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Road Traffic Accident Claims In London
If you’re in London and need the help of specialist personal injury solicitors, you’re in the right place
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Road traffic accidents remain one of the most common causes of personal injury in the UK. Whether you were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, the law gives you the right to seek compensation if someone else was at fault.
With London’s congested streets, busy junctions and growing use of e-scooters and bikes, collisions are an everyday risk, and the consequences can be life-changing.
At Personal Injury Solicitors London, we specialise in helping road accident victims across the capital and beyond. Our expert team provides clear, compassionate legal support to individuals who’ve been injured on the road, whether in a minor crash or a serious collision.
If you’ve suffered pain, financial loss, or long-term health effects after an accident that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to guide you through the process of claiming compensation.
Click below to check if you can claim compensation today, or continue scrolling to learn all about road traffic accident claims.
What Is a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
A road traffic accident (RTA) claim is a legal process where an injured party seeks compensation for harm caused by the negligent driving of another road user. In the UK, this includes any collision involving cars, vans, lorries, motorbikes, bicycles, e-scooters, taxis, buses or pedestrians.
If someone else was to blame – even partly – you may have the right to claim for your injuries and associated financial losses. Road traffic accident claims are among the most common types of personal injury claims made each year.
Who Is Eligible to Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim?
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t entirely your fault, you may be legally entitled to compensation.
In England and Wales, personal injury law allows victims to claim where another party acted negligently or failed to take reasonable care on the road.
At Personal Injury Solicitors London, we support a wide range of claimants, including:
Drivers
If you were driving within the law and another driver caused a collision—whether through speeding, careless manoeuvring, or inattention—you are likely eligible to claim. This applies whether your car was hit from behind, sideswiped, or involved in a multi-vehicle incident.
Passengers
Passengers are almost never at fault. If you were injured while travelling in a car, van, bus or taxi, you can usually claim against the driver responsible—whether they were operating your vehicle or another involved. You are not financially penalising the driver directly; compensation comes from their insurer.
Cyclists and E-Scooter Riders
Cyclists and e-scooter users are especially vulnerable on London’s roads. If a vehicle struck you, opened a door into your path, or failed to give you enough space, you may be entitled to compensation—even if you were not using a designated bike lane at the time.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the same legal protections as other road users. You may be able to claim if you were hit while crossing the road, walking on the pavement, or navigating near traffic—regardless of whether you were at a marked crossing point.
Children and Vulnerable People
Children under 18 cannot bring a claim themselves, but a parent or guardian can act as a litigation friend. The three-year time limit to claim begins on the child’s 18th birthday, giving them until age 21 to take legal action.
Those lacking mental capacity are not subject to the same time limits. A claim can be brought on their behalf at any time, provided there is medical evidence to support their condition.
Can You Claim if You Were Partly to Blame?
Yes. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to claim under the principle of contributory negligence. This means that both parties share liability and the compensation is adjusted accordingly.
For example:
A driver speeds through a junction, but you were not wearing a seatbelt
A cyclist is hit while overtaking, but was not using lights at night
In both cases, the injured party may still receive compensation—just at a reduced rate based on their level of responsibility.
Reviews Of Our Service
Meet Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors
Patrick Mallon
Patrick is the head of our personal injury claims department. He has been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years and strives to get the very best result for his clients.
Emma Pomfret
Emma is a Chartered Legal Executive with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about helping people claim compensation after accidents on the road
Who Can Claim For A Road Traffic Accident?
Anyone who was injured due to the fault of another road user may be eligible to make a road traffic accident claim. This can include:
Drivers of cars, vans, or motorbikes
Passengers, even if travelling with a driver who was at fault
Pedestrians, including children
Cyclists and e-scooter users, who are particularly vulnerable on London’s busy streets
Children and Claims on Their Behalf
If a child under 18 is injured in a road traffic accident, a parent or guardian can make a claim on their behalf. They would be appointed as their litigation friend. Alternatively, the child has until their 21st birthday to make a claim themselves.
What Types Of Road Traffic Accident Claims Can We Help With?
Road traffic accidents can affect drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, passengers and users of public transport. The circumstances of each collision are different, so we have grouped some of the claims our solicitors can help with by the type of road user or vehicle involved.
Car And Driver Accident Claims
These claims cover common car accident situations, questions about liability and injuries that can result from a collision.
Airbag Injury Compensation Claims
How it can happen: Airbags deploy rapidly during collisions and can themselves cause facial, chest, arm or other injuries in some circumstances.
Anxiety Claims After A Car Accident
How it can happen: A serious or frightening collision can sometimes lead to anxiety, fear of travelling or other psychological effects alongside physical injuries.
Claims Against An Uninsured Driver
When this may apply: Different routes may be available where the driver responsible for a collision does not have valid motor insurance.
Hit And Run Accident Claims
How it can happen: A driver may leave the scene following a collision without providing their identity or insurance details.
Merging Lanes Accident Claims
How it can happen: Collisions can occur when vehicles merge, change lanes or enter another traffic stream without sufficient space or observation.
Motor Insurers' Bureau Claims
When this may apply: The Motor Insurers' Bureau may provide a route to compensation in certain accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers.
Motorway Accident Claims
How it can happen: Motorway collisions may involve high speeds, lane changes, congestion, sudden braking or multiple vehicles.
Nerve Damage Car Accident Claims
How it can happen: Trauma sustained during a collision can sometimes damage or compress nerves, potentially causing pain, weakness, numbness or altered sensation.
Non-Fault Car Accident Claims
When this may apply: You may be able to pursue a claim where another road user's negligence caused the collision and your resulting injuries.
Rear-End Collision Compensation
How it can happen: A rear-end collision can occur when a vehicle fails to stop in time and strikes the vehicle travelling or waiting ahead.
Roundabout Accident Claims
How it can happen: Roundabout collisions may happen because of unsafe lane changes, failure to give way, poor observation or incorrect positioning.
Split Liability Road Traffic Accident Claims
When this may apply: Liability may sometimes be divided between two or more road users where responsibility for a collision is shared.
Whiplash Claims
How it can happen: Sudden acceleration and deceleration during a road collision can cause soft tissue injuries affecting the neck and surrounding areas.
Cyclist And E-Mobility Accident Claims
Cyclists and people using newer forms of personal transport can be particularly vulnerable when sharing roads and junctions with larger vehicles.
Cycling Accident Claims
How it can happen: Cyclists can be injured at junctions, during overtaking, when vehicle doors open into their path or when another road user fails to see them.
E-Scooter Accident Claims
How it can happen: E-scooter users may be injured in collisions involving cars, other vehicles, road hazards or other circumstances depending on how and where the scooter was being used.
Lime Bike Accident Claims
How it can happen: Accidents involving hire bikes can occur through collisions with other road users, road hazards or issues arising during the use of the bicycle.
Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcyclists have much less physical protection than occupants of enclosed vehicles, meaning collisions can result in serious injuries.
Motorcycle Accident Claims
How it can happen: Motorcycle accidents can involve junction collisions, unsafe overtaking, vehicles changing lanes, failures to give way or other road users failing to see a rider.
Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, particularly when crossing roads or moving through busy urban areas.
Pedestrian Accident Claims
How it can happen: Pedestrians can be struck by cars, vans, motorcycles, bicycles or other vehicles when crossing or walking near a road.
Zebra Crossing Accident Claims
How it can happen: Pedestrians using a zebra crossing can be injured where a vehicle fails to stop or a collision occurs while they are crossing.
Passenger And Public Transport Accident Claims
You do not need to have been driving to suffer an injury in a road traffic accident. Passengers and public transport users can also be affected.
Bus Accident Claims
How it can happen: Bus passengers and other road users may be injured through collisions, sudden braking or other incidents involving a bus.
Passenger Injury Claims
How it can happen: A passenger can be injured when the vehicle they are travelling in is involved in a collision caused by its driver or another road user.
Public Transport Accident Claims
How it can happen: Injuries can occur during journeys involving buses and other forms of public transport, including through collisions or sudden vehicle movements.
Taxi Accident Claims
How it can happen: Taxi passengers, drivers and other road users can be injured when a taxi is involved in a road traffic collision.
HGV And Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims
The size and weight of heavy goods vehicles can make collisions involving lorries particularly serious for other road users.
HGV Accident Claims
How it can happen: HGV accidents can involve blind spots, lane changes, braking distances, junctions, reversing manoeuvres or collisions with smaller vehicles and vulnerable road users.
Can’t see your type of road accident? These are examples rather than an exhaustive list. Road traffic claims can involve many different vehicles, road users and collision circumstances. Whether you may be able to claim will depend on how the accident happened, who may have been responsible and whether the incident caused you injury.
What Injuries Can You Claim Compensation For?
We support clients with a full spectrum of injuries, from minor to life-changing. Some of the most common include:
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, often caused by rear-end shunts
Back and spinal injuries, including slipped discs and fractures
Head injuries and brain trauma, which can have lasting effects
Broken bones, dislocations and torn ligaments
Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), travel anxiety, or depression
Can I Claim for Emotional Distress?
Yes. Psychological harm is just as valid as physical injury. If you’ve suffered anxiety, sleeplessness, or trauma following your accident, this can be included in your claim.
Is It Worth Claiming for a Minor Accident?
Yes, even minor accidents can lead to lasting injuries like whiplash, soft tissue strain, or anxiety. If your daily life has been affected in any way, it’s worth seeking legal advice. Compensation can help cover medical bills, time off work, and other costs linked to your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about our road traffic accident claims service
Can I Make A No Win No Fee Claim?
We handle road traffic accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis. That means:
No upfront legal fees
No charge if your case is unsuccessful
A success fee only if we win, deducted from your final compensation
There are no hidden costs. Our funding structure is fully transparent from the start.
Can I Switch Solicitors?
Yes. If you’re unhappy with your current solicitor, we can take over your claim and review your case at no cost.
Can I Claim Against Uninsured and Untraced Drivers?
If you were hit by an uninsured driver or the driver fled the scene, you can still claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
To do this, you’ll need to:
Report the accident to the police within 14 days
Provide as much evidence as possible (e.g. vehicle registration, CCTV, dashcam)
We manage MIB claims regularly and can guide you through the process.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
Compensation is split into two categories:
General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Special damages for financial losses (e.g. earnings, travel, rehabilitation)
Payouts vary depending on injury severity, recovery time, and financial impact.
At Personal Injury Solicitors London, we use the Judicial College Guidelines and real case precedents to ensure your claim reflects its true value.
If you’d like a free valuatin of your claim, please get in touch with us today
What Evidence Do I Need for a Successful Claim?
To build a strong case, gather as much of the following as possible:
Police reports if emergency services attended
Photographs or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
Medical records from your GP or A&E department
Witness statements, especially from independent bystanders
Dashcam footage, which can be decisive in proving liability
Our solicitors can request and preserve evidence on your behalf, even if weeks have passed since the incident.
How Does The Claim Process Work?
Here’s what to expect when you begin your claim:
Free consultation with one of our experienced RTA solicitors
Medical assessment arranged at a local clinic or hospital
Liability and settlement negotiations with the other party’s insurer
Court proceedings only if negotiations fail (rare in most RTA cases)
How Long Will It Take?
Most straightforward claims settle within 6–12 months. Complex or high-value claims can take longer, especially if court proceedings are necessary.
Can I Claim for a Pre-existing Condition Made Worse?
Yes. If your accident worsened a condition you already had, you may be able to claim for what’s called an acceleration or exacerbation injury.
The law recognises that someone may be more vulnerable to injury – this does not invalidate your claim. We work with medical experts to distinguish between your original condition and any deterioration caused by the accident.