Serious collisions compensation

Serious Collisions Compensation

For getting your life back on track

An accident on the road can be extremely serious, and lead to life-changing injuries for anyone involved. Even a minor accident can lead to complex injuries, but when multiple vehicles or vulnerable road users are involved, the consequences can be even more severe or, in the worst cases, fatal. 

That’s why, at Switalskis, we’re committed to securing compensation for anyone who has been injured because of someone else’s negligence on the road. No matter how carefully you drive, you’re at risk of a serious injury when other people are negligent. We know how significantly a serious collision can impact your life, and we aim to help you put things back on track.

If you've sustained a serious motorcycle or car accident injury, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This can make a big difference to your recovery and, if your injuries have led to a permanent disability or other long-term health problems, car accident compensation can cover the related costs and make things much more comfortable moving forwards.

To find out more about claiming serious collisions compensation, or learn how we can help, call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458, or get in touch through our website.

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How Switalskis can help

After a serious collision, you may be left with a lot to deal with. Along with the difficulties of recovering from your injuries and getting your car, bicycle or equipment repaired, a compensation claim might feel like the last thing you want to deal with. At Switalskis, we understand that perspective. It's why we do as much as we can to make the claims process as simple as possible. We'll do all the work for you, so you can focus on the things that matter most.

A personal injury claim starts with your needs, and the compensation you'll receive will depend on the specifics of your case. With Switalskis, a specialist solicitor from our personal injury claims team will talk through your experience and your injuries to determine whether you're eligible to claim car accident compensation. Then, we'll start to gather evidence that supports your claim and shows how much compensation you're entitled to. This will include any financial losses incurred due to the accident - so, you won't need to pay for vehicle repairs or medical expenses out of your own pocket.

Our approach is founded on empathy and we've stood by many people like you to protect their rights and secure the compensation they were owed. Get in touch with our expert road traffic accident solicitors today to learn more about the claims process and find out how we can help you.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What are the most common types of injuries sustained in serious collisions?

A serious road traffic accident can result in several different types of injuries. The main thing they have in common is that you can usually make a serious injury claim for any of the following types of serious injury, provided they happened in an accident that wasn't your fault:

  • Whiplash injuries: whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries. It results from the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during impact, which strains the muscles and ligaments. Severe cases can lead to chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries: injuries at any point along the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or tetraplegia), or have other significant and lasting impacts.
  • Head and brain injuries: traumatic brain injuries range from concussions to severe brain damage. In the most serious cases, these can affect cognitive functions, memory, and emotional stability for the rest of your life.
  • Broken bones, fractures and crush injuries: fractures and broken bones, including those affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, are common. Recovery can involve surgery, physical therapy, and extended periods of immobility. Crush injuries are often more serious and may result in paralysis or amputation, which can affect many other aspects of your life.
  • Internal injuries: damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, can occur due to the impact or from seatbelt-related trauma. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require extensive medical treatment, long recovery times, or other long-lasting consequences.
  • Chest injuries: injuries to the torso can include rib fractures and damage to the lungs or heart. Blunt force trauma from seatbelts during collisions can result in serious chest injuries that may affect breathing and require long-term care.
  • Psychological injuries: serious road traffic accidents can be scary, and may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, or other psychological effects. Psychological impacts are often included in compensation claims for serious accidents, as they can affect daily life and work capability. This may be claimed on top of any physical injuries sustained in a traumatic accident.
  • Burns and lacerations: accidents that involve fire can cause burns, while severe collisions with broken glass or metal may lead to deep cuts and lacerations. Treatment can include surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term pain management.
  • Soft-tissue injuries: although often less serious than bone or organ damage, soft tissue injuries involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons can still lead to prolonged pain and reduced mobility.

At Switalskis, we know how many different areas of your life may be affected by a serious injury like those listed above, while a significant road traffic accident can lead to a combination of these injuries. That's why we take a comprehensive approach to each person's care, and make sure we consider every aspect of your accident to claim the maximum compensation that you're entitled to.

The road traffic accident claims process

A serious car accident compensation claim can seem like a daunting prospect if you don't know what to expect. Thankfully, it's usually relatively straightforward and your solicitor will handle as much of the process as possible on your behalf. Many road traffic accident claims are settled without court proceedings, which can also make things easier. The typical claims process in these cases is as follows:

Step 1: Initial consultation

We'll start with a free initial consultation where we'll talk about your road traffic accident and any serious injury you sustained as a result. This allows us to assess whether claiming car accident compensation is an option in your situation and, if you decide to claim compensation, we can start the process for you.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

Our road traffic accident solicitors will start to gather evidence that proves that you suffered a serious injury as a result of a car accident or another serious collision. We'll look at your medical records and examine any police reports about the accident. We'll also look to speak to any witnesses who saw the accident or the aftermath and who can back up your version of events.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

When your personal injury solicitor believes your case is strong and your claim is proved, we'll write up the claim and send it to the person we believe was responsible, or their insurance company. They'll have time to investigate before they respond, and we'll handle any communications about your personal injury claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Step 4: Negotiation

Often, the other party will admit liability at this point and we can begin to negotiate over how much compensation you are owed. This is usually fairly straightforward in personal injury claims for road traffic accidents, although it is not a guarantee. Your solicitor will make sure you receive a fair compensation amount based on our calculations about your injuries, and any lost earnings or expenses related to the accident. We'll remain committed to securing the best possible outcome, no matter how your claim plays out.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

If the other driver or negligent party doesn't accept liability, or we can't get them to agree a fair settlement, we may need to take things to court. In these cases, your Switalskis solicitor will represent you and present your case in the strongest possible terms. If you need to appear in court, we'll prepare you for this and make sure you have the support you need.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

If your claim is successful, your compensation will be agreed and you'll receive the money you're owed. In cases where negotiations over the compensation amount are ongoing, our solicitors may be able to secure interim payments for you. This means that you'll get part of your compensation early, before the case concludes.

We'll make sure the other party meets their obligation to pay you and that you have all the support you need in the aftermath of a serious injury. Our priority is not just to deliver expert legal advice and representation, but to help you put your life back on track.

Throughout this process, we'll keep you informed, making sure you’re ready to confront any decisions that need to be made.

Is there a time limit to claim compensation for a serious injury in a collision?

As with all types of personal injury claims, there is a time limit for making a road accident compensation claim in the UK. This is known as the limitation period, and it is generally set at three years from the date of the accident. Alternatively, if you were unaware that you'd been injured at the time of the accident, the limitation period may begin from the point at which your injury was diagnosed or presented with symptoms.

There are some exceptions where time limits are extended or do not apply:

For individuals under the age of 18, the three-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. This means they can make a claim up to the age of 21, or a parent or guardian can claim compensation on their behalf at any time before this.

If the injured person is unable to manage their affairs due to a mental incapacity, the three-year period may not apply until they regain capacity. In these cases, a relevant person may claim compensation on behalf of the person at any point while they lack the mental capacity to do so for themselves.

In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the three-year limitation period generally starts from the date of the person's death (if this is different from the date of the accident). Certain family members or financial dependants may bring a claim for compensation in these cases.

Courts have the discretion to extend the limitation period in exceptional circumstances, but this is very rare. As such, if you're considering making a car accident compensation claim and you don't want to run out of time, it's important to start the process as soon as possible. It is often easier to build and support serious injury claims soon after they occur due to the availability of evidence, which is another reason to start a road traffic accident claim as early as you can.

How much compensation can you get for a serious injury claim?

The amount of compensation you can claim for injuries sustained in a car accident depends on the nature of your injury and any financial losses incurred due to the accident. A compensation payout is typically divided into two main categories:

  • General damages: these compensate for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity resulting from the injury. The amounts awarded depend on the severity and impact of the injuries, based on maximum and minimum compensation guidelines developed by the Judicial College.
  • Special damages: these cover any financial losses that were directly caused by the injury, including:
  • Medical expenses: costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and any future medical care.
  • Loss of earnings: loss of income if you were unable to work during your recovery, and projected future lost income if you are no longer able to work.
  • Care and assistance: costs for care provided by professionals or family members.
  • Adaptations to home or vehicle: expenses related to modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate your injury will be accounted for by compensation.
  • Travel expenses: costs for travelling to medical appointments and treatments.

The total amount awarded in special damages is not just based on actual financial losses, and also takes into account anticipated future needs. For example, if you're likely to need lifelong care, your compensation claim will account for the expected care costs for the rest of your life.

More severe or life-changing injuries that have affected the claimant’s daily life, work, and relationships will lead to higher compensation amounts. On the other hand, if the claimant is found partially responsible for the accident, the compensation may be reduced proportionally.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our serious collisions specialists

photo of Mark Hollinghurst
Mark HollinghurstManaging Director of Personal Injury
Photo of Maria Dallas
Maria DallasAssociate Chartered Legal Executive
photo of Katrina Elsey
Katrina ElseySenior Associate Personal Injury Manager
Photo of Diane Parker
Diane ParkerDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Robert Frost
Robert FrostChartered Legal Executive
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Why Switalskis?

Car accident claims can account for everything you need following an accident that left you with serious injuries. Ultimately, claiming compensation is a way to avoid any financial losses caused by an accident that was someone else's fault and get support with your future. At Switalskis, our approach focuses on the person at the heart of any car accident claim, and is built on the following foundations:

Clarity in complexity

A serious injury claim can be intimidating, especially when you're facing complicated legal language. However, it doesn't need to be difficult - our team will explain everything in the clearest terms and unravel the legal jargon to make sure you understand what's happening with your claim. We'll communicate regularly and be available to answer any questions so you feel empowered to make decisions about your claim.

Empathy at every step

The Switalskis team knows that if you've been injured in a road traffic accident, you may be going through a difficult period of recovery. We don't think of you as a client, but as a person, and we'll take the time to understand your concerns to make sure we tailor our approach to your needs. No matter what you're facing during a serious injury claim, we'll be there to support you.

Expertise you can trust

Successfully claiming compensation for a road traffic accident demands a personal injury solicitor with relevant expertise. The team at Switalskis is recognised for its experience and knowledge of the laws governing personal injury claims, and with our track record of success, we're in a strong position to support you when making a claim.

Championing your rights

If you have the right to claim road traffic accident compensation, you also have the right to be heard. We'll amplify your voice and support you throughout the claims process to make sure your rights are respected during the legal process. Serious injury compensation is part of the path to recovery, and you can trust us to support you along the way.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

A serious collision on the road can lead to severe consequences, both physical and psychological. If you’ve had this experience and are wondering how you’ll cope with the expenses, or what your life will look like following an injury, we can help.


Get in touch with Switalskis today by calling 0800 138 0458 , or reach out via our websiteto talk about your situation and seek expert legal advice.

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