Car Accident Lawyers

Osbornes Law are experienced car accident solicitors and road traffic accident lawyers recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. We handle claims on a no win no fee basis from our London offices, with a named solicitor on your case from day one.

The aftermath of a road accident is often as difficult as the accident itself. You may be dealing with injuries, time off work, and the stress of not knowing what comes next. In 2023, 72,826 car occupants were injured on Great Britain’s roads (Department for Transport). Provisional 2024 figures show 128,272 total road casualties across all road users.

Our car accident solicitors handle every stage of your claim, from gathering evidence and arranging medical assessments to negotiating directly with the other driver’s insurer. You deal with a named solicitor who knows your case, not a call centre or referral service. We are a road traffic accident claims team, not a claims management company. If the other driver’s insurer contacts you, we handle that conversation.

Who can claim after a car accident

You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, or was only partly your fault. The following people can make a car accident claim:

• Drivers who were not at fault. If another driver caused the collision, you can claim against their insurer for your injuries and financial losses.
• Passengers. You can always claim as a passenger. Fault lies with one or both drivers, and you bear no responsibility for the collision. This applies whether you were in the at-fault vehicle or the other car.
• Pedestrians and cyclists hit by a car. If you were struck by a vehicle while walking or cycling, you have the same right to claim compensation for your injuries.
• Motorcyclists. If you were riding when the collision occurred and another driver was at fault, you can claim for your injuries, bike damage, and any financial losses.
• Children and vulnerable road users. A parent or guardian can bring a claim on behalf of a child. The limitation period does not begin until the child turns 18.

Partial fault does not prevent a claim

Many people assume that being partly at fault for an accident means they cannot claim. That is not correct. Under the principle of contributory negligence, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, you receive 70% of the full award. Not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident typically reduces compensation by 15 to 25%, following the principle established in Froom v Butcher [1976]. It does not eliminate the claim. If the other driver was uninsured or left the scene, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. We cover this in detail below.

Car accident injuries we handle

We act for clients with all types of car accident injuries, from soft tissue strains to life-changing conditions. There is no injury too minor or too serious for us to assess.

Soft tissue injuries are among the most common consequences of car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. These include muscle strains, ligament sprains, and neck injuries that range from minor to long-lasting.

Back and spinal injuries range from muscular strains that resolve within weeks to disc damage and spinal cord injuries with permanent effects.

Head injuries and concussion can have lasting consequences even when the initial impact seems minor. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the accident.

Broken bones and fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, and pelvis are common in higher-speed collisions and side impacts.

Psychological injuries are often overlooked but are legitimate grounds for a claim. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety about driving, depression, and travel phobia are all recognised conditions. If you have developed a fear of getting back behind the wheel or suffer flashbacks, that is a compensable injury.

Facial scarring caused by airbag deployment, glass, or impact with the steering wheel or dashboard attracts separate compensation.

Fatal accident claims can be brought by the family of someone killed in a car accident. We handle these cases with particular care and sensitivity.

Car accident and road traffic accident compensation

The amount of compensation you receive depends on the type and severity of your injuries, how long they last, and the financial losses you have suffered. The figures below are general damages only, meaning they cover pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. They are drawn from the Judicial College Guidelines, 17th Edition (April 2024), which is the standard reference used by courts and solicitors to value personal injury claims. 

These figures do not include special damages, which are calculated on top of general damages. Special damages cover your actual financial losses:

• Lost earnings (past and future)
• Private medical treatment and physiotherapy
• Travel costs to hospital and appointments
• Care provided by family members
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident

In practice, special damages often exceed general damages. A back injury valued at £15,000 in general damages could carry £40,000 or more in special damages if it caused six months off work, required private physiotherapy, and meant your partner had to reduce their hours to help you. Your solicitor calculates both heads of damage to ensure the full value of your claim is presented.

No win no fee car accident claims

All of our car accident claims are funded on a no win no fee basis, formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is how it works:

• Nothing to pay upfront. You do not pay any legal fees to start your claim.
• Nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
• If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. This is capped by law at 25% of your damages for pain, suffering, and past losses. It cannot exceed that amount.
• After the Event (ATE) insurance is taken out at the start of your claim. This covers the other side’s legal costs in the unlikely event that your case is unsuccessful. The premium is only payable if the case succeeds.

The 25% cap is an important protection. On a £20,000 award for pain, suffering, and past losses, the maximum success fee would be £5,000, and you receive at least £15,000. Special damages for future losses are not subject to the success fee. We explain the exact terms of the CFA before you sign anything, so there are no surprises.

Time limits for car accident claims

There are strict time limits for bringing a car accident compensation claim. If you miss the deadline, you will almost certainly lose the right to claim.

• Standard time limit: 3 years from the date of the accident. This applies to most adult claims.
• Children: 3 years from their 18th birthday. A parent or litigation friend can bring a claim on behalf of a child at any time before they turn 21.
• Mental incapacity: if the injured person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, the three-year limitation period is suspended until capacity is regained, if at all.
• Untraced driver (hit-and-run): the incident must be reported to the police within 14 days. This is a strict MIB requirement and failure to comply can invalidate an otherwise valid claim.

Even if you believe the deadline has passed, it is worth checking. The date of knowledge (when you first became aware of your injury) can sometimes extend the period. Do not wait until the deadline is close. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses forget details, and CCTV footage is routinely deleted. The sooner you contact a car accident solicitor, the stronger your claim is likely to be.

Why use a solicitor instead of a claims company

If you search online after a car accident, you will find solicitors, claims management companies (CMCs), and referral services. They are not the same thing, and the difference matters.

Claims management companies are not law firms. They are middlemen who collect your details and sell or refer your case to a solicitor, taking a fee in the process. You may think you are dealing with the people who will handle your claim, but your case is passed on to someone else entirely.

Referral services operate similarly. You contact what looks like a law firm, but your enquiry is forwarded to a panel solicitor you did not choose. The referral company takes a cut from your compensation before you see any of it.

With Osbornes Law, you deal directly with a named solicitor from day one. Your solicitor gathers the evidence, arranges your medical assessment, negotiates with the insurer, and if necessary, represents you in court. There is no handoff. Why does this matter?

• Your solicitor knows your case firsthand because they are running it, not receiving it secondhand from a referral company.
• You have a single point of contact throughout your claim.
• No referral fee is taken from your compensation.
• Osbornes solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and carry professional indemnity insurance. They owe you a duty of care that claims companies do not.

What to do after a car accident

The steps you take immediately after a car accident can strengthen your claim significantly. Here is what to do:

1. Ensure safety and call emergency services if anyone is injured or the road is blocked. Call 999 if needed.
2. Exchange details with all other drivers: name, address, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number.
3. Take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Use your phone.
4. Collect witness details. Get the name and contact number of anyone who saw the accident.
5. Report to the police if anyone is injured, the road is blocked, or the other driver fails to stop or provide details. You are legally required to report an injury accident within 24 hours if details were not exchanged at the scene.
6. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Concussion and soft tissue injuries often present hours or days later. A medical record created close to the accident date is important evidence.
7. Notify your own insurer. Stick to the facts: date, time, location, vehicles involved. Do not admit fault or apologise.
8. Contact a car accident solicitor before accepting any offer from the other driver’s insurer. Insurers contact claimants quickly after accidents and make offers designed to close claims cheaply, before the full extent of your injuries is known. Getting legal advice costs nothing under a no win no fee agreement.

Uninsured and hit-and-run driver claims

You are not left without a remedy if the driver who caused your accident was uninsured or left the scene. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) exists specifically to compensate victims in these situations.

Uninsured driver claims

If the at-fault driver is identified but does not have valid insurance, you can claim under the MIB’s Uninsured Drivers Agreement. You must report the accident to the police. The MIB will investigate and, if liability is established, pay compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. For more in

Hit-and-run (untraced driver) claims

If the driver fled the scene and cannot be identified, the MIB’s Untraced Drivers Agreement applies. There are stricter requirements:

• You must report the accident to the police within 14 days.
• Property damage claims are only available where there is also a significant personal injury.
• The claim must be submitted through the MIB’s online portal.

MIB claims involve additional procedural requirements that can invalidate a valid claim if not followed correctly. Having a solicitor handle the process is particularly valuable in these cases. We act on a no win no fee basis for MIB claims.

Car accident solicitors in London

Osbornes Law is based in London with offices in Camden and Hampstead where you can meet your solicitor in person to discuss your claim.

London’s roads present specific risks. In 2023, there were 26,176 road casualties in Greater London, with 3,710 people killed or seriously injured (Transport for London). Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, accounted for 80% of all people killed or seriously injured in London that year. Speed was a contributory factor in approximately half of all fatal collisions.

Our car accident solicitors are familiar with London’s road network, local hospitals and treatment centres, Metropolitan Police reporting procedures, and the particular hazards of busy junctions, bus lane conflicts, and cycling infrastructure that contribute to accidents in the capital. We regularly handle claims involving cyclist and pedestrian collisions at London’s most dangerous intersections.

While we are a London firm, we handle car accident claims for incidents that happened on roads anywhere in England and Wales. You do not need to have had your accident in London to instruct us.

How your car accident claim works

1. Free initial consultation

Call us on 020 7485 8811 or complete the contact form on this page. We will discuss what happened, assess whether you have a valid claim, and explain your funding options. This initial conversation is free and carries no obligation.

2. Letter of claim

Your solicitor sends a formal letter of claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer. The insurer has 21 days to acknowledge receipt and up to 3 months to investigate and respond on liability.

3. Evidence gathering

Your solicitor collects evidence to support your claim: the police report, witness statements, photographs, dashcam footage, and any CCTV from the scene. We also obtain your medical records where relevant.

4. Medical assessment

We arrange an independent medical examination with an appropriate specialist. The resulting medico-legal report documents your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. This report is a mandatory requirement before any settlement can be agreed.

5. Building your claim

Your solicitor calculates the full value of your claim. This includes general damages (compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity) and special damages (lost earnings, medical costs, travel, care, vehicle damage, and any other financial losses).

6. Negotiation

We present your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer and negotiate for a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your injuries and losses. We do not accept low offers. For serious injury cases, interim payments can be applied for to help cover immediate costs while the claim is ongoing.

7. Settlement or court

The majority of car accident claims settle through negotiation without going to court. If the insurer disputes liability or offers an unacceptable amount, your solicitor will issue court proceedings and represent you throughout. Typical timescales:

• Moderate injury claims: 12 to 18 months
• Serious or complex claims: 18 months to several years

What does a road traffic accident solicitor do

A road traffic accident solicitor investigates the collision, establishes who was at fault, and pursues compensation on your behalf.

In practical terms, your solicitor gathers and preserves evidence from the accident scene, police, and witnesses. They arrange an independent medical assessment to document your injuries and prognosis. They calculate the full value of your claim, including financial losses that you may not have considered, such as future earnings, ongoing treatment, and care costs.

Your solicitor handles all communication with the other driver’s insurer so you do not have to. They negotiate for a settlement that reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses, not just the first offer put forward. If court proceedings become necessary, your solicitor prepares your case and represents you.

The practical effect is that someone qualified takes on the burden of the claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries. As one of our clients put it: the process was made to feel like “a walk in the park” despite a claim that took longer than expected due to the other side’s insurer.

Why choose Osbornes for your car accident claim

Osbornes Law’s personal injury team is recognised by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, the two leading independent legal directories in the UK. Chambers has described the team as one that “punches well above its weight” with “quality of service equal to any of the larger top-name firms.” Our solicitors are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), which sets standards for specialist personal injury practice.

What this means for you is straightforward. You get a named solicitor who handles your claim from the first phone call to settlement, backed by a team with independently verified expertise. We are a London law firm with offices you can visit, not a call centre or a website that passes your details to someone else. Every car accident claim we take on is funded on a no win no fee basis.

Get expert advice about your car accident claim

If you have been injured in a car accident, call us on 020 7485 8811 or fill in the contact form below. Free consultation. No win no fee.

Frequently asked questions about car accident claims

What is a road traffic accident claim?

A road traffic accident (RTA) claim is the formal process of seeking compensation after being injured in a collision on a public road. The term is used by insurers, solicitors, and the courts — it covers the same incidents people often describe as car accidents, car crashes, or road accidents. If you were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, and the collision was caused by another road user’s negligence, you have grounds to make a road traffic accident compensation claim. The claims process is identical whether you call it an RTA claim or a car accident claim.

How long does a car accident claim take?

It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether liability is disputed. Moderate injuries typically take 12 to 18 months. Serious or complex claims can take 18 months to several years. Your solicitor will give you a realistic estimate based on the specifics of your case.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Contributory negligence reduces your compensation proportionally but does not prevent a claim. If you are found 25% at fault, you receive 75% of the full award. Not wearing a seatbelt typically results in a 15 to 25% reduction. Only a finding of 100% fault would defeat a claim entirely.

What is no win no fee and what does it cost?

You pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim fails. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation, capped at 25% of damages for pain, suffering, and past losses. After the Event insurance, arranged at the start of the claim, covers the other side’s costs if the case is unsuccessful.

Do I have to go to court?

Most car accident claims settle through negotiation without a court hearing. Court proceedings are only issued if the insurer disputes liability or refuses to offer a fair amount. Even when proceedings are issued, many cases settle before trial. If your case does go to court, your solicitor represents you throughout.

Can I choose my own solicitor after a car accident?

Yes. You are never obliged to use a solicitor recommended by your insurer, a garage, or a claims management company. You have the right to instruct any solicitor you choose. A specialist personal injury solicitor, rather than whoever contacts you first, can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim.

What if the other driver was not insured?

You can still claim. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of accidents caused by uninsured drivers. You must report the accident to the police. If the driver left the scene and cannot be identified, the MIB’s Untraced Drivers Agreement applies, but you must report to the police within 14 days. We handle MIB claims on a no win no fee basis.

Should I accept my insurer’s first offer?

Almost certainly not without legal advice. Insurers make early offers to close claims quickly, often before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot reopen the claim. A solicitor can assess whether the offer reflects the true value of your injuries and losses. That advice costs nothing under a no win no fee agreement.

Can I claim for a passenger injured in my car?

Yes. If the accident was the other driver’s fault, the passenger claims against that driver’s insurer. If you were at fault, the passenger claims against your insurer. Passengers are never at fault for a collision, so they can always claim regardless of which driver caused the accident. Your insurance policy covers passenger injury claims as standard. .