Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road Traffic Accident Claims Solicitors in Manchester

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At MCR Solicitors, our Manchester-based personal injury team acts for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians across Greater Manchester and throughout England and Wales. We handle claims arising from collisions of all kinds, and we deal with the insurers and the legal process on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.

A road traffic accident claim is a form of personal injury claim. It is designed to put you, as far as money can, back into the position you would have been in had the accident not happened. This can include compensation for your injuries as well as for financial losses and expenses you have incurred as a result.

What a Road Traffic Accident Claim Can Cover

Every case is different, and the value of any claim depends on your individual circumstances, the medical evidence and the losses you can prove. Broadly, a successful claim may include two types of compensation:

• General damages for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injury. These are assessed with reference to medical evidence and to established guidelines used by the courts in England and Wales.
• Special damages for financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses. These can include loss of earnings, the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement, medical and rehabilitation costs, travel expenses, care and assistance provided by family, and other reasonable costs linked to the accident.

We can advise on the types of loss that may be recoverable in your particular case. We do not, and cannot, promise any specific amount or outcome, because that depends on the facts and the evidence. Whiplash and certain lower-value injuries following road traffic accidents are subject to a separate tariff and process introduced under the Civil Liability Act 2018; we can explain how these rules apply to you.

Types of Road Traffic Accident We Handle

• Car, van and other vehicle collisions
• Motorcycle and scooter accidents
• Cycling accidents involving motor vehicles
• Pedestrian accidents
• Passenger claims, including where you were a passenger in a vehicle at fault
• Accidents involving uninsured or untraced (hit-and-run) drivers, which may be pursued through the Motor Insurers' Bureau

How MCR Solicitors Can Help

Our role is to build the strongest possible case for you and to guide you clearly through each stage. When you instruct us, we will:

• Review the circumstances of your accident and advise on whether you have a claim
• Explain how your claim is likely to be funded and what it will mean for you
• Gather evidence, including witness details, police reports where relevant, and photographs
• Arrange independent medical evidence to assess your injuries
• Deal with the other party's insurers and correspondence on your behalf
• Help you access rehabilitation and treatment where appropriate
• Negotiate to try to achieve a fair settlement, and advise you on any offers made

Most road traffic accident claims are resolved by negotiation without the need for a court hearing. If your claim cannot be settled, we will advise you on the options, including court proceedings, and continue to act in your best interests throughout.

No Win No Fee: Conditional Fee Agreements

Many road traffic accident claims can be funded under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), commonly known as a "no win no fee" arrangement. Under a CFA, if your claim is not successful you will not normally have to pay our legal fees for the work done under that agreement. If your claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation, and certain other charges and expenses may apply.

The exact terms, any deductions and any insurance to cover disbursements will be explained to you in writing before you sign, so that you understand the costs and how funding works in your case. We will discuss the funding option that best suits your circumstances during your initial enquiry.

The Claims Process, Step by Step

1. Initial enquiry. Contact us to tell us what happened. We will provide an initial assessment of whether you may have a claim and explain how we can help.
2. Instruction and funding. If you decide to proceed, we set up your file and confirm how your claim will be funded, including any CFA.
3. Investigation. We gather evidence, notify the other party or their insurer, and establish who was at fault.
4. Medical evidence. We arrange an independent medical examination so that your injuries and prognosis are properly documented.
5. Valuation and negotiation. We value your claim based on the evidence and negotiate with the insurer to seek a fair settlement.
6. Settlement or court. Most claims settle by agreement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we advise on issuing court proceedings.

The time it takes to resolve a claim varies considerably depending on the severity of your injuries, whether liability is admitted and how quickly your recovery can be assessed. We will keep you updated on realistic timescales as your case progresses.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims. In most road traffic accident cases in England and Wales, you have three years from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of your injury) to start a claim. Different rules apply for children and for people who lack mental capacity, and there are separate arrangements for accidents abroad. Because these limits are strict, we recommend seeking advice as early as possible. You can read more about limitation and your rights on gov.uk.

Why Choose MCR Solicitors

MCR Solicitors is a Manchester law firm offering a range of legal services, including personal injury. Our approach to road traffic accident claims is practical, clear and focused on your best interests. We take the time to understand what has happened to you, we explain your options in plain English, and we keep you informed at each stage.

• Local and accessible. Based in Manchester, we act for clients across the region and beyond, and you can speak to a real person about your claim.
• Clear communication. We explain funding, evidence and next steps without unnecessary jargon.
• Client-focused service. We handle the correspondence and the insurers so that you can concentrate on recovering.

We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and act in accordance with our professional and ethical obligations. We do not guarantee the outcome of any claim; what we offer is careful, considered representation aimed at achieving the best result available on your evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a road traffic accident claim?

You may have a claim if you were injured in an accident on the road that was caused, wholly or partly, by someone else's negligence. This includes drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. The best way to find out is to contact us for an initial assessment of your circumstances.

How much compensation will I receive?

There is no fixed answer, because compensation depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, your prognosis and the financial losses you can prove. Awards for injuries are assessed using medical evidence and established guidelines used by the courts. We can give you a realistic view once we have your medical evidence, but we cannot promise a specific figure.

Will my claim go to court?

Most road traffic accident claims are settled by negotiation without a court hearing. Court proceedings are sometimes necessary, for example where liability is disputed or a fair settlement cannot be agreed. If that happens, we will explain the process and support you throughout.

What does no win no fee actually mean?

Under a Conditional Fee Agreement, you generally do not pay our fees for the work covered by that agreement if your claim is unsuccessful. If you win, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation and certain expenses may apply. We set out all the terms in writing before you commit, so there are no surprises.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases you have three years from the date of the accident, but different rules apply for children, for those who lack capacity and for accidents abroad. Because the limits are strict, it is sensible to seek advice as soon as you can. Further guidance is available on gov.uk.