What is a road traffic accident?
The legal definition of a road traffic accident is set out in the Road Traffic Act of 1960 – and it’s essentially what you’d expect. A road traffic accident refers to an instance where an accident has occurred involving – or having been caused by – a vehicle on the road.
This means that you do not have to have been in a vehicle to claim for personal injuries sustained as a result of a road traffic accident.
Road traffic accident claims do not cover damage to your vehicle – these should be undertaken via your car insurer.
Common causes of road traffic accidents
Because of the broad definition of a road traffic accident, there are a large number of common causes leading to traffic accident claims. Some of the common claims we support at Beecham include:
• When a vehicle has pulled out of a junction without observing
• When a vehicle has merged lanes when unsafe
• When the driver of a vehicle is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• When the driver of a vehicle is using a phone or being distracted from the road by something else
• When the driver of a vehicle is exceeding the speed limit and does not have enough time to react.
Road traffic accidents involving cycles or motorcycles
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident on your bike or motorbike, Beecham can help process your traffic accident claim.
Make a claim as a cyclist or motorcyclist
Pedestrian or passenger road traffic accident claims
Get compensation for road traffic accident injury claims sustained as a pedestrian or passenger.
Make a pedestrian or passenger claim
Road traffic accidents involving work vehicles
Careless driving and dangerous parking from those behind the wheel of a work vehicle can cause harm to others.
Make a work vehicle accident claim
Making a road traffic accident claim in Newcastle
Want to make a road traffic accident claim in Newcastle or the wider North East? Beecham can help.
In most instances, your road traffic claim must commence within three years of the accident taking place, or within three years of an injury occurring that was caused by the accident.
One major exception to this is if you were under 18 when the accident occurred. In this instance, you have until your 21st birthday to file a claim.
Gathering evidence is another vital part of making an accurate claim.
You need to have contact details, phone numbers and addresses of all parties involved, as additional testimonials may be required to validate your claim.
Other evidence, in the form of CCTV, dashcam footage or witness statements, are also helpful.
If you are unsure whether you have the basis of a claim, contact us today to find out more about how Beecham Peacock can help.
We may be able to offer a no-win, no-fee car accident claim processing arrangement. Just contact us to learn more.
How much compensation can I get for a road traffic injury claim?
The amount of road traffic compensation available to you will vary in accordance with a number of factors, including:
• The level of the responsible party’s negligence
• The amount of damage caused
• Associated costs of injury and recovery.
Car accident claim experts in Newcastle
At Beecham Peacock, our team of North East traffic accident solicitors have extensive experience winning compensation for car accidents, whether you’re involved as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or third party.
We also offer support for a range of other claims sustained in public, from slips, trips and falls to injuries caused by negligent care of public infrastructure like potholes and paths.
Contact us to make a road traffic accident claim
Have you been involved in a road traffic accident? If you’re unsure whether you have the basis of a claim or simply wish to know more about filing a claim, our friendly team of experts are on hand to help.
Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation chat to learn more about your options.
Call on 0191 232 3048
Email enquire@beechampeacock.co.uk
Visit: 2nd Floor South, New England House, 10 Ridley Place, Newcastle, NE1 8JW
Road traffic accident claim FAQs
-
Are road traffic accident claims the same as car insurance claims?
No – a car insurance claim covers damage to your vehicle, while a road traffic accident claim is compensation for any injuries you sustained due to someone else’s negligence behind the wheel.
-
Can I make a road traffic accident claim against an uninsured driver?
Yes – this can be done through the Motor Insurers Bureau.
-
What if the driver who injured me fled the scene before we could exchange details?
You can still make a claim. There will be attempts made to track down the driver. You should report this to the police immediately to ensure proper documentation.
Evidence of a hit and run can also work in your favour when it comes to compensation, so this could be vital to your claim.
Enquire Now
Why Choose Us
- Over 180 years experience within our team of experts
- Highly qualified staff
- Industry recognition as a leading firm
- Extremely high customer satisfaction feedback
Contact our personal injury specialists today on
0191 232 3048
“A very helpful and clear team that achieved more than satisfactory results.”
– Kylan, D.
Find out more about our Personal Injury Services
