How Do I Claim After A Car Accident?

Involved in a car accident? I know it’s stressful, but if you know your rights and responsibilities, it can make a significant difference. No matter whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, you may be able to claim compensation for damage to your car, injuries, and lost money in the UK only when you follow the proper procedure.

If you are wondering, How do I claim after a car accident, you are at the right place. This detailed write-up will guide you through the step-by-step process of claiming, including the various types of claims, what to do immediately after the accident, and the applicable time limit.

How Do I Make a Claim After a Car Accident? Full Guide to Insurance and Injury

When you pursue a car accident claim, the compensation you receive may cover:

Vehicle repair or replacement

Medical treatment for injuries

Loss of earnings

Travel costs

Pain and suffering

Before claiming compensation after a car accident, we must first determine whether we are eligible to do so. Then, let’s start with it.

Who Can Make a Car Accident Compensation Claim?

If you are injured in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, you have the right to make a claim. Here I am going to mention some of the most frequent parties that file claims:

Drivers: Drivers can make a claim against the car, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian when the negligence of another person causes the road accident.

Passengers: You don’t need to be the driver to claim compensation. If the driver or someone outside the car caused the accident, you can claim as a passenger.

Pedestrians: You have the right to file a claim if you were on the street and got hit by a car that was involved in the collision.

Besides, when the incident was caused due to poor road conditions, you can claim compensation for the car accident.

Motorcyclists and cyclists: If you are on your motorbike or a bike and get injured because of another driver, you can consider yourself eligible to file a claim.

What Are the Limitations to Claiming Compensation for a Car Accident?

However, I need to inform you that there are some limitations to claiming compensation for a car accident that may affect your claim:

When you are partly at fault: You may still be eligible to make a claim, but the amount of compensation you receive will probably be reduced based on your level of responsibility for the accident.

If you or the other party have no insurance cover: Unfortunately, you might have to submit a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) rather than the usual methods if one or both parties are uninsured.

In case of hit-and-run accidents: It could be more difficult for you to claim if the driver who caused the incident flees the scene unidentified. Again, you still have the option to pursue a claim through the MIB.

When you are at fault: Car accident, my fault, what happens in the UK?

If you caused the accident, you may still be able to claim for your vehicle if you have comprehensive insurance coverage. In this case, your insurer will pay for the other party’s damages.

But you can’t claim for injuries unless you have personal injury protection. If you didn’t pay for protection, your no-claims bonus can be reduced.

Maybe, it’s already clear to you who pays for personal injury claims caused by a car accident, but still have a glance at the table below to get a solid idea.

Situation	Who Pays?
Other driver at fault	Their insurance company
You are at fault	Your insurance pays the third party
You’re injured but also at fault	You may get reduced compensation (if any)
Uninsured or hit-and-run driver	Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
No injury cover in your policy	You can’t claim from your insurer unless another party is liable

Now, let’s get into the core part of our discussion.

What to Do Right After a Car Accident?

Before you can claim, it’s necessary to take the proper measures shortly after the accident. Follow the steps that I am going to present here to start a successful claim.

Make Other Drivers Aware

Well, first, think about what you would do with any other accident. Just do the same.

When you are involved in a car accident, stop immediately at the scene and switch off the engine, if possible and safe to do so. Then, turn on the hazard warning lights to alert pedestrians and other drivers to your emergency. It will help you avoid another accidental collision as well.

Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Help

The most important thing is to ensure that you, your passengers, and any third parties involved are all safe and okay. Call 999 to get emergency services immediately if anyone gets injured.

And even if you feel okay for the time being, it’s a good idea to get checked out by your GP or visit a nearby hospital. Sometimes, it may seem like a minor injury initially, but in case you have head injuries or internal injuries, it can remain hidden. So, be sure to see a medical professional as soon as possible to ensure you don’t have any hidden injuries.

Contact the Police

For quick assistance in an emergency, always phone 999. And even if it’s not a serious incident, you still need to call the police if:

• Anyone is hurt, including you.

• Someone at the scene is acting aggressively or uncooperatively.

• You haven’t been able to exchange information.

• You believe the other driver isn’t insured or has left the scene without stopping.

• You think this might be a “crash for cash” scam.

• You suspect the other driver may have committed a driving offence, like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Your car is blocking the road.

• Property, road signs, railings, or bollards are damaged.

Police officers will be able to help you and ensure everyone’s safety once they arrive.

Anyways, it is a legal requirement to report the accident to the police within 24 hours in the UK, even if you suffered a minor car accident. Consequences of not reporting can be fines of up to £5,000, penalty points on your licence (up to 10), a driving ban, criminal prosecution for “failing to stop and report an accident”, and imprisonment in severe cases, such as hit-and-run.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers and Witnesses

Then, gather as much information as possible for claiming purposes. I am mentioning the notable ones that I felt were too important to know. The time and location, vehicle details including model, colour, registration number, insurance information, and the names and contact numbers of the other drivers involved, as well as any pedestrians who witnessed the incident. 

Additionally, you must also share the exact details with the other individuals involved in the car accident. The police may also take down your information if needed.

I know that tension can rise high in this situation, but you need to stay calm and avoid blaming anyone at this point.

Gather Strong Evidence

Solid evidence will help prove fault and determine the amount of compensation. So, what evidence do I need for a claim after a car accident? You might be thinking it right now.

Okay, no worries, after completing all of the above, go for some key evidence, including:

Medical Evidence

Even if you get into an accident that another party causes, you won’t have valid grounds to claim compensation unless you have evidence.

So, go to the hospital where you were taken after the accident, and visit your GP to request documentation of your medical records. You may also need to collect notes from specialists you were referred to right after your initial examination, such as physiotherapists or nurses providing home care.

Photographic or Video Evidence

Remember to collect photos of the extent of your initial injuries, your condition shortly after the accident, and subsequent scarring. Pictures of damaged vehicles, the accident scene, or hazards also work as strong proof.

Check for CCTV or surveillance cameras in the area. If it seems complicated to obtain the footage, contact your insurer, as they may be able to assist you.

Witness Statements

Having the names and contact information of any witnesses is a plus, so don’t neglect this part either.

Receipts and Reports of Financial Losses

You may have to spend money while travelling to the hospital, getting medicines, paying the doctor and hospital fees after the accident, or paying any repair costs in case of your damaged car. Keep all the receipts for such expenses and lost income.

So, if your question is: how do claims companies know I have had an accident?

All this evidence will speak on your behalf. Got your answer?

Notify Your Insurance Provider

You have to report any accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Otherwise, your claim could be denied, even if you are within the filing window. Moreover, your policy could be voided, and you might lose your no-claims bonus. Additionally, you could be accused of non-disclosure as well.

Remember to notify your insurance provider of the accident, even if you are not filing a claim.

Well, after you have gathered all the evidence, get ready to start your claim.

How to Start a Claim After a Car Accident?

Here are the steps you need to follow to initiate your claim correctly.

Contact the Relevant Authority

You can contact your insurer if you want them to handle your claim. Provide all accident details, and submit the evidence you collected. They will evaluate a fair compensation based on your evidence, and proceed further.

Otherwise, you may speak to a claims management company. They will assess your case and may ask for car repair quotes or medical reports.

You can also rely on Rapid Claim Solutions. We are here to manage the entire claims process and help you recover fair compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, along with personal injury support.

Or, Hire a Solicitor

Getting help from a solicitor would be especially useful for personal injury claims. If you have a high-value or complex claim, I suggest you seek legal advice. They will guide you through the legal process and help in gathering any extra evidence needed to support the case. They are also experts in negotiating with the responsible party’s insurers, which will ensure the best settlement possible.

However, make sure to go for a No Win, No Fee agreement. This special deal means that if you lose, you pay nothing, and if you win, your solicitor will take his success fee, which is usually 25% of your compensation. So, there are no upfront legal fees here.

Submit the Claim

After that, your solicitor, insurer or the claim handler will initiate your claim by sending a formal notice (known as the Letter of Claim) to the responsible party’s insurer. This notice will contain the specific details of the accident, any injuries it caused and the amount of compensation that you request.

Negotiate or Go to Court

If the at-fault party admits liability, your claim handler will negotiate a settlement, and in case they deny their responsibility or offer an inadequate settlement, your case may go to court.

How do you claim after a road accident?

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim?

Suppose you want to claim for damages to your car for its repair or replacement. In that case, you need to contact your insurance provider to find out how long after an accident you can claim on insurance, as the time limit for insurance claims in the UK entirely depends on the provider. Typically, they request that you submit the claim within 30 to 90 days.

And for personal injury claims, the usual time limit is within 3 years from the date of the accident or from the date of knowledge (the day you became aware of the injury), according to the Limitation Act 1980.

However, this time limit may vary depending on the age, situation, and condition of the victims.

For children, the standard time limit starts from their 18th birthday.

There is no time limit for mentally incapable persons.

If it is a fatal claim, the family will get three years from the date of death.

How Is Compensation Calculated When Claiming for a Car Accident?

According to Accident Claims Advice, compensation amounts for injuries suffered in a car accident are calculated by including both general and special damages, based on actual receipts.

General damages are based on how severe your injuries are, whereas special damages are determined by how your injuries may affect your life.

The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) from the Ministry of Justice provide a guideline on a fair compensation amount for general damage. These guidelines offer a range of compensation for each type of injury. So, courts, insurers, or solicitors will follow these guidelines while calculating your compensation.

And if your compensation falls under the category of special damages, we suggest using a car accident injury claim calculator online or spreadsheets to estimate the amount.

However, please note that these calculators provide only a rough estimate. Therefore, it’s best to consult a solicitor for a more accurate picture.

Personal Injury Claims New Rules

If you are suffering from whiplash injury and wondering, How do I claim for whiplash after a car accident, you should know about the latest reform.

You must use the Official Injury Claim or OIC portal for low-value (≤ £5,000) Road Traffic Accident injury claims, including whiplash claims. Besides that, you should know that medical evidence is mandatory for whiplash claims. From 31 May 2025, the whiplash tariff is set to increase by ~15% for injuries up to 2 years.

The other reforms include the following:

The small claims limit rose from £1,000 to £5,000, with no legal costs recoverable.

The Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR) rose from –0.25% to +0.5% from 11 January 2025, reducing future lump‑sum awards.

Fixed recoverable costs for serious injury claims were extended to £100k from up to £25k as of 1 October 2023.

The goal of these changes is to simplify the personal injury claims process, control legal costs, and enhance transparency and fairness in compensation.

Final Thoughts

So, how do I claim after a car accident? I hope you know the answer by now.

Whether it’s a simple repair or a serious injury, if you can take the right steps immediately and understand the process thoroughly, it will help you win the claim. Consult with a lawyer or claims specialist if you’re unsure where to start. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success are likely to be.

FAQ

Can I claim if the car accident wasn’t my fault?

Yes. You can claim against the responsible party’s insurance provider for vehicle damage, injuries, and any financial losses, even if it wasn’t your fault.

What documents are needed to claim after a car crash?

You’ll need your insurance policy details, photos of the injury or damage, a police report (if filed), witness statements, medical records for the injuries, and receipts for any expenses.

How long do I have to make a car accident claim in the UK?

You typically have 3 years to claim for personal injury, and a shorter timeframe for an insurance claim, usually within 30 to 90 days.