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Road Traffic Accident (RTA) claim

Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of personal injury in the UK, with injuries suffered ranging from the more minor such as whiplash to the neck or back, to fractured bones with psychological symptoms, to amputation or catastrophic brain and spinal injuries.

Road Traffic Accident (RTA) Claim

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident you may be entitled to compensation if the accident was not your fault. At Metcalfe David Eyres you will always be represented by a solicitor who will ensure that you receive as much compensation as possible. If you have been seriously injured and cannot work due to your injuries, we will do everything we can to ensure that you are provided with the support and advice you need, on issues such as loss of earnings and rehabilitation treatment.

Every accident is different but at Metcalfe David Eyres our experienced team of specialists take time to understand your situation, clearly explain the implications and are sympathetic and supportive of what you want to achieve.

Different types of road traffic accident claims can include:

Driver

If you’re the driver of a vehicle that is involved in a road traffic accident, which is not your fault, we can help you claim the compensation you are entitled to.

We can assist whether the driver of the other vehicle was insured or not, and even in situations of “hit and run” where the driver of the other vehicle is unidentified.

Passenger

Whether you’re a passenger in a privately owned vehicle or a passenger on a bus, if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Road traffic accidents can cause injuries to passengers just the same way as for drivers are injured. The only difference however is that it is extremely unlikely that a passenger would ever be found to be anything other than the innocent party. In the majority of cases, passenger claims are successful.

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are even more vulnerable and exposed to injury on the roads that drivers or passengers as they don’t have the benefit of the greater protection that a vehicle can provide. As a result of this, they can be left with much more serious injuries if they are involved in an accident

Our specialists have great experience in assisting motorcycle riders and their families to recover the maximum amount of compensation available

Cyclist

Road traffic injuries involving cyclists are happening more often with more people riding bikes for transport, health or just enjoyment.

If you’re a cyclist who is injured in a road traffic accident, our team of experts can provide you with the legal advice and assistance you need to recover compensation on your behalf.

Remember – always wear a helmet.

What to do when you have a road traffic accident

There are a number of important things that you should remember to do if you are involved in a road traffic accident:

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible including if it wasn’t required at the actual time (whiplash symptoms can sometimes take a number of days to develop)
  • Get the details of the other driver, in particular the vehicle registration plate, along with name, address and insurance name and policy number
  • Take photographs of the scene, in particular the position of the vehicles before they’re moved
  • Inform the police of the accident if necessary
  • Notify your own insurance company of the accident as many policies require notification within a certain timeframe
  • Keep a note of all expenses incurred, keeping receipts for these, such as travelling expenses, medical expenses, etc.

Even if the other driver doesn’t stop and turns out to be untraced, that doesn’t mean that a claim against them won’t be successful. A claim can always be pursued by us through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB).

When to involve the police

You should always contact the police to report an accident to them if the other driver fails to stop or refuses to provide you with their details. It is a criminal offence to not stop at the scene of an accident or to not provide contact details.

If there is an argument regarding the cause or fault of the accident, it’s a good idea to speak with the police so they can attend the scene and objectively decide who is to blame.

If you don’t feel it necessary to involve the police, always make sure you have all the contact details of the other person and take as many of photographs of the vehicle positions and surrounding road and area. This will greatly assist us with arguments with the other driver’s insurers if liability is disputed.

How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?

Claims for road traffic accidents can be made within 3 years of the incident taking place. Ideally, claims should be made sooner rather than later, while any attempt to claim after the 3-year period may well not be successful.

Your compensation is our priority

All that matters to us is winning you the maximum possible compensation. All insurers can be interested in is keeping the total payout low. That’s why if you’re involved in a road traffic accident you should obtain independent legal advice from Metcalfe David Eyres Sheffield or Chesterfield.

Call us now on 01246 555387 or 0114 249 3222 or send us an enquiry by filling out the form for the first step to the road traffic accident compensation that you deserve.

Looking for a solicitor to assist you? Contact us today

0114 249 3222
01246 555 387