Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road traffic accidents can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. If you have been injured in a road accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and the impact on your life. At MCR Solicitors in Manchester, our specialist road traffic accident solicitors have helped thousands of accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.

We handle all types of road traffic accident claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, nothing whilst your claim progresses, and nothing at all if your claim is unsuccessful. We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your recovery.

Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims

Our experienced team handles every type of road traffic accident claim, from minor collisions to catastrophic injuries:

Car Accident Claims

Car accidents are the most common type of road traffic accident claim. Whether you were the driver or a passenger, if you were injured due to another driver's negligence, you can claim compensation. Common car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions (shunts)
• T-bone (side impact) collisions at junctions
• Head-on collisions
• Roundabout accidents
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups
• Accidents caused by drivers using mobile phones
• Drunk driving accidents

Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable road users, and accidents often result in serious or catastrophic injuries. We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists and fight hard for maximum compensation. Common motorcycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to see motorcyclists at junctions
• Vehicles turning across the path of motorcycles
• Accidents caused by road defects or debris
• Accidents involving car doors being opened into traffic

Cyclist Accident Claims

Cyclists have the same rights as other road users and deserve protection when injured by negligent drivers. With cycling becoming increasingly popular, cyclist injuries are unfortunately common. We handle claims involving:

• Vehicles passing too close
• Drivers failing to check before opening doors
• Collisions at junctions and roundabouts
• Accidents on cycle lanes
• Hit and run incidents involving cyclists

Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrians injured by vehicles often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection. These accidents can happen on pavements, at crossings, in car parks, or on any road. We help pedestrians injured by:

• Vehicles mounting the pavement
• Drivers failing to stop at pedestrian crossings
• Reversing vehicles
• Speeding drivers
• Drunk or distracted drivers

Passenger Claims

If you were a passenger in any vehicle involved in an accident, you can claim compensation regardless of who was at fault. Passengers are virtually never considered to be at fault for an accident. You can claim against:

• The driver of the vehicle you were in
• The driver of another vehicle
• Both drivers if fault is shared

Hit and Run Claims

Being injured by a driver who flees the scene can be devastating. However, you can still claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). We are experienced in handling MIB claims for victims of untraced drivers.

What Can You Claim For?

Road traffic accident compensation covers all your losses and suffering resulting from the accident:

Injury Compensation (General Damages)

• Pain and suffering from your injuries
• Loss of amenity (impact on your enjoyment of life)
• Psychological injuries including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Scarring and disfigurement

Financial Losses (Special Damages)

• Loss of earnings - Compensation for time off work
• Future loss of earnings - If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Medical expenses - Treatment, physiotherapy, medication, and rehabilitation
• Travel costs - Getting to medical appointments and treatment
• Care costs - Professional care or help from family members
• Vehicle damage - Repair costs or the pre-accident value if written off
• Hire car costs - A replacement vehicle whilst yours is being repaired
• Other expenses - Damaged clothing, equipment, or personal belongings

Whiplash Claims in 2026

Whiplash is the most common injury from road traffic accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. Since the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, the way whiplash claims are handled has changed significantly.

The Whiplash Tariff System

For whiplash injuries lasting up to 2 years (where the claim is worth less than ¶œ5,000), compensation amounts are now set by a fixed tariff:

• Up to 3 months - ¶œ240
• 3 to 6 months - ¶œ495
• 6 to 9 months - ¶œ840
• 9 to 12 months - ¶œ1,320
• 12 to 15 months - ¶œ2,040
• 15 to 18 months - ¶œ3,005
• 18 to 24 months - ¶œ4,215

If you have additional injuries beyond whiplash (such as broken bones, cuts, or psychological injuries), your compensation may be higher. We will ensure all your injuries are properly assessed and compensated.

When Higher Compensation Applies

The tariff does not apply if:

• Your whiplash injury lasts longer than 2 years
• You have other injuries in addition to whiplash
• Your total claim value exceeds ¶œ5,000
• The accident was not a road traffic accident

In these cases, compensation is assessed using traditional methods and can be significantly higher.

Uninsured and Untraced Drivers

Being injured by an uninsured driver or hit-and-run driver does not mean you cannot claim compensation. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) exists specifically to compensate victims in these situations.

Uninsured Driver Claims

If you are injured by a driver who has no insurance, the MIB will compensate you as if the driver had been insured. We handle the claim directly with the MIB on your behalf.

Untraced Driver Claims (Hit and Run)

If the driver who injured you cannot be identified (for example, they drove away without stopping), you can claim through the MIB's untraced drivers scheme. The process is more complex, but we have extensive experience securing compensation for hit-and-run victims.

To maximise your chances of a successful claim, try to gather as much information as possible at the scene - witness details, any partial registration numbers, vehicle descriptions, and CCTV locations.

Time Limits for Road Traffic Accident Claims

You have 3 years from the date of your accident to start court proceedings. After this deadline passes, you will lose your right to claim compensation forever, so it is essential to act promptly.

There are some exceptions:

• Children - The 3-year period does not begin until the child turns 18
• Mental incapacity - Different rules apply for those lacking mental capacity
• MIB claims - Must be notified to the MIB within 3 years

Even if your accident happened recently, do not delay. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories fade, and CCTV footage may be deleted. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Our RTA Claims Process

We have streamlined our road traffic accident claims process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible for you:

Step 1: Free Consultation

Call us on 0161 466 1280 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. We will listen to your account of the accident, ask questions about your injuries, and advise you on your prospects of success and likely compensation.

Step 2: Evidence Gathering

We will gather all the evidence needed to prove your claim, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, CCTV footage, and medical records. We handle all the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.

Step 3: Medical Examination

We will arrange for you to be examined by an independent medical expert, usually near your home. The expert will assess your injuries and prepare a detailed report that forms the basis of your compensation claim.

Step 4: Claim Submission

We submit your claim to the at-fault driver's insurance company, setting out the circumstances of the accident and the compensation you are seeking. Most insurers respond within 3 months.

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate firmly with the insurance company to achieve the best possible settlement. Insurance companies have experienced claims handlers working to minimise payouts - you need an experienced solicitor fighting equally hard for you.

Step 6: Settlement or Court

Most claims settle through negotiation without going to court. If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we will issue court proceedings and, if necessary, take your case to trial. Our experienced advocates will represent you throughout.

Step 7: Compensation Payment

Once your claim settles, we ensure your compensation is paid promptly. For serious injuries, we can often arrange interim payments whilst your claim is ongoing to help with immediate expenses.

Compensation Amounts for Road Traffic Accidents

Compensation varies significantly depending on the type and severity of your injuries. Here are some example ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines:

Minor Injuries

• Minor whiplash (up to 3 months) - ¶œ240 (tariff)
• Minor soft tissue injuries - ¶œ1,000 to ¶œ3,000
• Minor cuts and bruises - Up to ¶œ2,000

Moderate Injuries

• Whiplash (12-24 months) - ¶œ4,215 (tariff) or higher with other injuries
• Moderate back injury - ¶œ12,500 to ¶œ27,760
• Broken arm - ¶œ6,190 to ¶œ19,200
• Broken leg - ¶œ8,550 to ¶œ27,760

Serious Injuries

• Severe back injury - ¶œ38,780 to ¶œ160,980
• Serious head injury - ¶œ43,060 to ¶œ379,100
• Loss of limb - ¶œ95,000 to ¶œ282,000
• Paraplegia - ¶œ219,070 to ¶œ284,740
• Tetraplegia - ¶œ324,600 to ¶œ403,990

Remember, these figures are for injury compensation only. Your total claim will also include all your financial losses (loss of earnings, care costs, medical expenses, etc.), which can substantially increase your overall compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation will I get for a car accident?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and your financial losses. Minor whiplash injuries may attract ¶œ240 to ¶œ4,215 under the tariff system, whilst serious injuries can result in six or seven-figure settlements. We will give you an honest assessment during your free consultation.

How long do road traffic accident claims take?

Straightforward claims with minor injuries often settle within 6-12 months. More complex claims involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take 2-3 years. We keep you informed of progress throughout and work to resolve your claim efficiently.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. If you were partly to blame (for example, not wearing a seatbelt or travelling with a driver you knew was drunk), your compensation may be reduced by a percentage reflecting your share of responsibility, but you can still claim. This is called contributory negligence.

What if I did not see a doctor immediately after the accident?

Whilst seeing a doctor promptly is important for your health and your claim, not doing so does not automatically prevent you from claiming. However, insurance companies may try to argue your injuries were not serious. We can help overcome these arguments.

Can I claim for whiplash without going to court?

Yes. The vast majority of whiplash claims settle through negotiation without court proceedings. For claims under ¶œ5,000, there is a simplified process through the Official Injury Claim portal, but you can still instruct a solicitor to handle your claim.

Will claiming affect my insurance premium?

Claiming compensation for an accident that was not your fault should not increase your insurance premium. Your no-claims bonus is protected if another driver was at fault. We will deal with the at-fault driver's insurer, not yours.

What if the other driver lies about what happened?

Disputed liability is common in road traffic accident claims. We gather evidence including witness statements, CCTV footage, dashcam footage, police reports, and expert accident reconstruction if necessary to prove what really happened.

Can passengers claim compensation?

Absolutely. Passengers injured in road traffic accidents can claim compensation regardless of who was at fault. You can claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in, the other driver, or both. Passengers are rarely found to be contributorily negligent.

Contact Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, do not delay. Contact MCR Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced road traffic accident team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve - on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Call us now: 0161 466 1280

Visit us: First Floor, 1024 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3WX

We offer appointments in person at our Manchester office, by telephone, and by video call. Remember, you only have 3 years from the date of your accident to claim - contact us today.