A recent report by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales highlights a worrying problem: victims of serious road traffic collisions are often left to navigate the legal, insurance and compensation process without enough guidance. For many, this comes at a time when they are already dealing with pain, trauma, bereavement, financial pressure and uncertainty about the future.
Victims have a right to information about compensation
Why early legal advice is important
After a serious collision, compensation can help with far more than the injury itself. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may include loss of earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation, care and assistance, travel expenses, damaged belongings and the long-term impact on everyday life.
Getting advice early can also help protect the claim. A solicitor can explain what evidence may be needed, deal with the insurer on your behalf, arrange medical evidence and advise whether any offer made is fair.
Common problems victims face
Victims and families often face several practical difficulties after a road traffic collision, including:
- not knowing whether they are entitled to claim compensation;
- being contacted by insurers before they have received independent advice;
- being tempted to accept an early settlement to reduce stress or financial pressure;
- having to gather documents and evidence while still recovering;
- dealing with delays in criminal investigations or court proceedings;
- not knowing the difference between a criminal case and a civil compensation claim.
It is important to remember that a civil compensation claim is separate from any police investigation or criminal prosecution. You may still be able to bring a claim even if the criminal process is ongoing.
Do not leave it too late
In most personal injury claims, there is a three-year time limit from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. There can be different rules for children or people who lack capacity, so it is always best to seek advice as soon as possible.
Waiting too long can make a claim harder to prove. Evidence may be lost, witnesses may become difficult to trace and medical evidence may be harder to obtain.
What should you do after a serious road traffic collision?
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a road traffic collision, the following steps may help:
- seek medical attention and keep records of treatment;
- report the collision to the police where appropriate;
- keep photographs, dashcam footage, repair documents and receipts;
- make a note of any witnesses or vehicle details;
- avoid accepting an insurer’s offer before taking legal advice;
- speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor about your options.
How we can help
At Garratts Solicitors, we understand that dealing with a serious road traffic collision can be overwhelming. Our personal injury team can explain your rights in plain English, deal with insurers, obtain medical evidence and guide you through the claims process from start to finish.
We can also advise on rehabilitation, loss of earnings, care needs and the wider impact the accident has had on you and your family.
Speak to our personal injury team
If you have been injured in a road traffic collision, or if a family member has been seriously injured or killed, you should not have to work out your rights alone. Contact Garratts Solicitors for clear, practical advice about whether you may be able to bring a compensation claim.
