great Britain in 2023 — including 1,695 fatalities. Compensation covers general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses including lost earnings, vehicle repair, medical costs, and care).
⚠ Whiplash Reform Programme — important: Whiplash and minor soft tissue injuries from road traffic accidents are subject to a fixed tariff system under the Civil Liability Act 2018 and Whiplash Injury Regulations 2025. Claims valued at £5,000 or less go through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) Portal. Claims above £5,000, or involving injuries other than whiplash, use the standard Judicial College Guidelines valuation below.
Based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, April 2024) and Whiplash Injury Regulations 2025.
| Type of Injury | Key Factors | Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash — minor OIC Tariff | Recovery up to 2 years — fixed tariff applies | £275 – £4,830 |
| Whiplash — moderate Above tariff | Symptoms 2+ years, psychological impact | £4,215 – £11,730 |
| Neck injury — severe | Disc damage, nerve involvement, permanent symptoms | £24,990 – £163,680 |
| Back injury — minor soft tissue | Recovery period, impact on daily activities | £2,300 – £12,000 |
| Back injury — moderate | Duration, mobility impact, work capacity | £12,000 – £38,000 |
| Back injury — severe | Permanent disability, nerve damage, disc involvement | £38,000 – £170,000+ |
| Leg injury (moderate) | Fractures, recovery time, long-term mobility | £7,000 – £40,000 |
| Head and brain injury | Cognitive impairment, personality change, care needs | £15,000 – £380,000+ |
| Psychological injury (incl. PTSD) | Severity, duration, impact on employment | £3,500 – £100,000+ |
Important: These ranges are a general guide only based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition) and Whiplash Injury Regulations 2025. They do not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of outcome. Special damages are assessed separately. Contact NJS Law for a free assessment of your specific claim.
Compensation for a road traffic accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and how the collision affects your daily life.
Medical evidence, including assessments from specialists and details of ongoing symptoms, plays a central role in determining the value of your claim.
Financial losses, such as reduced income, treatment costs, and travel expenses, are also considered when calculating compensation.
Compensation may be higher for injuries that require surgery, physiotherapy, or long-term medication because of extended recovery time.
Psychological effects, such as anxiety or reduced confidence when travelling, may also be included if supported by a medical professional.
Evidence of how the accident happened, including photographs, dashcam footage, or witness accounts, helps establish liability and support your claim. To understand what evidence is most important, read Evidence for Car Accident Injury Claims.
Clients who cannot return to their previous work often recover additional compensation for future income losses.
Four pieces of legislation govern road traffic accident claims in England and Wales — including reforms specifically introduced for whiplash and soft tissue injury claims.
Requires all motor vehicles used on UK roads to hold third-party liability insurance. Section 151 requires insurers to satisfy court judgments even where the policyholder is in breach of their policy — ensuring compensation is available.
Introduced a fixed tariff for whiplash and minor soft tissue injury claims from road traffic accidents, replacing JCG valuation for these injuries. Claims above £5,000 or involving non-whiplash injuries are not subject to the tariff.
Sets the current fixed tariff amounts for whiplash injuries of defined durations. These amounts are periodically reviewed and represent the maximum recoverable under the OIC Portal for soft tissue injuries.
Two agreements compensate victims of uninsured drivers (Uninsured Drivers Agreement) and hit and run drivers (Untraced Drivers Agreement). Strict notification and time limit requirements apply — the untraced agreement has a 2-year deadline.
Three road traffic accident claims NJS Law has successfully resolved — all handled on a no win, no fee basis.
Serious Injury · Head-On Collision
One reckless decision led to months of physical pain and a lifetime of emotional trauma. Our client was hit head-on by a driver who swerved into the wrong lane, suffering serious injuries and significant financial losses.
.
£50,000 Settlement Secured
NJS Law fought hard for every penny. From the first call to the final payment, they were clear, professional, and always on my side.
Rear-End Collision · Nerve Damage
Stopped at a red light — it should have been safe. One careless driver changed everything. Our client suffered serious physical injuries when struck from behind, leading to long-term nerve damage and life-altering chronic pain.
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£28,000 Settlement Secured
I was told by the other driver’s insurer that my claim wasn’t worth pursuing. NJS Law proved otherwise and secured a settlement that covered everything I’d lost.
Road traffic accident claims follow one of two routes depending on the value and type of injury. NJS Law advises you on which process applies and manages every step.
We confirm eligibility, advise on value and timescales — no cost, no obligation.
No win, no fee CFA set up. ATE insurance arranged to protect you from adverse costs.
Police reports, dashcam footage, CCTV, witness statements, medical records, vehicle repair estimates.
We assess your injuries and claim value to establish which process applies. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries under £5,000 go through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) Portal. All other injuries — including serious injuries and claims above £5,000 — follow the standard Pre-Action Protocol. We explain clearly which route applies and what it means for you.
We formally notify the at-fault driver’s insurer of your claim. OIC Portal claims are submitted electronically with a 15-business-day response window. Standard track claims are served via a Claim Notification Form (CNF) under the Pre-Action Protocol. If the insurer disputes liability or fails to respond in time, we advise you immediately on next steps.
We negotiate firmly with insurers. Most claims settle without court proceedings.
Once settlement is reached or judgment obtained, payment is made promptly and in full.
| Stage | OIC Portal | Standard Track |
|---|---|---|
| Claim submission | 2–4 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Insurer response | 15 business days | Up to 3 months |
| Medical evidence | 4–8 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Settlement | 3–6 months total | 6–12 months after response |
| Court if disputed | Small Claims | 12–18 months extra |
Stay informed with practical advice and in-depth guides on road traffic accident claims. From understanding liability in road traffic collisions to learning how compensation is calculated, our resources are designed to give you clarity and confidence.
Browse the latest articles to see how real cases are handled, what factors affect compensation, and how our solicitors approach car accident claims. These insights can help you understand your rights and what to expect when making a claim.
Unsure whether your accident gives you the right to claim?
Our team will review your situation and explain your options clearly.
Call us or complete our form for a free consultation.
An experienced solicitor will confirm your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.
All NJS Law road traffic accident claims are handled on a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). No upfront costs. No financial risk.
→ Learn more about How a No Win No Fee Claim Works
Being injured in a road traffic accident can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights or worried about what comes next. Our expert solicitors provide clear, honest advice and manage every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dedicated road traffic accident team including David, who brings 25+ years of RTA litigation experience and has taken disputed claims through to trial — including fraud allegations and low velocity impact cases.
We understand the Civil Liability Act 2018 and OIC Portal process inside out. We advise you on exactly which route applies to your claim and fight to ensure you receive the maximum available under whichever process applies.
Our specialist RTA team brings decades of expertise across workplace injury, employer liability, and serious injury claims.
Authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (no. 8006550).
Rated Excellent from 764 Trustpilot reviews and 4.7★ from 796 Google reviews. Top 10 UK Personal Injury Lawyers on Trustpilot.
£50,000 head-on crash · £28,000 rear-end collision · £20,000 pedestrian at crossing. Real outcomes for real clients with zero upfront cost.
Clear, jargon-free legal advice at every stage.
Full support from first call to final compensation
Proven track record of workplace injury claims
National service across England & Wales
Making a road traffic accident claim can feel overwhelming. Below we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask. These cover eligibility, time limits, compensation, and what happens if your case goes to court.
In most cases, 3 years from the date of the accident. For children, the 3-year period begins at age 18. For those lacking mental capacity, it is suspended during incapacity. For untraced driver claims through the MIB, only 2 years apply — seek advice immediately if you were involved in a hit and run.
Compensation for a road traffic accident is made up of two elements: general damages for your physical and psychological injuries, and special damages for your financial losses such as lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses, and vehicle repair or replacement.
The amount you receive depends on the type and severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and the specific financial losses caused by the accident.
For whiplash and minor soft tissue injuries, compensation is set by the government’s fixed tariff under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2025. Amounts range from £275 for symptoms lasting up to three months, to £4,830 for symptoms lasting up to 24 months. If your symptoms last longer than two years, your claim is assessed individually under the Judicial College Guidelines and is likely to result in a higher award.
For all other injuries — including back injuries, fractures, head injuries, nerve damage, and psychological conditions such as PTSD — compensation is assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th Edition). As a general guide, moderate back injuries range from £12,000 to £38,000; severe back injuries from £38,000 to £170,000 or more; serious head and brain injuries from £15,000 to over £380,000. Special damages are calculated on top of these figures.
NJS Law has recovered £50,000 following a head-on collision, £28,000 for a client with long-term nerve damage after a rear-end shunt, and £20,000 for a pedestrian struck at a designated crossing. Every case is different — contact us for a free assessment of what your specific claim is worth.
The Civil Liability Act 2018 introduced a fixed tariff for whiplash and minor soft tissue injuries from road traffic accidents. Claims valued at £5,000 or less go through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) Portal with fixed amounts set by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2025. Claims above £5,000 or involving non-whiplash injuries use the standard JCG valuation. NJS Law advises you on which process applies.
Yes. Claims against uninsured drivers are made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement. Claims against untraced (hit and run) drivers are made under the MIB Untraced Drivers Agreement — a 2-year deadline applies so contact us immediately. NJS Law handles both types of MIB claim and manages all strict notification requirements.
Useful evidence includes dashcam footage (yours or other vehicles), CCTV footage, police accident reports, witness details and statements, photographs of vehicle damage and the scene, medical records, and financial loss records. You do not need everything in place before contacting us — our solicitors guide you through gathering the right evidence.
Yes. Passengers can claim against the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in, the driver of another vehicle involved, or both. You can claim even if the at-fault driver is a friend or family member — the claim is made against their insurance, not against them personally.
Minor whiplash claims through the OIC Portal typically settle within 3–6 months. Standard RTA claims with admitted liability typically resolve within 9–18 months. Disputed liability or serious injury claims can take 18 months to 3 years depending on complexity.
Most claims settle without a court hearing. If court involvement is needed, we guide you through every step.
You can still claim, but prompt reporting strengthens the evidence. We help gather alternative supporting information where needed.
Yes. You can claim for a child, a vulnerable adult, or someone who lacks capacity with appropriate legal authority.
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Our team has decades of specialist experience handling road traffic accident claims, including gathering evidence, assessing injuries, and negotiating with insurers.
Our road traffic accident specialists provide clear guidance, protect your legal position, and work to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.
If you would like professional advice about your accident, you can arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our solicitors.
You can contact us by phone or email, and we will respond promptly with clear guidance on your next steps.
Get in touch today to start your claim and receive clear advice on what happens next.
Learn more about real road traffic accident claims and how compensation is secured. Our latest case studies and legal insights show how different car accident injuries are handled, the challenges clients face, and the outcomes our solicitors achieve.
From minor collisions and whiplash to serious road traffic accidents, these stories highlight the importance of expert legal support in securing fair compensation.
Browse the latest accident at work resources below:
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