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.

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:

• Photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
• Witness statements or contact details of anyone who saw the accident occur.
• Police reports, if law enforcement agencies were involved.
• Medical records detailing your injuries and any treatments received (including hospital visits, GP appointments, and prescriptions).
• Financial records that show any costs incurred as a result of the accident, such as vehicle repair bills, medical expenses, and loss of earnings due to time off work. 

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:

• Medical expenses, including any treatments, medications, rehabilitation, or surgeries required due to the accident.
• Loss of earnings, if you are unable to work as a result of your injuries, either temporarily or permanently.
• Future care and rehabilitation costs, especially if long-term medical support or home care is needed.
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs, if your car was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering, which compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

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.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and financial losses. It’s important to start the process as soon as possible, as time limits apply to making a claim. Acting quickly can also help secure early compensation payments to cover the costs that can arise during your recovery.

The first step is to speak to an experienced road traffic accident solicitor about the circumstances of your accident. The team at Switalskis can discuss your situation in detail, determine who we think was liable for your injuries, and explain whether or not you're entitled to recover compensation as a result. We'll also assess any evidence you've gathered and outline the process moving forward.

If you decide to go ahead, we'll get started on gathering more evidence and building your case. At this point, your solicitor will handle the paperwork and most of the responsibility, so you can focus on your recovery.

You are legally required to report a road traffic accident to the police under the circumstances outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1988. If anyone is injured in the accident - whether a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or other road user - you must stop at the scene and provide your details. If there is a serious injury, road obstruction, or a risk to public safety, any of which require an emergency response, call 999 at the scene. If the police do not need to attend the scene, you must report the accident as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the incident at a local police station or by calling 101. 

You must report the accident if it causes damage to other vehicles involved, a building or roadside infrastructure (such as traffic lights, bollards or fences). This also applies to collisions involving animals, although only the following types of animals:

• dogs
• horses
• cattle
• sheep
• pigs
• goats
• donkeys or mules

In these cases, reporting the accident is only necessary if you cannot inform the owner of any animals injured or property damaged - for example, if they are not present at the scene. Again, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and you can do so by attending a local police station.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run incident where the other driver does not stop or provide their details, you should report it to the police immediately. The same applies if you suspect the other driver is uninsured or if they refuse to share their details.

Failure to report an accident when you're legally required to do so may be an offence. If you're prosecuted, this can lead to serious penalties, so it's important to understand and follow these legal requirements.

In most cases, you must start a road accident claim within three years of the accident to remain eligible. However, there are some cases where it may be possible to claim after this deadline has passed, and sometimes even years later. If you sustained an injury in an accident but weren't aware of it straight away, and the symptoms were only apparent later when your condition got worse, the time limit for a claim might begin from the date that you connected your injury to the road traffic accident you were in.

In rare cases, the court has the discretion to allow the claims process to start long after the time limit has passed, if you can prove that there were exceptional reasons why you did not make a claim within the time limit. This is rare and sometimes difficult to prove, but your solicitor can help you to determine the best approach.

If you believe you may be entitled to compensation but you're concerned that the time limit may have passed, speak to the expert road traffic accident compensation solicitors at Switalskis. We'll discuss all of your circumstances in detail to provide realistic and practical advice about whether you can claim and how to start the process.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident, it's important to know what to do next. You may have legal responsibilities in these cases, but you should also look after your health, and gather evidence to support a road accident compensation claim. There are a few steps you should take, including the following:

Stop at the scene . You must stop at the scene of an accident by law, and it's an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if you fail to do so. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If there is a serious injury, call 999 and ask the emergency services for medical assistance. Otherwise, you can visit a doctor later to have a proper check-up if you believe you may have been injured but it isn't urgent. You should also call the police if the other driver is aggressive or you suspect they're under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Make the area safe . If possible, move vehicles out of the road to prevent further accidents, turn on hazard lights to alert other road users and put warning triangles in place. If injured people are lying in the road, do not try to move them to safety. Instead, call the police to deal with any blocked roads or related hazards caused by the accident.

Exchange details with the other driver . In cases where there are no serious injuries and both vehicles can continue on their way, you should still exchange details with the other driver. You must provide the following details to anyone involved:

• Your name and address.
• The vehicle registration number.
• The name and address of the vehicle owner (if different from the driver).
• Your insurance details (if requested).

If the other party refuses to provide details, note their registration number and report the incident to the police. If you can't exchange details for any reason, report the accident to the police within 24 hours via 101 or at a police station.

Don't admit fault . Even if you believe you may be responsible, don't apologise for the accident or say that it was your fault in talking to the other people involved. The legal liability will be determined by insurers and legal professionals based on the evidence.

Collect evidence . If you plan to make an insurance claim or seek compensation, you can collect evidence at the scene to give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries, and save any dashcam footage if this is available. Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident, along with information like the date, time and location of the accident, and any weather or traffic conditions that could have contributed to the accident.

Report the accident . Most insurance policies require you to inform your provider of any accident, even if you do not intend to make a claim. Failing to do so may invalidate your policy.

Speak to a doctor . Injuries such as whiplash may not be immediately apparent, but a doctor can often diagnose these conditions and treat them before they get worse. If you experience pain or symptoms later, visit a GP or hospital and keep a record of your medical treatment even if you didn't see a doctor immediately after the accident.

Seek legal advice . If you have suffered injuries or financial losses due to the accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation. At Switalskis, our solicitors specialise in road traffic accident claims and we can assess your case and guide you on the next steps.

Taking these actions will help you stay on the right side of the law, support any insurance or legal claims, and maintain your health and safety in the wake of an accident.

There are several legal criteria you need to satisfy in order to claim compensation for injuries sustained in a motorbike, bicycle or car accident. You must prove that you were involved in an accident that was someone else's fault, that the person responsible owed you a duty of care that they breached, and that the accident resulted in an injury. While this may sound complicated, it can be relatively straightforward with the help of an experienced solicitor.

Step one of preparing a personal injury claim is to demonstrate that someone else was responsible for the accident. This could be another driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even the local council if poor road conditions contributed to the accident. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to claim compensation under the principle of contributory negligence, though this could reduce how much compensation you'll get.

In a road traffic accident context, road users have a duty of care to others to drive as safely as possible. Local councils also have a duty of care to maintain roads to high standards. Any failure in these respects represents a breach of duty of care.

The next step is to show that you suffered harm as a result of the accident. Compensation may be awarded for:

• Physical injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, or more severe injuries.
• Psychological injuries including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Financial losses such as medical expenses, lost earnings, vehicle repair costs, and travel expenses.

You'll need evidence for this, including any police reports relating to the accident, medical records detailing your injuries, witness statements, photographs or dashcam footage of the accident, and receipts for expenses related to the accident, if you wish to claim back costs.

Alternatively, if it isn't possible to make a personal injury compensation claim - because the responsible party is unknown, cannot be traced, or did not have insurance - you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. This process is different, so speak to a solicitor about the options that apply in your cases and seek advice on how to move forward.

If you make a road traffic accident claim with Switalskis, this will usually be possible on a no win, no fee basis, also called a conditional fee agreement. This type of agreement means that individuals injured in road traffic accidents through no fault of their own can pursue compensation without financial risk. By removing upfront legal costs and only paying if your claim is successful, no win, no fee claims provide accessible legal support for those seeking justice.

At Switalskis, we'll discuss the financial aspects of your case upfront to give you complete transparency on any potential costs or deductions. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed and explore all available legal options for your compensation claim.