By Stephen Kane. Last Updated 28th April 2023. How long do you have to report a car accident? If you are involved in a car accident, you are legally required to report the car accident to the police within 24 hours if you do not give your details to those who have a valid reason to ask for it. How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company? Most vehicle insurance companies require policyholders to report car accidents to them within 24 hours. But it is all different depending on your policy. So, in this guide, we will look at how to report car accidents to the police, insurance companies and other parties. We will also look into claiming compensation for a road traffic accident.
Have You Recently Been In A Car Accident?
If you have recently been involved in a car accident that was not your fault you may be eligible to claim compensation. If you have suffered injuries, if you can prove someone else is liable you could claim compensation. Trust Advice.co.uk today to provide you with the information you need. Our advisors can offer you free legal advice. They could also answer any questions you may have about claiming compensation for a car accident. Therefore, if we can see that you owed compensation from the other driver or another party that was responsible for your accident which caused your injury we could connect you to our panel of solicitors.
How long do you have to report a car accident in the UK guide
To begin your claim for an injury caused by a car accident call us on 0161 696 9685 for your free car accident claims consultation. Or contact us by filling out our online accident claims form. Alternatively, keep on reading this guide to learn more about reporting car accident time limits in the UK.
Select A Section
- A Guide On How Long You Have To Report A Car Accident In The UK?
- Road Traffic Accident Compensation
- Calculating Special Damages Awards
- What Is A Reportable Accident?
- Who Do You Report Car Accidents To?
- Reporting An Accident – What To Do
- Should You Always Report A Car Accident?
- Do You Have To Report A Minor Car Accident To Police In The UK?
- Time Limits To Report A Car Accident
- How Long Do You Have To Report A Hit And Run Incident?
- How Do I Claim Compensation For A Car Accident?
- Solicitors For Car Accidents – No Win No Fee Accident Claims
- Talk To Our Team
- More Information
A Guide On How Long You Have To Report A Car Accident In The UK?
If you are involved in a car accident, according to the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 170 you must stop at the scene of an accident if there has been damage to property, an injury caused or an animal was involved. In this guide, we will answer frequently asked questions such as how long do you have to report a car accident? And, what happens if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours? We will also explain how to report a car accident and which parties you should report your car accident to. Finally, we will explain how to make a car accident claim for compensation.
So, if you have recently been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, in which you were injured, trust Advice.co.uk to help you. Even if both you and the other driver are partially responsible for the accident you may still be able to claim compensation for your injuries. To begin your compensation claim and to receive free legal advice, call us today or use our online claims form to contact us.
Road Traffic Accident Compensation
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, a compensation claim could be made. The pain and suffering that your injury has caused you could be compensated with general damages.
If you are claiming for a low-valued car accident injury, the way you make your claim has changed due to the introduction of the Whiplash Reform Programme. If you were the driver or passenger of a vehicle and over the age of 18 with injuries valued at £5,000 or less, you will now make your claim a different way. Your injuries will be valued in line with the tariff of injuries that is set out in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
However, if your injuries are valued at higher than £5,000, you would make a regular personal injury claim. You could refer to the table we have created below to help you gain a clearer idea of how much you could receive in general damages for road traffic accidents claim. The figures listed have been taken from the most recent edition of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), published in April 2022. Many legal professionals will use the JCG to help them value claims, as it lists compensation brackets for various injuries.
However, you should only use this table as a guide. How much compensation you receive could differ from the amounts listed.
| Injury Type | Notes | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Psychiatric Damage (a) | Severe problems dealing with day to day life, with a poor prognosis. | £54,830 to £115,730 |
| Chest Injuries (b) | Traumatic injury to chest, lungs and heart leading to permanent damage. | £65,740 to £100,670 |
| Total Loss Of One Eye | Consideration given to age and cosmetic and psychiatric effect. | £54,830 to £65,710 |
| Less Severe Brain Damage (d) | While there may not be a restoration of all normal functions, there is still a good recovery and the injured person will have a normal social life and a return to work. | £15,320 to £43,060 |
| Moderate Back Injuries (b) (i) | Crush and compression injuries of the lumbar verterbrae causing substantial risk of osteoarthritis. | £27,760 to £38,780 |
| Moderate Neck Injuries (b) (i) | Fractures and dislocations causing immediate symptoms, and possibly requiring spinal fusion. | £24,990 to £38,490 |
| Moderate PTSD (c) | The person will have made a large recovery, with little remaining effects. | £8,180 to £23,150 |
| Arm Injuries (d) | Simple fractures of the forearm. | £6,610 to £19,200 |
| Moderate Shoulder Injuries (c) | Frozen shoulder with limited movement lasting approximately two years. | £7,890 to £12,770 |
| Digestive System Injuries (a) (iii) | Serious seat belt pressure cases or penetrating stab wounds. | £6,610 to £12,590 |
Contact one of our advisors today to discuss your potential claim. If they believe that you may be eligible for compensation, they could connect you with a solicitor from our panel who could help you with your case.
Calculating Special Damages Awards
If you have been injured because of a car accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation. If your compensation claim is successful your compensation payout will include the following heads of claim: general damages and special damages. In addition, you will be able to claim compensation for any damages to your vehicle. Let’s look at what can be claimed for after a car accident in more detail.
General Damages
General damages are the primary part of a compensation payout. If a claimant is injured because of an accident that was not their fault, they can claim compensation for the pain, the suffering and the loss of amenity that their injuries have caused from the party responsible. This compensation payout is known as general damages.
Special Damages
In addition to claiming compensation for general damages, successful claimants can also claim special damages. This is a compensation payout that reimburses the injured person for any financial losses that they have endured because of their injuries. In the case of road traffic accident claimants can also claim compensation for damages to their vehicle.
A successful personal injury payout could include the following special damages:
- Medical expenses
- Travel expenses (including the costs of a replacement car whilst yours was being repaired)
- Reimbursement for loss of income
- Care expenses
- Funds to pay for any repairs needed to your vehicle.
In the very difficult circumstances that you become disabled as a result of your car accident you can claim compensation to pay for any mobility equipment, adaptations to your home or car that you may need. If you are interested to know what expenses you could claim, you can call Advice.co.uk for free legal advice.
What Is A Reportable Accident?
A reportable accident is a road traffic accident that must be reported to the police. If at the time of the vehicle accident you do not give your details to anyone who had a valid reason to request them, such as your name and contact information you must report to a police station within 24 hours.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident with others, the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires you to stop as soon as it is safe to do so. You are obliged to cooperate with others involved in the accident and provide your contact details and insurance information where necessary.
Who Do You Report Car Accidents To?
If you do not give your contact details at the scene of an accident where damage has been caused i.e. damage to another vehicle or an injury to someone other than yourself, then you must report the accident to the police What happens if you report an accident after 24 hours? As we have mentioned you could be prosecuted if you wait longer than 24 hours to report a road traffic accident to the police.
Generally, most insurance providers ask that you tell them if you are involved in an accident. check your policy. It should tell you when and how to report a road traffic accident. How long do you have to declare accidents for car insurance? Most car insurance providers require you to inform them of an accident within 24 hours or 48 hours of it taking place.
Reporting An Accident – What To Do
There are instances where you will have to report an accident to the police. This includes where an accident has caused damage or injury and you have not given your details at the time. This must be done within 24 hours of the accident.
Additionally, you may need to notify others of the accident. For example in the event of a serious injury, or if someone’s life is in danger – you should use the emergency service number of 999 to call for emergency services such as the police and an ambulance.
If you would like to learn more about reporting an accident or want to discuss what to do after a minor car accident, then please reach out to one of our advisers. They can give you more details on the car accident claims process.
Should You Always Report A Car Accident?
Our clients often ask us, “Should you always report a car accident?”. If you are involved in a road traffic accident that meets the criteria to be a reportable accident, you must report the accident to the police. So, if you do not exchange details when you should. How long do you have to report a car accident? If the police are not at the scene of the accident you must report the accident within 24 hours.
How long after a car accident can i claim?
What happens if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours? You can face points being deducted from your license, disqualification from driving, a fine. Because of CCTV and mobile phone footage it is easier than ever to identify vehicles that speed away from the scene of an accident or fail to report an accident to the police. You should also report your car accident to your insurer within the time limit allotted in your policy.
Do You Have To Report A Minor Car Accident To Police In The UK?
Reporting a car accident to the police depends on the severity of the accident, and if anyone was hurt or any property was damaged. For most accidents, you do not need to report your car accident to the police, as long as insurance details were provided on the scene.
However, you must report your accident to your insurance company if someone was hurt, or if there was damage to personal property, even if you do not intend to make a claim. You can check your policy to find out how much time you have to do so.
However, there are still some occasions in which you must report your accident to the police, some of which include:
- Hit and runs: If you are involved in a hit and run, you must report this to the police.
- No insurance: You must report your accident to the police if the other party does not have insurance, or if they refuse to provide their insurance details.
- If there is a danger to others: If the accident has caused a danger to others, such as a blockage in the road, you must alert the police to avoid further collisions.
- Driving under the influence: You can report your accident to the police if you believe that the other party was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this is an offence.
If you’re wondering if failing to report a car accident to the police could affect your claim, contact our advisors today. They can provide free legal advice, and may be able to put you in contact with an expert solicitor from our panel.
Time Limits To Report A Car Accident
We will now look at how long you have to report a car accident to different parties.
| Type Of Time Limit | Relevant Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Time limit for reporting car accident to police when not exchanged details at the scene. | 24 hours |
| Time limit to report to insurance company | Usually 24 hours or 48 hours - check your policy |
| Time limit for a personal injury | Three years (may vary) |
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault you may wish to claim compensation from the other driver, or another party if they are responsible. There is a personal injury claims time limit of three years. This means that you must begin your claim within three years of you becoming injured. Alternatively, you must begin within three years of finding out the road traffic accident caused your injury. Also for children, a litigation friend can claim on their behalf. If they get to 18 and no claim is made then they have three years to make their own claim. The time limit is also different for those who suffer from reduced mental capacity.
If you wish to claim we recommend you contact Advice.co.uk as soon as possible for your free telephone assessment, to avoid falling outside of the time limit. Our advisors can offer you free advice about your eligibility to claim compensation.
What Evidence Can Support A Car Accident Claim?
To claim personal injury compensation after you report a car accident, your potential case will need evidence that confirms who was liable for the incident and the injuries you suffered. You’ll also need to prove that negligence by another party that owed you a duty of care contributed to the car accident that hurt you.
What evidence may be available for you to gather will depend on certain circumstances. Potential options for evidence may include the following:
- A medical report confirming your injuries and the treatment for them.
- Any video footage that shows the car accident. Footage from dashcams or CCTV cameras may be available.
- Photos of the accident scene.
- A copy of a car accident report from the police.
- If any witnesses saw the car accident, then you could look at acquiring their contact details. They may be able to provide a witness statement that supports your report of how the car accident occurred.
How Long Do You Have To Report A Hit And Run Incident?
In 2018 26,000 people were injured due to road traffic accidents with uninsured or untraced drivers. If you are involved in a car accident it is an offence to drive away from the scene if damage has been caused to others or property. You must stop in the first place that it is safe to do and cooperate with those involved.
If you have been hit by an uninsured or untraced driver you can still claim compensation for your injuries through the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB). The Motor Insurance Bureau was set up to settle compensation claims for drivers who have been injured because of an uninsured or untraced driver.
How Quickly Should You Notify The MIB And Other Parties?
If you have been injured because of an untraced driver or hit and run driver who was uninsured report the accident to the police. This is a requirement to make a claim through the Motor Insurance Bureau. In order to claim compensation through the MIB for a hit and run accident, you may need to provide proof you were not at fault.
If you have been injured because of an uninsured, untraced or hit and run driver, Advice.co.uk can help you. Our panel of solicitors can negotiate with the Motor Insurance Bureau to settle your claim and ensure you are awarded the optimum amount of compensation you could be entitled to.
Solicitors For Car Accidents – No Win No Fee Accident Claims
You may be concerned about the costs of hiring solicitors for car accidents claims. However, motor accident solicitors could potentially offer you a Conditional Fee Agreement, which is a type of No Win No Fee. Under this arrangement, you won’t have to pay any fees upfront to your solicitor and any ongoing legal costs are covered.
If you receive compensation in a successful claim, a success fee will be deducted from your payout. This is legally capped to ensure you keep the majority of your compensation.
If your claim fails and you receive no compensation, you don’t need to worry about paying your solicitor.
If you want to know more about making car accident injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis, you can get in touch with us at any time. The solicitors on our panel can all offer their services on a No Win No Fee basis.
Talk To Our Team
If you have been injured because of a car accident that was caused by the other driver, or another party such as your local council you may be owed compensation. Advice.co.uk can help you. Contact us today using the details below for your free claims assessment.
Contact us today using any of these methods:
- Call our helpline on 0161 696 9685.
- Complete our online accident claims form.
- Use the Live Support widget to ask us a question.
More Information
We hope that you have found this guide to making an injury claim after a car accident helpful. How long do you have to report a car accident? For more advice, you may want to read these guides to making a compensation claim for an accident.
- Hit And Run Accident Claims Guide
- Car Accident Claims
- Claim Compensation As A Passenger In A Car Accident
- HGV Accident Compensation
- Snow And Ice Car Accidents
- Taxi And Minicab Accident Claim
- Learner Driver Car Accident
- What To Do After A Car Accident?
- Time Limit For A Car Accident Claim
- Proving A Car Accident Wasn’t Your Fault
- Time Limit On Car Accident Claims
- How To Report A Car Accident
- Car Insurance Excess Fees After An Accident
- Rights In A Car Accident
- What Should I Do If I’m Injured In A Car Accident?
- Who Pays The Excess Fees In A Rear End Car Accident?
- How Do You Prove Injuries Sustained In A Car Accident?
- Symptoms To Watch Out For After A Car Accident
- Can You Sue For A Car Accident With No Injuries?
- What Happens If You Get Injured In A Car Accident?
- Car Accident Injury Payouts
- Who Is Liable In A Multi Car Pile Up?
- Emergency Braking Bus Accident
- Can I Claim If A Car Accident Aggravated A Pre-existing Condition?
- Claim For Anxiety After A Car Accident
- Mud On The Road Car Accident
- How To Claim For An Accident During A Driving Lesson
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