YOU MAY HAVE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATIONRoad Traffic Accident ClaimsIf you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Your case will be reviewed by our panel of legal firms who will be able to tell you how much you could be owed. Start claim Home E Personal Injury E Road Traffic AccidentsOverview of Road Traffic Accident (RTA) claimsRTA (Road Traffic Accident) claims are legal proceedings in which an individual seeks compensation for any injury or damage suffered as a result of a road accident caused by someone else’s negligence. These claims can be made against the driver of the other vehicle, a pedestrian or a cyclist, and can cover various expenses, such as medical bills, loss of earnings, and repair costs.In this section› Road Traffic Accident Claims› Overview of RTA claims› The criteria needed to qualify› What is the legal argument for the claim?› What evidence do you need?› A guide to compensation amounts› How long do claims typically take?› Common questionsThe criteria needed to qualify for an RTA claimTo qualify for an RTA claim, certain criteria must be met. Firstly, the accident must not have been your fault. If you were responsible for the accident, you will not be able to make a claim. Secondly, the accident must have caused you some form of injury or damage to your property. It is essential to have medical evidence to support your claim, and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.Thirdly, the accident must have happened within the last three years. This is because there is a time limit within which you can make a claim. If you do not start your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to compensation.Did you know?It does not matter what the nature of your injuries are, if you can prove the liability of another then you could be entitled to compensation.The legal argument for an RTA claimThe legal argument for an RTA claim is based on the principle of negligence. This means that if someone owes you a duty of care and they fail to meet that duty, they are negligent. In the case of an RTA claim, the driver of the other vehicle owes you a duty of care to drive safely and not cause an accident.If the driver breached this duty of care and caused the accident, they are legally responsible for any injuries or damage that resulted. Therefore, if you can prove that the other driver was negligent, you have a strong legal argument for your RTA claim.Key FactsIn 2022, there were 1,760 fatalities reported as a result of road collisions and 137,013 casualtiesThe evidence needed to support the claimTo support your RTA claim, you will need evidence to prove that the other driver was negligent and caused the accident. This can include eyewitness accounts, photographs of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle, as well as medical reports detailing your injuries. It is also essential to gather any other documentation that may support your claim, such as receipts for expenses related to the accident, like medical bills and loss of earnings.If you’re still unsure what evidence you need, get in touch with Claims Bible and our expert team will be able to assist you.Did you know?RTA claims are split into general damages (compensation for your pain, physical and psychological injuries) and special damages (claims on costs linked to your accident).How much could you get?The amount of compensation you can receive for an RTA claim will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Compensation can cover various expenses, such as loss of earnings and vehicle repair costs.The MIB uses a set of guidelines to calculate the compensation amount for RTA claims. The guidelines are based on the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, which provides a range of compensation amounts for various types of injuries, from minor whiplash to severe brain damage. The MIB also takes into account any special circumstances, such as the need for ongoing medical treatment, that may affect the victim’s quality of life and financial situation.Minor injuries, such as whiplash, can receive up to £3,725, while more severe injuries, like a neck injury that requires surgery, could receive up to £139,210. A victim with a severe head injury that causes permanent brain damage and requires round-the-clock care may receive compensation of up to £307,000 or more. The compensation amount is not fixed and can vary depending on the individual case.Key FactsYou can make an RTA claim up to three years after the accident, but you can sometimes claim outside this period.How long will the claim take?The duration of an RTA claim depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries and the cooperation of the parties involved. In some cases, the claim can be resolved within a few weeks, while in others, it may take several months or even years. The MIB aims to process RTA claims as quickly and efficiently as possible, but some cases may take longer, especially if they involve severe injuries, disputed liability or a need for expert testimonyThe claim processClaims Bible can help you navigate a claims process. A brief outline of an RTA claim process involves:Step 1: Gathering evidenceThe first step is to gather evidence of the accident. This evidence may include photographs, witness statements, and police reports. All of this information can help to establish the facts of the accident and liability.Step 2: Obtaining medical treatmentIf you have sustained injuries in the accident, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. You will need to obtain medical records and a report of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your claim.Step 3: Contacting the insurance companyAfter the accident, you should contact the insurance company of the other driver involved in the accident. You will need to provide them with details of the accident and the extent of your injuries.Step 4: Negotiating the settlementIf the insurance company accepts liability, they will make an offer to settle the claim. Your solicitor will review the offer and negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation.Step 5: Going to courtIf an agreement cannot be reached, your solicitor may take the case to court. This step is only taken when all other avenues have been explored.Common questionsWhat is an RTA claim?An RTA (Road Traffic Accident) claim is a legal process in which a person seeks compensation for injuries or damages sustained in a road traffic accident. This claim can be made by drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.How long do I have to make an RTA claim?In the UK, the time limit for making an RTA claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, it is recommended to start the process as soon as possible to ensure that all evidence and information are fresh in your mind, and to avoid any potential issues with proving the validity of the claim.For more common questions, please refer to the specific claim pages or read our general FAQs page.Choose claimChoose from the different claims below. You can either visit the page to read more about the claim or submit your claim straight away.Bus Accidents Claim compensation if you have been injured in a bus accident that was not your fault. Start claimUninsured Driver Claim compensation if you have been injured by an uninsured driver that was not your fault. Start claimCycling Accidents Claim compensation if you have been involved in a cycling accident that was not your fault. Start claimFatal Accidents Claim compensation if a loved one has been involved in a fatal accident that was not their fault. Start claimHit & Run Accidents Claim compensation if you have been involved in a hit and run accident that was not your fault. Start claimPesestrian Accidents Claim compensation if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident that was not your fault. Start claimMotorway Accidents Claim compensation if you have been involved in a motorway accident that was not your fault. Start claimTaxi Accidents Claim compensation if you have been involved in a taxi accident that was not your fault. Start claim