Speak to us now on 0800 376 0150 or request a call back
Can you make an accident claim?
We understand that accidents on the road, in public or at work can be traumatic experiences. Not only can they cause serious and life-changing injuries, but they can impact your ability to return to work, prove harmful to your finances and damage your mental health and wellbeing.
Here at National Accident Helpline, we're here to try and help you through the difficult periods that follow such an incident. We understand you've already been through enough - and that's why making an accident claim with us is easy.
All you have to do is call our claims helpline free on . We're here to listen and offer advice. We'll usually be able to let you know on the same call whether you can claim for an accident too.
But don't worry - there's no rush or pressure when you contact us. You can decide if you'd like to go ahead with your accident claim in your own time and in your own way.
If you don't feel ready to speak to us about your accident, try our online claim checker. It's a quick and easy way of finding out if you can claim for an accident based on your answers to some simple questions.
We generally advise that you may be able to make a claim if:
- Your accident happened in the last three years
- It was someone else's fault
- You were injured as a result
Types of accident claims - am I eligible?
Types of accident claims - am I eligible?
Sometimes it can be reassuring to know other people have successfully claimed for your type of accident. You can also claim on behalf of someone else if, for example, they are under the age of 18 or lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.
Below are some examples of the types of accident claims we have experience working with. Don't worry if your accident type is missing from our list - it's likely we can still help you.
Accidents on the road
You might think of road traffic accidents as incidents involving two or more drivers.
While they form a portion of accidents on the road, we're also able to help you claim for an accident and get compensation if you're a cyclist, pedestrian or even a passenger on public transport.
Road accidents can be very shocking. We're here to help you make it right.
Slips, trips and falls
It's easy to think a slip, trip or fall in a public place was your own fault. But the reality is that owners of businesses and public spaces have a responsibility to make sure you're safe.
Slips, trips and falls can be caused by wet floors, uneven paving, cracked flooring, unexpected obstacles and more.
It's not always clear who's fault your injury is. But we're here to help you and - as accident claim specialists - we can help you understand who's responsible for your fall.
Work accidents
Accidents at work can be very stressful and can cause painful injuries. Regardless of your injury, you should be able to trust your employer to make sure you're safe in your working environment.
Whether you work in an office, factory or construction site, your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe. If they've failed in their duty of care, then you've been put at risk.
If you've been injured in an accident at work and it feels wrong, we can help you make it right. Get in touch with us for free, impartial advice via our claims helpline: .
Why make an accident claim?
Why make an accident claim?
You may need to take time off work after your injury and this can lead to money worries - especially if you've suffered a serious injury.
You shouldn't feel rushed into getting back to work before you're ready. That's why your solicitor will aim to cover the costs of time off work when putting together your accident claim.
Your compensation could also pay for rehabilitation, transport and travel costs - as well as any alterations you've had to make to your home.
Nearly all accident claims with us are made on a no win no fee basis too. It means there's no financial risk to you when making a claim. You've been through enough, so we offer peace of mind knowing that - if your claim isn't successful - you won't have to pay your solicitor's fees.
How do I claim for an accident?
How do I claim for an accident?
Your first step is to ring our accident claim helpline free of charge on .
Our advisors can help you understand if you can claim and can take you through the next steps if you decide you'd like to continue.
Then, with your permission, we can put you forward to the right accident claim specialist to suit your case. Your solicitor will work to prove that somebody else was at fault for your accident. It often involves showing the other party (the one responsible) failed in their 'duty of care' to you.
This could be because somebody:
- Failed to inspect the equipment you use as part of your job
- Failed to keep pathways or aisles clear of obstacles or tripping hazards
- Acted negligently, ignoring laws and regulations put in place to keep you safe
- Didn't pay attention while driving
Accident claims FAQs
How long after an accident can I claim?
In most circumstances for adults who were 18 years old or over at the time, it's essential that you (or your legal representation) issue proceedings within three years of the accident or incident.
Where the injured person was under 18 years old when it occurred, that three-year limitation period expires on their 21st birthday.
If you don't issue your claim within these time limits, you won't usually be able to proceed. This is called being ‘time-barred'. There are some exceptional situations where the time limits can be extended. Check with one of our advisors or a solicitor.
Will my accident compensation claim go to court?
The figures show it's pretty unlikely. The vast majority of personal injury compensation claims are settled without a Hearing in front of a Judge.
In most cases, your legal representatives negotiate with the other side (usually their insurance company) to reach a satisfactory compensation award and that's that.
Where the other side accepts liability from the start, the process is quick - perhaps a couple of months. If the other side denies or disputes liability (for instance where the blame is shared), a negotiated settlement is still possible.
On rare occasions where negotiations fail without agreement, then a Court Hearing is needed.
What's the best way to claim for an accident?
By taking expert accident advice at the earliest available moment. We can give you all the initial free advice you need to help you make the right decision. If you want to go ahead with the claim, we'll then put you in touch with an experienced and trusted firm in our nationwide network of approved legal practices.
Provided they can take on your claim under No Win No Fee terms - as is the case in all but the most exceptional circumstances - there are no up-front costs. If your claim is successful, you'll pay a set fee that's deducted from your compensation award.
If you lose your claim, you pay nothing, giving you risk-free access to personal injury legal services that won't leave you out of pocket.
What makes an accident claim successful?
What makes an accident claim successful?
Each individual case is different, which means there's no hard or fast rule as to what makes an accident claim successful. The best way to find out is to get in touch with our free claims helpline on .
Beryl Shave, 70, tripped over an unmarked, broken post in a supermarket car park
I grazed my hand, hit my leg below the knee and bashed my shoulder. My daughter suggested I make a no win no fee claim. It was all very easy
What is the average pay-out for accident claims?
What is the average pay-out for accident claims?
We look at each case on an individual basis. This is because we want to make sure you can get the full amount of compensation you're entitled to.
Every case is different, so we can't tell you how much you can claim before starting. But you can try our compensation calculator to get an idea of how much you might receive.
Your solicitor will consider the pain and suffering your injury has caused, as well as the effect it has had on your life and family as a whole.
When putting together your accident claim, they'll look to get you compensation to cover:
- The pain you experienced because of your injury
- The impact your injury has had on your life
- Your lost earnings from taking time off work
- Medical costs including treatment and medication
- Any care you received, even if given for free by a family member
Is there a time limit on making an accident claim?
Is there a time limit on making an accident claim?
In most cases, you will have three years from the date of the incident to claim for an accident. If you think you're nearing this deadline, please get in touch with us via our claims helpline as soon as possible so we can still help you.
But if your accident caused a brain injury, you were in a coma or lacked the mental capacity for any other reason, you may have longer than the usual three years to make your accident claim.
Under 18 years of age at the time of the incident? You have until your 21st birthday to claim for an accident, as long as a parent or guardian did not claim for you before you turned 18.
Can accident claims be made using no win no fee?
Can accident claims be made using no win no fee?
Most of our accident claims are done on a no win no fee basis, which means there are no hidden or unexpected costs. And there isn't anything to pay in the unlikely event of your accident claim being unsuccessful either.
Should you win, the payment made towards your accident claim specialist is taken as a share of the compensation you receive. This figure is agreed upon by you and your lawyer at the start of your claims process.
If you think you are entitled to claim for an accident that wasn't your fault, please feel free to get in touch with us via our claims helpline on . We can put you in touch with the very best accident claims specialists if we think you have a case - and they will do everything they can to help you through what we know can be a traumatic time.