Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a traumatic experience. The aftermath can leave you or a loved one dealing with injuries, emotional distress and questions about what to do next. The repercussions can affect your daily life, from dealing with physical pain and mental trauma to facing unexpected medical expenses or loss of income.
At Switalskis, we understand what you're going through. Specialising in road traffic accident claims, we can guide you during the process of making a compensation claim. Our expert team of road traffic accident solicitors is here to offer you compassionate, clear and concise advice, making sure you're well informed throughout.
Whether you've been in a car accident or any other road-related incident, we're here for you. We pride ourselves on cutting through the legal jargon and making every step of your claim transparent and understandable. When working with Switalskis by your side, you're partnering with a team invested in securing the best outcome for you.
To see if you are eligible for road traffic accident compensation, please call our Switalskis team
on 0800 138 0458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.
Road traffic accidents are unfortunately common and can happen in the blink of an eye. From minor bumps to high-speed collisions, the consequences can vary widely but are often serious.
Some of the most common injuries sustained from road traffic accidents include:
Beyond the physical, the emotional toll of an accident shouldn't be underestimated. You may experience anxiety or (PTSD) following a serious accident. This can affect your ability to drive, as well as cause you distress elsewhere in your life.
Accidents can also cost you financially. Medical bills, therapy costs, vehicle repairs and lost wages due to time off work can quickly add up. Making a compensation claim can sometimes cover these losses, aiming to put you back in the financial position you were in before your accident.
At Switalskis, we care about understanding the full scope of how the accident has affected you, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is holistic, compassionate and clear. We're here to help you understand your rights and the potential compensation you could receive, and find the path forward.
Making a compensation claim might seem daunting at first, but with the help of our legal professionals, it becomes more straightforward. Here's a clear and concise guide to help you understand the process.
When you call us, we'll discuss the details of your road traffic accident, assess the potential of your claim and outline the next steps to take.
We'll begin collecting evidence. This can include medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness accounts and any relevant police reports. We'll also determine if there were any breaches of road safety regulations or negligence by the other party.
Once we’ve compiled all the necessary evidence to make your claim as strong as possible, we'll draft and forward your claim to the responsible party and their insurance provider. We’ll handle any communications between you and the relevant party so you can avoid the confrontation.
At this point, if the other party admits liability, the defendant’s insurance company will assess the claim. They might acknowledge fault and propose a settlement, or they could contest the claim. If liability is denied then we will advise you of the next steps. Either way, we will negotiate with the other party, seeking to get the best outcome for you.
If an agreeable settlement can’t be reached, it might be necessary to escalate the matter to court. Our solicitors are experienced in handling cases in court, so we’ll make sure your case is prepared for court, where we’ll represent and support you through the process.
Upon a successful claim, we'll make sure the compensation is paid to you.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. However, there are some exceptions:
If the accident involves a child, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday.
For people who lack the mental capacity to make a claim, there might be no time limit at all.
If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who has died due to a road traffic accident, the time limit may begin from the date of death, or from when you became aware that the cause of their death was as a result of a road traffic accident.
If the incident was caused by an intentional hit and run, you’ll need to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which has different rules regarding personal injuries caused by criminal activity. We can help you navigate this process.
The MIB is a government-funded scheme to compensate victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. The claim should be submitted to the MIB within three years of the accident. The MIB will not accept a claim outside of this timescale without very good reason, but as long as it receives the claim within time, no limitation deadlines apply.
It’s essential that you start your claim as soon as possible to make sure you have the best chances of success. Contact our team as soon as you’re safe and able to, and we’ll help you to understand your options.
Compensation aims to put you back in the position you'd have been in had the accident not happened. The type of compensation you’ll receive is divided into two categories:
The exact amount of compensation you’ll be awarded for a successful claim varies based on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and specific financial losses.
To see if you are eligible for road traffic accident compensation, please call our Switalskis team
on 0800 138 0458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.
The majority of our personal injury claims operate on a no win, no fee basis. If your claim isn't successful, you won't have to pay legal fees. If your claim is successful, your legal fees will be deducted from your compensation award. This will be agreed with you at the start of any claim..
Making a personal injury claim with Switalskis is safe and simple. We prioritise getting the best award for you without sacrificing your security.
Although you’re likely to be under a lot of stress following your accident, there are a number of steps you can and should take. These can help you to prepare for making a compensation claim:
Remember, a road traffic accident claim isn't just about securing compensation - it's about making sure that you have the resources and support to move forward and recover. With the right approach and guidance, you can navigate this journey with confidence.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 138 0458, or get in touch via our form.
Though claiming compensation might not be your first thought following an accident, making a claim can help you in more ways than you think. At Switalskis, our expert and compassionate solicitors will work on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Road traffic accident compensation claims can seem complicated, but understanding them doesn't need to be. We’re committed to unravelling complex legal jargon into clear, easy-to-understand language. We answer your queries, simplify what's complicated, and make sure you understand each stage of the process fully.
Our team is invested in understanding your unique circumstances. We listen to your worries, respect your feelings, and offer mindful advice for your specific situation. To us, you're not just a client; you're a person experiencing a tough time. We’re here to provide our unwavering support.
When dealing with something as critical as a road traffic accident compensation claim, you need assurance that you're in trustworthy hands. Switalskis boasts decades of experience and a proven track record in handling road traffic accident compensation claims.
We're dedicated to advocating for your rights and working towards the most favourable outcome for you. Many of our solicitors are recognised specialists in their field, accredited by the Law Society .
Our team is motivated to make your voice heard. We'll guide you at each step of the road traffic accident claim process, making sure you're well-informed and feel confident to make the right decisions. Trust us to turn a challenging situation into a journey towards justice and recovery.
Yes, you can still make a claim even if you were partially responsible for the accident. This situation is known as "contributory negligence." In cases of contributory negligence, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of responsibility for the accident. For example, if it’s determined that you were 25% at fault, your compensation might be reduced by 25%. Our experienced team will work closely with you to gather evidence and establish the facts of the case, to make sure your compensation reflects the other party's negligence as accurately as possible.
The success of your road traffic accident claim often depends on the quality of the evidence you can provide. It’s crucial to collect as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the other party’s negligence and the extent of your injuries. Key evidence includes:
Collecting and organising this evidence early on can significantly strengthen your case and improve the likelihood of a successful claim.
It’s understandable to be concerned about going to court, but in the vast majority of road traffic accident cases, it won’t be necessary. Most claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the other party’s insurer, which often results in quicker and less stressful resolutions. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, or if the other party disputes their liability, it may be necessary to take the claim to court. If your case goes to court, our legal experts will fully prepare you for what to expect, represent you in all proceedings, and present your case as effectively as possible. We’ll be with you every step of the way to reduce stress and deliver a fair outcome.
If the other driver involved in your accident is uninsured or cannot be identified (such as in a hit-and-run situation), you can still pursue a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a government-backed organisation that compensates victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or untraceable drivers. The process for making a claim through the MIB can be slightly different from a typical claim, but we will guide you through it and ensure that all necessary documentation is provided. Even though the situation may seem complicated, you are still entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and any vehicle damage caused.
Our “no win, no fee” arrangement, also known as a conditional fee agreement, allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about legal fees upfront. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay any legal fees. If you win, our fees will be deducted from your compensation as a pre-agreed percentage. This arrangement ensures that there’s no financial risk to you, as you only pay if your claim is successful. Before starting your case, we’ll clearly explain the terms of the agreement so that you fully understand what’s involved and what to expect regarding costs.
The time it takes to settle a road traffic accident claim varies depending on the complexity of the case. For straightforward claims, where liability is clear and injuries are relatively minor, a settlement may be reached within 6 to 12 months. However, if the case involves serious injuries, complex medical evidence, or disputes over liability, it could take longer - sometimes up to 18-24 months or more.
Rest assured, we will work diligently to progress your case as quickly as possible, while making sure that we secure the maximum compensation available for your circumstances. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed of any updates and next steps.
Road traffic accident compensation is designed to cover both the financial losses you’ve incurred and the impact the accident has had on your quality of life. This includes:
Loss of amenity , if your injuries have affected your ability to engage in hobbies, activities, or day-to-day life in the way you did before the accident. The aim of compensation is to put you back in the position you were in before the accident, as much as possible, both financially and in terms of quality of life.
The amount of compensation you may receive for a road traffic accident depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and any financial losses you have incurred. Compensation for minor injuries may be in the range of a few thousand pounds, while more serious injuries, such as life-changing disabilities, could result in much higher amounts - sometimes hundreds of thousands of pounds or more. Our solicitors will assess the specific details of your case, including medical reports and the long-term prognosis of your injuries, to give you a clearer idea of how much compensation you could be entitled to.
Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:
Accident at work claim
Animal attack claims
Asbestos compensation
Assault solicitors
Bar and nightclub accident claims
Beauty treatment compensation
Burns injury compensation
Claim for carpal tunnel syndrome
Commercial fishing accident claims
Construction accident claims
Cuts and bruises
Cycle accident claims
Dog bite compensation
Experiencing injury due to a road traffic accident can leave you feeling traumatised and worried about your future. With the right legal support, you can be confident that your future is secured.
Reach out to Switalskis today by calling 0800 138 0458 , or get in touch with us via our website to discuss your concerns confidentially with a legal specialist.