A road traffic accident claim is a personal injury claim against the insurer of the driver who caused a collision on the road, made by a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who was injured; it must normally start within three years, it is usually run by a solicitor on a no win no fee basis, and National Accident Support Line assesses the claim, refers the injury to a specialist solicitor and, where a vehicle was involved and the accident wasn't your fault, arranges the replacement vehicle and repair in the same call.
Most people injured in a road accident that wasn't their fault deal with two problems at once: the injury, and a car or bike that is off the road. The insurers handle those separately and slowly. National Accident Support Line handles them together, which is the part most claims pages leave out.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
Who can make a road traffic accident claim
Anyone injured on a UK road in the last three years because another road user was at least partly at fault: the driver of a car or van hit by another vehicle; a passenger in either vehicle, including a passenger in the at-fault car; a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian struck by a vehicle; and the family of someone killed in a collision. Where the other driver left the scene or was uninsured, the claim goes through the Motor Insurers' Bureau. Being partly at fault reduces a claim; it does not end it.
What a road traffic accident claim covers
Two parts. General damages for the injury itself: the pain, the recovery and the lasting effect on your life, from a soft-tissue neck injury that settles in months to a serious injury that changes everything. Special damages for the money it has cost you: lost earnings, treatment and rehabilitation, travel to appointments, care from family, damaged property, and future losses where the injury is lasting. For serious injuries, interim payments can be sought during the claim to fund treatment and living costs before it settles.
The injuries that follow road accidents
| Injury | Typical cause | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash and soft-tissue neck injuries | Rear-end collisions at any speed | For drivers and passengers, valued under the Official Injury Claim tariff; it is still a claim |
| Fractures | Side impacts, motorcycle and cycle collisions | Often with a long recovery and time off work |
| Head and brain injuries | Any high-speed impact, unhelmeted riders and cyclists | See A&E the same day, even if you feel fine |
| Spinal injuries | Rollovers, high-speed and rear impacts | See spinal injury claims |
| Psychological injury | Any serious collision | PTSD and anxiety after a crash are claimable in their own right |
| Fatal injuries | Any of the above | Dependants can claim for the loss of financial support |
The situations people describe to us
"They admitted it at the scene and now they're denying it"
Fault is decided on evidence, not on what was said on the day. Photographs, dashcam footage, witness details and the damage to both vehicles decide it. Send everything, and our recovery team argues it with the other insurer.
"I was a passenger, can I claim against my friend's insurance?"
Yes. A passenger claims against whichever driver was at fault, including the driver of the car they were in. The claim is against the insurer, not the friend.
"My car's off the road and I'm hurt, and I don't know where to start"
Start with one call. The non-fault accident and replacement vehicle side is handled by NASL directly: a like-for-like replacement and the repair, with the cost recovered from the at-fault insurer. The injury goes to a specialist solicitor. Both start the same day.
"The driver didn't stop"
Report it to the police within 24 hours, get the injury recorded, and get in touch. Hit-and-run claims go through the Motor Insurers' Bureau, and a specialist solicitor handles that route.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
What to do after a road traffic accident
Stop, make the scene safe and call 999 if anyone is hurt. Exchange details and take the other vehicle's registration. Photograph the vehicles, the damage, the road and any marks on it. Save dashcam footage. Take the names of witnesses. Get the injury seen by a GP or A&E the same day, even if it feels minor, because the medical record from the day is the strongest evidence in the claim. Report the accident to your own insurer, even if you are not claiming through them. Don't accept an early offer from the other insurer without advice.
How a road traffic accident claim works with National Accident Support Line
Tell us what happened, by the form, WhatsApp or a call to 0333 212 2730, and web enquiries are called back within 2 minutes during opening hours. We ask what happened, who was at fault, what evidence exists and whether a vehicle is off the road. If there is a claim, we refer the injury to a specialist road traffic solicitor on a no win no fee basis and, where the accident wasn't your fault, handle the replacement vehicle and repair directly. If there isn't, we tell you straight. NASL is an FCA-regulated claims management company, not a law firm. Riders should start with motorbike accident claims, and the personal injury claims page explains what every injury claim has in common.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a road traffic accident that was partly my fault?
Yes. The claim is reduced by your share of the fault rather than refused.
How long do I have to claim after a road accident?
Three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you knew an injury was linked to it. For a child, three years from their 18th birthday.
Can I claim if the other driver was uninsured or drove off?
Yes, through the Motor Insurers' Bureau, which compensates victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.
Can passengers claim?
Yes, against whichever driver was at fault, including the driver of the vehicle they were in.
Will I have to go to court?
Most road traffic claims settle by negotiation. A claim is issued at court only where the insurer will not accept responsibility or settle fairly.
What is a whiplash tariff?
Since 2021, whiplash injuries to drivers and passengers in England and Wales are valued under a fixed tariff through the Official Injury Claim service. It is still a claim, and other injuries and losses sit outside the tariff.
Can I get a replacement car while my claim is running?
Yes, if the accident wasn't your fault. A like-for-like replacement is arranged through credit hire, with the cost recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer.
We'll call you back within 2 minutes with a straight answer on where you stand.
National Accident Support Line Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of regulated claims management activities, registration number 829991.
If you have been hurt in a road accident in the UK, you may be able to make a road traffic accident claim. It helps you get fair compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
What Is a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
A road traffic accident happens when cars, bikes, or other vehicles crash on the road.
If another person’s mistake caused the accident, you can make an accident claim.
Anyone can claim — drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Common causes include speeding, using a phone while driving, or poor road conditions.
Each case depends on who was at fault and how serious the injuries are.
Can I Claim After a Road Traffic Accident?
You can claim if:
- Someone else caused the accident.
- You suffered a physical or mental injury.
- The accident happened within the last three years.
If the other driver has no insurance or cannot be found, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
You may also claim if you were partly responsible — your compensation might just be reduced.
If you were involved in an accident while working as a PCO taxi driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, loss of earnings, and other related expenses.
Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims
There are many traffic accident claim types in the UK:
- Car accident claims – for drivers and passengers.
- Motorcycle accident claims – often involve severe injuries.
- Cyclist and pedestrian claims – common in city areas.
- Soft-tissue injury or whiplash claims – for neck and shoulder pain.
Each type needs evidence such as photos, witness details, and medical reports.
What You Can Claim For
You can claim for both general and special damages:
- General damages: pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Special damages: medical bills, travel costs, and loss of earnings.
If your injury needs long-term care or rehabilitation, those costs can be included too.
How to Start Your Claim
Follow these steps to start your road traffic accident claim:
- Make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.
- Take photos of the vehicles and scene.
- Get driver and witness details.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
- See a doctor and keep all medical records.
- Speak to a solicitor to begin your claim.
Act quickly — evidence fades and time limits apply.
No Win, No Fee Road Traffic Accident Claims
Most UK solicitors offer no win, no fee service.
That means you only pay if your case wins.
It helps people claim without worrying about legal fees.
This agreement is called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
Your solicitor takes a small percentage of your compensation as a success fee.
Compensation Amounts and Examples
The value of your traffic accident compensation depends on:
- How serious the injury is.
- How long recovery takes.
- How it affects your daily life.
Example guide amounts (based on UK guidelines):
- Minor whiplash (up to 3 months): ~ £275
- Moderate injury (6–12 months): £1,000 – £3,000
- Serious long-term injury: £10,000 – £50,000 or more
How Long Do Road Traffic Accident Claims Take?
Simple accident claims may finish in a few months.
More complex ones with serious injuries can take longer — sometimes over a year.
Delays often happen when medical treatment or liability is still being reviewed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the scene before calling the police.
- Forgetting to collect witness or driver details.
- Saying “it was my fault” — even by mistake.
- Missing the 3-year claim deadline.
Always report the accident and get legal advice early.
Legal and Insurance Aspects in the UK
Every driver in the UK must have third-party insurance.
This covers injuries or damage caused to others.
Your solicitor and insurer will handle most of the process once your claim begins.
If no insurer is available, MIB will step in to help you get fair payment.
Road Traffic Accident Claim FAQs
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. You can still claim, but your compensation may be reduced.
How much can I get?
It depends on injury type, recovery time, and impact on your life.
What if my injury appears later?
You can still claim if you start within three years of discovering the injury.