What Are My Rights In A Car Accident?

If you have recently been involved in a car accident you may be wondering, “What are my rights in a car accident?” The Highway Code states that all road users whether considered vulnerable or not have a duty of care not to cause accidents. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, if you can prove a third party is liable then you could make a personal injury claim for any harm you have suffered. In this guide, we will provide advice on your rights and responsibilities when in a car accident. We will also explain how to claim compensation for your injuries if the car accident was not your fault.

What are my rights in a car accident guide

What are my rights in a car accident guide?

If you have recently been injured in a car accident and wish to claim compensation, Advice.co.uk can help. Contact our advisors today they will assess your case in a no-obligation assessment. If they think your case has a chance of being successful they can offer to connect you with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel. To begin your claim for car accident compensation call us on 0161 696 9685. Or contact us in writing by filling out our compensation form.

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A Guide On What Are My Rights In A Car Accident?

The Department for Transport (DfT) has states that there were 153,158 casualties in 2019 of this there were 1,752 reported deaths on the road. Of these casualties, 25,945 were serious injuries. People who have been involved in car accidents have legal rights and legal obligations. In this guide, we will explain what your rights in a car accident are. We will advise you on what to do if a car accident is not your fault. Also, we will answer any questions you may have such as “can I sue if I was a passenger in a car accident?”

If you believe you are owed compensation for car accident injuries, call Advice.co.uk today for your free telephone assessment. A compensation claims specialist can also offer you free legal advice and answer any questions you may have such as “what are my rights in a car accident?”. To begin your claim, call us or fill out our online claims form. Alternatively, keep reading this guide to learn more.

Car Accident Victim Compensation Calculator

If you were the victim of a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Your compensation payout can include two heads of claim. The first is general damages which will pay you for the pain, loss of amenity and suffering caused by your injuries. The second head of claim is special damages which you can claim to reimburse you for any expenses incurred because of your injury. This can include the cost of repairing your vehicle or medical expenses.

How much compensation can you claim for an injury suffered in a car accident? Very often when calculating how much compensation you are owed for your injuries this will be based on your medical report and other evidence. However, you can use the table below to estimate how much compensation you could be owed in general damages.

Nature Of InjuryDegree Of InjuryAbout The InjuryEstimated Award
Facial DisfigurementVery seriousSettlements at the higher end of the band are awarded to younger claimants (under 30) with more significant injuries.£27,940 - £91,350
Facial DisfigurementLess seriousSevere facial disfigurements could also psychological injuries.£16,860 - £45,440
Facial DisfigurementSignificantThe severest effects can be mitigated with cosmetic surgery.£8,550 - £28,240
Arm InjuryModerate to minorMinor to moderate injuries such as lacerations, penetrating wounds, and moderate injuries could be considered to fit this category. £11,820 maximum
Leg InjuryLess serious (3)Less serious injuries can be quite diverse in nature. They could be caused by road traffic accidents.£11,110 maximum
Toe InjuryModerateModerate lacerations and similar injuries which may happen in a car accident.£9,010 maximum
Neck InjurySevereThis includes the highest level of injury to the neck.In the region of £139,210

The compensation amounts quoted in this table are based on guidelines from the Judicial College. The table does not include any special damages you may be eligible to claim. If you have been injured in a car accident, call Advice.co.uk and we can give you a personalised estimation of how much compensation you can claim for any injuries suffered.

Could I Claim For Costs Or Losses?

Many people who ask us, “What are my rights after a car accident?”, want to know if they can claim back their costs. If your personal injury claim for a car accident is successful, you will receive special damages. Special damages will reimburse you for any financial losses incurred as a result of your injury.

Special damages can include the following:

  • The cost of your car insurance excess fee.
  • Medical costs.
  • Travel costs.
  • Care costs.
  • Reimbursement for any lost income.
  • In the event that you have a car accident injury that leaves you with a disability, you can claim for the cost of any home adaptations, car adaptations or mobility equipment you may need.

For free legal advice about claiming back your financial losses from a car crash, call Advice.co.uk to speak to a claims specialist.

What Is A Car Accident Or Crash?

A car accident is an accident on the roads involving one or more vehicles. It is also referred to as a car crash. Car accidents can happen if two or more cars collide on the roads, or if a car hits a static object. Road accidents can also take place if a car hits a motorcycle rider, cyclist or pedestrian. Vehicle accidents can also occur if a car comes off the road, for example, because the driver swerved to avoid a person or hazard.

How serious is a car crash? Some car crashes only result in vehicle damage. Other car crashes result in injuries to those involved, including the driver, passenger and others. The injuries caused can range from minor injuries to severe or life-changing injuries.

Here are some examples of injuries that a car accident can cause:

  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic head injuries.
  • Broken bones.
  • A punctured lung.
  • Burns, ranging in severity.
  • Internal bleeding.
  • Neck and spinal injuries. Severe spinal injuries can result in paralysis.
  • Cuts and lacerations. These can range from minor cuts to deep cuts where the person is at risk of bleeding to death.

Every time a driver uses the roads they owe everyone else on the road a duty of care. If a driver makes an error that causes an accident, they can be held liable (legally responsible) for any injuries caused. Likewise, councils, highways agencies and private construction firms have a duty of care towards road users. Therefore if you are injured because of a car accident that was not your fault, your rights after a car accident include the right to claim compensation. Your claim will be made against the party who is responsible and paid for by their insurance.

What happens if you are a passenger in a car accident? If you are injured as a passenger, you can claim compensation. The claim will be made against your driver, another driver or a third party, depending on who is at fault.

To learn what are your rights after a car accident, continue reading this car accident guide.

Your Rights To The Other Drivers Details

If you want to know, “What are my rights in a car accident?” you should familiarise yourself with section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The act instructs drivers to stop their car or motor vehicle when a road traffic accident occurs and another party is involved. Or there has been damage done to a property. It is an offence to drive away from a car accident. If you are involved in a road traffic accident you should pull up at the nearest place where it is safe to do so and stop your car. If the accident has caused injury to a person or animal (such as a dog, horse or cattle), you and any other driver who is involved in the accident is legally obliged to do the following:

  1. Stop and stay at the scene of the accident for a reasonable time.
  2. Give the following details to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask for them: your name and address, your vehicle registration number, details of your car insurance provider.

If the police or emergency services arrive at the scene of the accident, you must cooperate with them. Your rights in a car accident include the right to receive necessary contact and insurance details from the other driver.

Your Right To Ask For Other Information

If you are involved in a car accident, you may wish to ask for further information. This is information that could be used as evidence to determine who was at fault and what damages were caused. What are your rights in a car accident to ask for other information from others? People such as witnesses to the car accident are not legally obliged to share information with you but many people will be willing to help.

  • If anyone, such as a passerby, witnessed the car accident, you may wish to ask them for their contact details. They may be able to provide a witness statement to help support your claim in the future.
  • If a pedestrian filmed the accident on their phone, you can ask them for a copy of the video.
  • If anyone has taken photographs that could be used as evidence to support your claim, you can ask them for a copy of the pictures.

What Are My Rights To Compensation If Injured In A Car Accident?

What are your rights in a car accident to claim compensation? If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you can claim compensation from the individual or organisation that was responsible. This however is if you can prove they are at fault for causing your injuries. You may make a claim against another driver, which will be paid for through their insurance. Or your claim may be against another party. For example, if a local authority did not maintain the roads to adequate standards and this caused your accident.

Some people ask us, “can I sue if I was a passenger in a car accident?”. If a passenger is injured in a car accident they can make a compensation claim against the party responsible. In some circumstances, this may be the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of making a compensation claim against someone they know, who may be a friend or a relative. Solicitors who handle your claim we will make sure that they do so in a professional manner and proceed amicably with the negotiations.

What Do I Do If A Car Accident Is Not My Fault?

You may be wondering what to do if the car accident is not your fault. It may be hard to determine who is at fault at a scene of a car accident. Usually, a serious car accident will be investigated by the police who will determine fault. Whether you believe you are at fault or not please do not discuss fault at the scene of the car accident. We strongly recommend that you don’t say “I’m sorry,” or “that was my fault” to anyone else involved even if you are very upset. This could be taken as an admission of guilt and it could affect your right to claim compensation.

Similarly, we advise you not to sign any paperwork given to you by the other driver, their insurer or lawyer, without first consulting with your legal representative. If you do, you may agree that you are liable for any damages caused and lose your right to compensation. For free legal advice on whether or not you are eligible to claim compensation, call Advice.co.uk’s claims helpline.

What Are My Rights In A Car Accident With An Untraced Or Uninsured Driver?

An uninsured driver is a driver that does not have motor vehicle insurance. Driving without insurance is an offence. Similarly, an untraced driver is a driver that is involved in a car accident, drives away from the scene and is not identified at a later date. These drivers are also referred to as “hit and run” drivers. Unfortunately, compensation cannot be claimed from these drivers via their insurance if they injured you in a car accident. This may seem very unfair to many drivers or passengers who are injured by an uninsured or untraced driver.

Fortunately, your rights after a car accident are protected if you are hit by an uninsured or untraced driver. The Motor Insurance Bureau was set up to settle compensation payouts for people who have been injured in these circumstances. If our panel of No Win No Fee personal injury solicitors takes on your claim we can negotiate with the Motor Insurance Bureau to ensure you receive the optimum payout for your compensation claim.

What Should I Do If Injured In A Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident please take the following steps:

  1. Pullover and stop your car as soon as it is safe to do so.
  2. Switch off your engine and turn your hazard lights on to warn other drivers.
  3. Check to see if you or anyone travelling with you is injured. If you or someone else is seriously injured dial 999 for an ambulance.
  4. If the road is blocked or there is a serious injury dial 999 for the police.
  5. Share your contact details and insurance information with anyone else involved.
  6. Collect evidence to support your compensation claim. This includes taking photographs of the hazard that caused your injuries, any vehicle damage or any visible injuries that you have.

Please seek the appropriate medical care for your injuries soon after your accident (if you are not taken to hospital in an ambulance). Receiving medical care is important for making a full recovery. It is also important to have your injuries diagnosed and treated by a doctor. This means that there will be evidence of your injuries on your medical records.

Car Accident No Win No Fee Claims

Your rights in a car accident can include the right to claim compensation for injuries and other damages. If you are worried about upfront solicitor fees opt for a No Win No Fee solicitor. How does a No Win No Fee compensation claim work? You the claimant will sign up for a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means that instead of paying hourly or upfront legal fees, you will pay a success fee. The only time you are charged a success fee is if you are awarded compensation.

What are the advantages of using a No Win No Fee solicitor?

  1. You will not have to pay your solicitor upfront, which may make it the more affordable option for you. Instead, your solicitor will deduct your success fee from your compensation payout at a capped rate, only on the condition that you win.
  2. There is less financial risk involved. In the unlikely event that your compensation claim is not successful, your solicitor will not charge you a success fee.

For free legal advice about making a compensation claim, contact Advice.co.uk today. If we can see that you have legitimate grounds to claim compensation for an injury caused by a car accident, we will connect you with a suitable solicitor to work on your case.

Talk To Our Expert Team

We hope you have found this guide helpful and it has answered the question, “What are my rights in a car accident?”. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, contact Advice.co.uk using the details below. Call our helpline on 0161 696 9685.

More Information

For more free legal advice on claiming compensation for an injury caused in a road traffic accident, please feel free to read any of the guides below.

Hit And Run Accident Claims Guide – How To Claim Compensation For A Personal Injury Caused By A Hit And Run Accident

Advice On Mud On The Road Car Accident – No Win No Fee Claims

Anxiety After A Car Crash – How Do I Make A Personal Injury Compensation Claim? – Anxiety Car Accident Claims Guide

Other Car Accident Claim Guides

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