If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be giving thought to claiming compensation. But before you get the ball rolling with a personal injury claim, it can be beneficial first to get an idea of what the process entails to make your experience of pursuing compensation smoother. Read on to learn more about how a car accident compensation calculator can help.
Key Takeaways
- All road users have a responsibility to each other to avoid causing harm and damage to one another.
- You could receive compensation for your injuries and their financial impact.
- Claims can be made on behalf of loved ones in certain circumstances.
- Car accident claims can be supported with many kinds of evidence, including medical records and witness statements.
- An expert solicitor from our panel could help you with your claim by using a type of No Win No Fee agreement.
We detail these topics and more below. You can also get a free assessment of your personal injury compensation claim from our advisors if you get in touch. Or for any general questions about how to use a car accident compensation calculator:
- Call 0800 408 7826.
- Contact us online.
- Ask questions through live chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Car Accident Compensation Calculator
- How Is The Value Of A Car Accident Claim Calculated?
- How The Whiplash Reform Programme 2021 Impacts My Claim
- Can I Make A Car Accident Compensation Claim?
- If I Didn’t Wear A Seatbelt, Would That Impact My Compensation?
- Am I Able To Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
- How Long Will I Have To Start A Claim After A Car Accident?
- What Evidence Will I Need To Start A Car Accident Claim?
- How Can A No Win No Fee Car Accident Solicitor Help Me?
- More Information
Car Accident Compensation Calculator
A car accident compensation calculator is a tool that can provide you with a rough estimate for the physical, psychological, and financial harm you have experienced. You can try our compensation calculator for yourself right now (on the left) and see how it applies to your particular circumstances. It will ask you a series of questions and produce a corresponding result. These queries centre on various aspects of claiming, such as how you were harmed and who was at fault for your injuries.
The calculation process often starts by looking at medical evidence. Those involved in assessing the potential value of someone’s injuries may also consult with the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication is useful in this respect as it provides an index of suggested compensation brackets for various injuries based on their severity.
Below is an excerpt from the JCG. Please bear in mind that these brackets are included here only for guidance. Also, the first line shown below is not from this publication.
Compensation Guidelines
| Injuries | Severity | Compensation Guidelines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| More Than 1 Type of Very Severe Injury With Financial Losses | Very Severe | Up to £1 million plus | Awards this size reflect multiple very severe injuries and financial loss, such as the cost of professional care, private medical treatment and lost income. |
| Head/Brain | Very Severe | £344,150 increasing to £493,000 | At the top of bracket, there will be some ability to follow basic instructions but the person will need full-time nursing care. |
| Moderate (iii) | £52,550 increasing to £110,720 | Cases where memory and concentration are impacted and there is a reduced ability to work. | |
| Back | Severe (i) | £111,150 increasing to £196,450 | The most severe nerve root and spinal cord damage, causing severe pain and disability. |
| Moderate (ii) | £15,260 increasing to £33,880 | Cases of disturbed muscles and ligaments that cause backache feature in this bracket, as do soft tissue injuries that speed-up or exacerbate an existing back condition (typically by 5 or more years). | |
| Leg | Severe (ii) Very Serious | £66,920 increasing to £109,290 | Bracket covers injuries that cause permanent mobility problems and require walking aids or crutches for the rest of a claimant's life. |
| Knee | Severe (ii) | £63,610 increasing to £85,100 | Fractures of the leg that carry on through into the knee joint, causing constant pain that is permanent and limits movement (or impairs agility). |
| Pelvis/Hip | Severe (iii) | £47,810 increasing to £64,070 | Includes acetabulum fractures that lead to degenerative changes and instability in the leg, necessitating an osteotomy and making a future hip replacement likely. |
| Neck | Moderate (i) | £30,500 increasing to £46,970 | Bracket features dislocations and fractures that result in immediately severe symptoms and may necessitate spinal fusion surgery. |
| Shoulder | Serious | £15,580 increasing to £23,430 | Shoulder dislocations and damage to lower region of the brachial plexus, leading to pain in neck/shoulder, sensory issues in forearm/hand, amongst other issues. |
Call, email or use live chat to speak with one of our advisors to learn more about using a car accident compensation calculator.
How Is The Value Of A Car Accident Claim Calculated?
The value of a car accident claim is calculated by looking at general and special damages. General damages are the starting point for compensation, as they cover a claimant’s injuries. These damages evaluate various factors, including:
- The severity and extent of the injuries.
- The future prognosis and recovery time.
- Any permanent disability that has developed.
- The broader impact on the person’s life or loss in pleasurable activities (‘loss of amenity’).
Special damages calculate the financial harm caused by the injury. Any loss must have documented proof in order to be included under special damages. For example:
- Payslips to prove missed wages. You may also be able to claim for missed work bonuses, future loss of earnings, and pension contributions.
- Invoices for private medical treatments and mental health support or receipts for prescription charges.
- Estimates and invoices detailing any adaptations made to your home and car.
- Bank statements recording the purchase of specialist equipment like wheelchairs or support from professional carers.
- Tickets and receipts for essential travel to attend medical appointments.
You don’t need to face the task of gathering evidence by yourself. If you work with one of the solicitors from our panel, you could get help tracking down the documentation you need to claim for special damages. Call our advisory team today, and they can take it from there.
How The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 Impacts My Claim
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 may impact your claim if it meets certain conditions:
- You were injured as the driver or passenger of a vehicle.
- You are 18 or over.
- The injuries are valued at £5,000 or less.
These changes were introduced under the Whiplash Reform Programme (WRP), which affected how some road traffic accident claims are made in England and Wales. As part of these reforms, a fixed tariff was also introduced to cover whiplash injuries. You can see how this tariff works below:
| Duration | Amount Under Regulation 2 (a) (a) | Amount Under Regulation 2 (1) (b) |
|---|---|---|
| No more than 3 months | £240 | £260 |
| Between 3 - 6 months | £495 | £520 |
| Between 6 - 9 months | £840 | £895 |
| Between 9 - 12 months | £1,320 | £1,390 |
| Between 12 - 15 months | £2,040 | £2,125 |
| Between 15 - 18 months | £3,005 | £3,100 |
| Between 18 - 24 months | £4,215 | £4,345 |
However, if you suffered multiple injuries in the accident, they can be valued in the usual way. If this takes the total over £5,000, the whiplash part of the claim might still be valued using the fixed tariff. Try our whiplash claim calculator or connect with an advisor for free guidance.
Can I Make A Car Accident Compensation Claim?
You can make a car accident compensation claim if the following can be shown:
- Another road user owed you a duty of care.
- They acted in a way that breached this duty of care.
- You suffered injury as a result.
A duty of care is a responsibility that governs the obligations third parties have towards others. In the context of road users, this involves travelling in such a way as to avoid harm or damage to one another (as well as to themselves). All motorists owe this duty of care to each other, as do other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. To meet it fully, they must adhere to the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA) and the Highway Code.
What If I Was Hit By An Uninsured Driver Or A Stolen Vehicle?
If you were hit by an uninsured driver or a stolen vehicle, the process for making a compensation claim differs. In such situations, you may need to claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a not-for-profit that was set up to compensate people who have been involved in accidents caused by such drivers.
They assess claims on a case-by-case basis and can also help if the other motorist fled the scene. Claims can be submitted online, and a solicitor can advise throughout the process. You can get more guidance on claiming via the MIB by speaking with one of our advisors.
If I Didn’t Wear A Seatbelt, Would That Impact My Compensation?
Your compensation might be impacted if you didn’t wear a seatbelt, but you may still be able to claim. Not only is there a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt, but it could be argued during a claim that not using one means you partly contributed to your injuries.
If you were not wearing a seat belt or didn’t have an exemption certificate, your claim may be assessed on the basis of contributory negligence. As a result, your compensation might be reduced to the level of responsibility you are found to have for your injuries.
For example, if another motorist was speeding above the legal limit and collided with you, they are at fault. Even though you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, the injuries were partly due to the other driver. However, if you were deemed to be 25% liable, the courts would award 75% of the compensation that would have applied for that injury settlement.
Call our team of advisors to learn more about contributory negligence and how it might apply to our car accident compensation calculator.
Am I Able To Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, you are able to claim on behalf of a loved one by acting as a litigation friend. The courts can appoint a relative or responsible party to act for 2 main groups who cannot claim independently of someone else:
- Minors (those under the age of 18).
- People who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.
In addition to family members, litigation friends can include guardians, friends, a solicitor, or a person with power of attorney. No matter which adult fills the role, they must demonstrate they have no conflict of interest. A litigation friend carries out all the essential aspects of the claim and acts in the person’s best interests.
Fatal Car Accident Claims
In cases involving fatal car accident claims, certain relatives may be able to seek compensation for the impact of losing a loved one. However, the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 (LRMPA) states that only the estate can bring a claim for the first 6 months after the death. This is for the deceased’s pain, suffering, and financial losses. At this point, a claim can also be made for any dependants.
After the 6-month window, qualifying relatives can seek compensation if the estate doesn’t file a claim on their behalf. This claim, made possible by the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 (FAA), is for how a loved one’s death has impacted them. Dependants can include:
- Current or former husbands, wives or civil partners.
- Anyone who resided with the deceased as a partner for at least 24 months prior to death.
- The ascendants or descendants of the deceased, or those treated as such, like step-children/parents from prior marriages or civil partnerships.
- Brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles (or any of their children).
Compensation can also cover funeral costs and any loss of income that the family relied upon. Loss of services in the home, like DIY or childcare, can also be assessed. Additionally, fatal accident claims can reflect the unquantifiable impact of losing a special person. Qualifying relatives can also seek a bereavement award from the government of £15,120.
If you would like help to understand fatal injury claims or any aspect of using a car accident compensation calculator, get in touch at any time throughout the week.
How Long Will I Have To Start A Claim After A Car Accident?
The Limitation Act 1980 sets out a 3-year time limit in which to start a claim after a car accident. This begins from the accident date in most cases. Exceptions apply for mentally incapacitated adults and children, as neither can claim for themselves (as discussed earlier in this guide):
- Claimants who are children are not subject to a time limit. Instead, the 3-year limitation period starts from the date of their 18th birthday.
- Time limits are paused indefinitely for those with a reduced mental capacity. The 3-year deadline begins from the date their mental capacity returns, if it does.
During the period that time limits are paused, a litigation friend can act on someone’s behalf and start a claim. You can refer to our earlier section for further details on this role or reach out to one of our advisors. They will also be happy to chat about time limits and any questions you may have about using a car accident compensation calculator.
What Evidence Will I Need To Start A Car Accident Claim?
To start a car accident claim, you will need evidence showing how you sustained injuries due to a road user breaching their duty of care. So with this in mind, the following is useful to collect together if you can:
- Photos or videos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
- The registration number, make and model of the other vehicle, as well as the driver’s contact details.
- CCTV or dashcam footage of the accident.
- The contact details of any witnesses so that a solicitor may reach out to obtain statements for your case.
- Copies of your medical records. These can include details about your injuries and prognosis, as well as X-rays and other scans.
- If the emergency services responded, you can also use copies of any accident reports that were made.
- All correspondence with the other driver, their insurance provider, and other relevant parties.
- A personal diary of events, treatments, and your psychological state.
At this point, it can be a good idea to seek the support of a solicitor. If you work with one of the solicitors from our panel, you will benefit from their wealth of experience gathering evidence on behalf of clients across the country. Simply call our advisory team to find out more or to discuss how to use a personal injury claim calculator.
How Can A No Win No Fee Car Accident Solicitor Help Me?
A No Win No Fee car accident solicitor can help you seek compensation by streamlining the claims process with a high-quality service tailored to your unique circumstances. No matter where you are based in the UK, a solicitor from our panel will use their expertise to guide you through your road traffic accident claim. Amongst other services, they will:
- Explain legal jargon and how to build a strong case.
- Help you collect evidence, such as witness statements or medical reports.
- Organise an independent medical assessment to provide a clear picture of your injuries and strengthen your claim.
- Put you in touch with specialist services to support your rehabilitation and recovery.
- Expertly negotiate a settlement on your behalf that fairly reflects your pain and suffering.
These services are provided through a type of No Win No Fee contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is an excellent option when hiring a solicitor as it means:
- No upfront solicitor fees to pay.
- No solicitor’s fee is charged as the claim progresses.
- No solicitor fees apply for finished work on a claim if it is unsuccessful.
If the claim wins, a small, legally restricted percentage of your compensation goes to the solicitor as a success fee. This is payment for their services and is pre-agreed, ensuring there are no surprises if you win.
Contact Compensation Calculator UK
Why not contact our advisory team now to chat over your claim? In addition to answering any questions about using a car accident compensation calculator, they could direct you to one of the solicitors from our panel. Get started today through the details provided below:
- Call 0800 408 7826 to see if you can claim compensation.
- Contact us online.
- Ask questions through live chat.
More Information
The focus of this guide was on learning more about using our compensation calculator. You can read other useful information in these guides:
- This guide looks at pedestrian accident claims.
- Here we explore the recent changes to the Highway Code in more detail.
- Also, read about how a passenger car accident settlement calculator works.
External resources to help:
- This link explains how to access copies of your medical records.
- Read how to request CCTV footage of yourself after an accident.
- Lastly, here is a link to information about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from gov.uk.
Thanks for your interest in how to use a car accident compensation calculator, and please get in touch for free, personalised advice.
