Car Accident Claims

Types of car accident injuries

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity and impact on the lives of those involved. If you’ve been in a road traffic accident, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that can occur and seek appropriate medical attention.

Some common car accident injuries to be aware of include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, typically resulting from rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is forcefully thrown forward and then snapped back, causing strain to the neck and upper spine. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential for managing whiplash effectively.

Head injuries

Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can occur when the head strikes a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or due to the forceful jolt experienced during an accident. Even minor head injuries may lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, and even long-term cognitive impairments.

Immediate medical attention is crucial to assess and treat head injuries appropriately.

Bone fractures

The impact of a car accident can lead to bone fractures, which commonly occur in the arms, legs, wrists, and ribs. From minor fractures to more serious fractures, they all can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the affected area.

Immediate medical attention is necessary to assess the extent of the fracture and provide appropriate treatment.

Back and spinal cord injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries can have serious consequences. These injuries can cause back pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

It’s essential to seek medical help immediately if you experience any back or spinal cord symptoms after a car accident.

Soft tissue injury

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and tears are common in car accidents and can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

Proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional are necessary for effective healing.

Chest injuries

Chest injuries can occur due to the forceful impact of a car accident. These injuries can range from bruising and contusions to more severe conditions like broken ribs or internal organ damage.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other chest-related symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Psychological and emotional trauma

Car accidents can also result in psychological and emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological effects of car accidents.

How to make a successful car accident injury claim

Determining fault and establishing liability is crucial in pursuing a successful car accident claim. It’s essential to gather the necessary evidence and follow the proper steps to ensure your rights are protected. As well as instructing car accident solicitors to act on your behalf, you should aim to help yourself as much as possible:

1. Document the accident scene

Immediately after the accident, if it’s safe to do so, document the entire accident scene by taking photographs or videos. Capture the position of the vehicles, damages sustained, skid marks, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. This visual evidence can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred and help establish fault.

2. Gather witness statements

If there were any witnesses present at the scene of the accident, collect their contact information and ask for their statements. Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts of what they saw, which can strengthen your case when determining fault. Their testimonies can provide additional support to your version of events.

3. Exchange information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Gathering this information is vital for communication purposes and for filing a claim with the appropriate insurance companies.

4. Contact the Police

In serious accidents, it’s a legal requirement to contact the police and have them come to the scene to create an official accident report. The police report can serve as an impartial document that includes important details about the accident, such as road conditions, weather conditions, and any citations issued. This report can be valuable evidence when determining fault and liability.

5. Seek medical attention

Even if you believe your road traffic accident injuries are minor, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical professional can assess and document your injuries. Medical records will be essential in establishing a connection between the accident and your injuries, further strengthening your claim.

6. Preserve evidence

Preserve any evidence related to the accident, including medical records, receipts for medical expenses, repair bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies. These documents will help establish the extent of damages and losses incurred as a result of the accident, supporting your claim for compensation.

How much compensation could I receive?

In personal injury claims, compensation is typically divided into two categories: special damages and general damages.

Special Damages

Special damages are intended to compensate you for the financial losses you have incurred as a direct result of the car accident. These may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes costs for hospitalisation, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatments that you’ve had to pay for.
• Loss of earnings: If the accident caused you to miss work and lose income, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
• Transportation costs: If you incurred expenses for transportation to medical appointments or other necessary travel due to the accident, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

General Damages

General damages are awarded for non-financial losses that are more difficult to quantify objectively. These may include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain endured as a result of the accident and any resulting injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident has affected your ability to participate in activities or enjoy life as you did before, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Psychological distress: If the accident has caused psychological or emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be eligible for compensation.

The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), in the context of personal injury claims in England and Wales, provide a framework for assessing general damages. These guidelines are used by courts and legal professionals to estimate the appropriate compensation amount for various types of injuries. They consider factors such as the nature and severity of the injury, the impact on daily life, and the expected recovery time.

It’s important to note that the JCG is not a definitive rulebook, and individual cases still vary. The specific circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and any supporting evidence, will be crucial in determining the compensation amount.

A rough idea of how much compensation you might be awarded:

• Toe injury minor – up to £5,590
• Finger injury minor – up to £4,750
• Crush injury (Significant hip or pelvis injury leaving some long-term problems) – £24,950 to £36,770
• Knee injury minor – up to £6,020
• Severe injuries with permanent disability – up to £45,500
• Head injury – £2,070 – £11,980

Claiming compensation for whiplash injuries

In the UK, there are specific rules and guidelines regarding claiming compensation for whiplash injuries. Some key points to note include:

• Whiplash Reforms: In May 2021, the UK government introduced new reforms aimed at reducing fraudulent and exaggerated whiplash claims and lowering insurance premiums. These reforms include a new online portal for low-value whiplash claims and fixed compensation tariffs.
• Eligibility criteria: To be eligible to claim compensation for a whiplash injury, you must meet certain criteria, including:
  • The accident must have occurred within the past three years (unless you were a child at the time of the accident).
  • The accident must have been caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
  • You must have sought medical attention for your whiplash injury.
• Medical evidence: In order to support your claim, it is important to obtain appropriate medical evidence. This typically involves seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the accident and obtaining a medical report from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physiotherapist. The medical report should detail the nature and extent of your whiplash injury, the treatment received, and the prognosis for recovery.
• Compensation tariffs: The new whiplash reforms introduced fixed compensation tariffs for whiplash injuries. These tariffs provide a set amount of compensation based on the duration of your symptoms. The tariffs range from a few weeks of symptoms to more severe and long-lasting injuries. The specific compensation amounts are determined by the courts and are subject to change. It is important to consult the most up-to-date guidelines to understand the current tariff rates.