Road Accidents Claim: Compensation for Road Traffic Accidents

Who Can Make a Road Accident Claim?

Anyone injured in a road traffic accident caused by another person’s negligence can claim, including:

• Drivers — where another driver caused or contributed to the accident
• Passengers — even if the driver of your own vehicle was at fault
• Cyclists — hit by a vehicle or forced off the road
• Motorcyclists — a group that often suffers more serious injuries and is exempt from the whiplash tariff
• Pedestrians — struck while crossing, walking on a pavement, or in a car park
• Bystanders — anyone injured as an indirect result of a collision

If the driver responsible was uninsured or drove off without stopping, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Our solicitors handle MIB claims alongside standard insurer claims.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

A road accident compensation claim typically covers two types of damages:

• General damages — compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury
• Special damages — reimbursement for financial losses, such as loss of earnings, medical and physiotherapy costs, vehicle repair or replacement, travel expenses, and care or assistance you needed while recovering

Whiplash claims are valued differently

If your injury is whiplash (a soft-tissue injury to the neck, back, or shoulders), compensation is set by a fixed government tariff rather than negotiated case-by-case. For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, the tariff runs from £275 for symptoms lasting up to three months to £4,830 for symptoms lasting up to two years, with a higher figure available where a minor psychological injury is also present. Whiplash claims worth less than £5,000 generally go through the small claims track, meaning legal costs usually aren’t recoverable from the other side — this is exactly where experienced guidance matters most, so you don’t undervalue your claim or miss evidence that would move you into a higher tariff band.

Cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are exempt from the whiplash tariff and have their injuries valued under the standard Judicial College Guidelines instead, which can result in significantly higher awards for the same type of injury.

Injuries beyond whiplash — fractures, head injuries, psychological trauma, or anything lasting more than two years — fall outside the tariff system entirely and are assessed individually based on severity and long-term impact

How Long Do You Have to Claim?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start a road traffic accident claim. This time limit (known as the limitation period) runs from either the date of the accident or the date you became aware your injury was linked to it. There are exceptions: for children, the three years starts on their 18th birthday, and for those who lack mental capacity, the limit may not apply at all. Starting your claim early makes a real difference — medical evidence, witness statements, and CCTV or dashcam footage all become harder to secure the longer you wait.

Our Road Accident Claims Process

1. Free consultation — we assess whether you have a valid claim and explain your options, in person, by phone, or via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, or Skype
2. No win no fee agreement — we take on eligible cases without upfront cost to you
3. Evidence gathering — police reports, medical records, witness statements, and where relevant, MedCo medical assessments
4. Negotiation — we deal directly with the at-fault party’s insurer, or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau where applicable
5. Resolution — most claims settle without going to court; where they don’t, we represent you throughout

Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?

• Our personal injury solicitors have years of experience handling road traffic accident claims for drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians across London
• A consistent track record of successful outcomes for our clients, backed by client testimonials
• Cases taken on a no win no fee basis wherever possible — you pay nothing unless we win your compensation
• Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No: 598171, 656730)
• Offices in High Holborn, Central London and Upton Park, East London, with 24/7 phone contact and free video consultations

Why Adam Bernard Solicitors?

• Our team of solicitors are experts within this field with years of experience in handling the claims of clients.
• We have achieved numerous successes for clients as evidenced through our client testimonies.
• We may be able to take on your case on a no win no fee agreement. This means we will only take payment once we are successful in getting you your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions