Car & Road Traffic Accident Help & Advice

In a road accident that wasn't your fault, the other driver's insurance policy will typically cover the cost of any vehicle repairs you need. If you were injured, you may also be eligible to make a no win, no fee road traffic injury claim against the other driver's insurer to get compensation for the injuries you've suffered.

Not sure how to claim after a car accident? Call our Helpline Advisors on 0800 376 0150 for a confidential chat. They can walk you through the process, so you know what to expect before you go ahead with a car accident injury claim.

Accidents happen, and even if you think you may be responsible, it's important not to admit liability straight away. This is because the police or insurance companies involved will decide who is at fault after reviewing the evidence. If you are found to be responsible, this is what will typically happen:

• If you have fully comprehensive cover, your insurance company will usually pay for the repairs or replacement vehicle, including the other party's if you are found at fault.

• You will pay the excess on your policy, which is the amount you agreed to contribute when you took out the cover.

• You may lose some or all of your no-claims bonus, and your premium may increase at renewal.

• If the other party was injured and makes a claim, your insurance company will pay any compensation if the claim is successful.

In cases where you're also injured and were to blame for the accident, you won't be able to make a personal injury claim. If you were injured and only partly at fault, you may still be eligible to claim compensation depending on the circumstances.

If the other driver is uninsured or cannot be traced after leaving the scene, you can still claim compensation. In these cases, claims are usually handled by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), a scheme funded by all UK motor insurers to compensate victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers.

In hit and run accidents, you'll need to report the accident to the police as soon as possible, making sure you keep a note of the incident report number. The MIB will then assess the case and pay compensation if your claim is successful. If you're not sure what to do next, our guide on car accident advice explains the steps you should take after a hit and run accident.

You'll usually have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a road traffic accident compensation claim. However, there are some exceptions such as:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the accident, you have 3 years from your 18th birthday to make a claim if one wasn't made for you earlier.

• If a loved one died following the accident, you typically have 3 years from the date of their death.

• If the injured person lacks mental capacity (for example, due to a serious brain injury), there is no time limit while they lack capacity. If they regain capacity, the 3-year time limit starts from that point, even if they lose capacity again after.

You don't always have to make your claim through your insurance company, but you do still need to tell them about the accident as soon as possible, regardless of whose fault it is. Most insurers require you to report an accident within a set timeframe, often within 24 hours.

In many cases, if the accident wasn't your fault, you can make a claim directly against the other driver's insurer or make a personal injury claim separately. However, your own insurer should still be informed, even if you don't plan to claim through them.

In minor accidents, where no further investigation is needed, the police might not contact you again. However, in circumstances where injury or foul play has happened, the process will typically follow these steps:

• A police report is created: Officers will record the details of the incident, including the time, location, people involved and any initial statements.

• Investigation: If necessary, the police will carry out an investigation. This will include gathering witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage in the area to get a picture of what's happened.

• Issuing citations: If any traffic offences or breaches are found, the police will issue citations or penalties.

• Accessing the report: Once completed, the police report will be made available to those involved or their insurers. This document plays a key role as evidence in road accident claims.

• Follow-up communication: In more complex cases, the police may contact you again for further information, clarification, or to update you on the progress or outcome of the investigation.

Yes, you must inform your insurer if you've been in any kind of road traffic accident as a driver, even if it's minor and you don't want to make a claim. This is important because:

• It is a requirement, often stated in your insurance policy.

• It helps protect you if the other party makes a claim later.

• Failing to do so could invalidate your policy or lead to your insurer refusing cover.

If you weren't wearing a seatbelt, you may still be able to make a personal injury claim, as long as the car accident was someone else's fault.

However, you'll likely receive a lower compensation payout if your claim is successful because of contributory negligence. This means that whilst you weren't responsible for being injured, not wearing your seatbelt made you partially to blame for your injuries or their severity.

Yes, you can make a claim on behalf of someone else in certain circumstances, such as when the injured person is under 18, an adult who is unable to make the claim themselves due to mental incapacity, or in cases of fatal accidents, where a loved one has died.

In these cases, a litigation friend or an executor of the estate can act on their behalf. This is usually a parent, family member, guardian or another appointed representative. The litigation friend works with the solicitor or legal team to make decisions in the best interests of the injured person throughout the process.