Serious Injury · Road Traffic Accident Claims
Serious Road Traffic Accident Claims
Life-changing injuries from a road accident? PDA Law handles serious RTA compensation claims — no win, no fee.
Specialist solicitors for brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and fatal accident claims arising from road traffic accidents across England and Wales. Part of our Serious Injury Claims services.
This page is for life-changing injuries — not minor whiplash. If you or a family member has suffered a brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, or a fatality has occurred as a result of a road accident, this is the right place to start.
No obligation — free initial assessment. No win, no fee.
This Is Not a Minor Whiplash Claim
The majority of road traffic accident claims involve relatively minor injuries — soft tissue damage, whiplash, short-term pain. Those claims are handled through a fixed-cost portal and typically settle within months.
Serious road traffic accident claims are fundamentally different. They involve life-changing injuries — traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, serious orthopaedic injuries, or fatalities. The consequences are permanent. The financial losses are substantial. The litigation is complex.
Life-changing injuries
Brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, serious orthopaedic injuries — injuries that alter the course of a person's life
High-value claims
Total compensation regularly exceeds £500,000 — often several million pounds in the most severe cases
Complex liability
Uninsured drivers, road defects, multiple vehicles — liability is frequently disputed and requires specialist handling
Serious road traffic accidents are among the most common causes of catastrophic injury in England and Wales. A collision at speed — whether involving a car, HGV, motorcycle, cyclist or pedestrian — can cause injuries that are permanent, life-altering and devastating for the injured person and their family.
At PDA Law, our serious injury solicitors act for clients who have suffered life-changing injuries in road traffic accidents. We handle complex, high-value RTA compensation claims with the expertise and sensitivity they require.
Jonathan Cloudsdale leads our serious injury team. We handle cases where damages are expected to significantly exceed £100,000 — including the most catastrophic and fatal road accident claims.
Types of Road Traffic Accident We Handle
- Car accidents — driver and passenger injury claims, including multi-vehicle collisions
- HGV and lorry accidents — serious injuries caused by heavy goods vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents — high-severity injuries to motorcyclists
- Cyclist accident claims — serious injuries to cyclists caused by vehicle drivers
- Pedestrian accident claims — injuries to pedestrians struck by vehicles
- Fatal road accidents — claims on behalf of bereaved families under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976
Types of Serious Injury Arising from Road Accidents
Establishing Liability in Serious RTA Claims
Liability in serious road traffic accident claims can be more complex than it first appears. We handle three principal categories:
Driver fault
Where another driver caused the accident through negligent driving — speeding, distraction, failure to give way, or driving under the influence. We investigate liability thoroughly, instructing accident reconstruction experts where necessary.
Uninsured and untraced drivers — Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB)
Where the responsible driver was uninsured or fled the scene, claims are brought against the Motor Insurers' Bureau under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement or Untraced Drivers Agreement. Additional procedural requirements apply and must be followed precisely — we handle MIB claims alongside standard insured driver cases.
Road defect claims — highways authority
Where a defective road surface, inadequate signage, or poor road design contributed to the accident, a claim may lie against the relevant highways authority under the Highways Act 1980. These claims require specialist investigation and expert evidence on the condition of the road.
What Compensation Covers
Serious RTA compensation claims include two broad categories of loss:
General Damages
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Loss of mobility and independence
- Psychological impact and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Special Damages
- Past and future care costs
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Adapted accommodation and specialist equipment
- Vehicle adaptations and transport costs
General damages are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). In the most serious cases — particularly those involving brain injury, spinal cord injury or amputation — total compensation regularly exceeds £500,000 and can reach several million pounds when long-term care, loss of earnings and rehabilitation are included.
In catastrophic cases, compensation may be structured as a Periodical Payment Order (PPO) — providing regular, index-linked payments for ongoing care rather than a single lump sum. Where a claimant receives means-tested benefits, a Personal Injury Trust can protect compensation from affecting benefit entitlement.
What You May Be Entitled To
We understand that at this stage, understanding the potential value of your claim is important — both for peace of mind and for planning ahead. The figures below are general damages guidelines from the Judicial College Guidelines (16th Edition), the reference used by courts and insurers across England and Wales.
These figures cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity only. In serious injury cases, the total value of a claim is often substantially higher once special damages are included — past and future care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, specialist equipment and home adaptations.
Every case is different. Jonathan Cloudsdale will give you a realistic, honest assessment of what your specific claim may be worth — at no cost and with no obligation.
Road Traffic Accidents — Orthopaedic Injuries
Severe leg injury (most serious, short of amputation)
£117,460 – £165,860
Permanent disability; significant restriction of function
Severe leg injury (very serious)
£66,920 – £109,290
Very serious injury with lasting consequences
Severe leg injury (serious)
£47,840 – £66,920
Serious fractures with significant ongoing disability
Moderate leg injury
£33,880 – £47,840
Significant fractures with incomplete recovery
Severe knee injury (i) — arthroplasty needed
£85,100 – £117,410
Disruption of joint requiring knee replacement
Severe knee injury (ii) — fracture into joint
£63,610 – £85,100
Leg fracture extending into knee joint
Moderate knee injury
£18,110 – £31,960
Dislocation, torn cartilage or meniscal damage
Severe neck injury (i) — associated paraplegia
Around £181,020
Associated with incomplete paraplegia
Severe neck injury (ii) — fractures/brachial plexus
£80,240 – £159,770
Serious fractures with brachial plexus damage
Moderate neck injury (i) — spinal fusion
£30,500 – £46,970
Fractures or dislocations requiring spinal fusion
Severe shoulder injury (brachial plexus)
£23,430 – £58,610
Brachial plexus damage with significant disability
Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff)
£15,580 – £23,430
Dislocation or rotator cuff damage
Severe ankle injury
£61,090 – £85,070
Very severe ankle injury with lasting disability
Serious ankle injury
£38,210 – £61,090
Serious ankle injury with significant ongoing symptoms
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe leg injury (most serious, short of amputation) | £117,460 – £165,860 | Permanent disability; significant restriction of function |
| Severe leg injury (very serious) | £66,920 – £109,290 | Very serious injury with lasting consequences |
| Severe leg injury (serious) | £47,840 – £66,920 | Serious fractures with significant ongoing disability |
| Moderate leg injury | £33,880 – £47,840 | Significant fractures with incomplete recovery |
| Severe knee injury (i) — arthroplasty needed | £85,100 – £117,410 | Disruption of joint requiring knee replacement |
| Severe knee injury (ii) — fracture into joint | £63,610 – £85,100 | Leg fracture extending into knee joint |
| Moderate knee injury | £18,110 – £31,960 | Dislocation, torn cartilage or meniscal damage |
| Severe neck injury (i) — associated paraplegia | Around £181,020 | Associated with incomplete paraplegia |
| Severe neck injury (ii) — fractures/brachial plexus | £80,240 – £159,770 | Serious fractures with brachial plexus damage |
| Moderate neck injury (i) — spinal fusion | £30,500 – £46,970 | Fractures or dislocations requiring spinal fusion |
| Severe shoulder injury (brachial plexus) | £23,430 – £58,610 | Brachial plexus damage with significant disability |
| Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff) | £15,580 – £23,430 | Dislocation or rotator cuff damage |
| Severe ankle injury | £61,090 – £85,070 | Very severe ankle injury with lasting disability |
| Serious ankle injury | £38,210 – £61,090 | Serious ankle injury with significant ongoing symptoms |
Your claim may be worth significantly more than the figures above.
Special damages — care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, equipment and home adaptations — are calculated individually and often substantially exceed the general damages figure. Speak to Jonathan Cloudsdale for a realistic, confidential assessment.
Source: Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 16th Edition. Figures are for general damages only and are subject to judicial discretion. Correct as at publication date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compensation
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“I suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures when a lorry pulled out without warning. PDA Law handled every aspect of my serious injury claim — securing interim payments for my rehabilitation and ultimately a settlement that reflected the full, life-changing impact of my injuries.”
Sarah L.
Serious RTA claimant — traumatic brain injury, Chester
Testimonials reflect individual client experiences. Results may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
The Serious RTA Claims Process
Free initial assessment
We review the circumstances of the accident, the nature of the injuries and the prospects of a successful claim. We advise you honestly on liability, quantum and funding — at no cost and with no obligation.
Investigation and interim payments
We gather evidence — police reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction — and notify the defendant's insurers. Where liability is admitted or likely to be established, we apply for interim payments to fund immediate rehabilitation and care needs.
Expert evidence and valuation
We instruct leading medical experts — neurologists, spinal surgeons, rehabilitation specialists — alongside care experts and financial loss experts to build a comprehensive picture of the full value of your claim.
Settlement or trial
Most serious RTA claims settle by negotiation or at a joint settlement meeting. Where the defendant disputes liability or quantum, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We keep you informed and in control throughout.
Interim Payments — Funds Before Settlement
Serious RTA claims can take time to resolve — particularly where injuries are still evolving or liability is disputed. You do not have to wait until settlement to receive financial support. Where liability is admitted or likely to be established, we can apply for an interim payment to fund immediate needs.
- Immediate rehabilitation at a specialist centre
- Care costs and support workers
- Specialist equipment and home adaptations
- Lost earnings during recovery
- Vehicle adaptations and transport
Securing early interim payments is a priority in every serious RTA case we handle. It can make a critical difference to the injured person's recovery and quality of life.
Why PDA Law for Serious Road Traffic Accident Claims
Serious road traffic accident claims require a different level of expertise from standard RTA work. The injuries are more severe, the financial losses are greater, the expert evidence is more complex, and the stakes — for the injured person and their family — are far higher.
Our serious injury team, led by Jonathan Cloudsdale, handles high-value RTA claims involving brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, serious orthopaedic injuries and fatalities. We instruct leading consultant experts, work with specialist case managers and rehabilitation coordinators, and pursue interim payments as a priority.
We handle MIB claims — against both uninsured and untraced drivers — alongside standard insured driver cases. We also pursue highways authority claims where road defects contributed to the accident.
We are transparent about costs and funding from the outset. All serious RTA claims are handled on a Conditional Fee Agreement (no win, no fee) basis, with After the Event insurance to protect against adverse costs.
We handle cases where damages are expected to significantly exceed £100,000.
Serious Road Traffic Accident Claims — Key Information
A serious road traffic accident claim covers life-changing injuries arising from car accidents, HGV collisions, motorcycle accidents, cyclist injuries and pedestrian accidents. Our serious injury solicitors handle traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and fatal accident claims arising from road accidents across England and Wales.
Where the responsible driver was uninsured, claims are brought through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Where road defects contributed to the accident, claims may lie against the highways authority. Contributory negligence does not prevent a claim — it reduces compensation proportionately.
Time limits apply — generally three years from the date of the accident. Evidence including dashcam footage, witness statements and accident investigation reports deteriorates quickly. Acting early is essential.
All serious RTA claims are handled on a conditional fee agreement — no upfront costs, nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. General damages are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines. In high-value cases, the larger elements are typically the financial losses: care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation and specialist equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim if the other driver was uninsured?
Yes. If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) under the Uninsured Drivers Agreement. The MIB exists specifically to compensate victims of uninsured and untraceable drivers — you are not left without recourse simply because the responsible driver had no insurance. If the driver fled the scene and cannot be identified, a separate claim can be made under the MIB's Untraced Drivers Agreement. Additional procedural requirements apply to MIB claims, and we handle these alongside standard insured driver cases.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Contributory negligence does not prevent you from claiming — it reduces your compensation by the percentage you are found to be at fault. If you were 25% responsible and your claim is valued at £400,000, you would receive £300,000. In practice, fault is frequently disputed, and establishing the correct apportionment between parties is one of the central tasks in serious injury litigation. We assess contributory negligence carefully as part of our initial case review and give you a realistic picture of how it affects the overall value of your claim.
How long do I have to make a serious road traffic accident claim?
The standard limitation period is three years from the date of the accident. If you were not immediately aware that negligence caused your injuries, the period runs from the date you gained that awareness — known as the "date of knowledge". For children injured in road traffic accidents, the three-year period does not begin until their 18th birthday. Where the injured person lacks mental capacity, the limitation period may be suspended indefinitely. We strongly advise contacting us as early as possible — evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements and accident investigation reports deteriorates quickly.
Can I claim for a family member killed in a road accident?
Yes. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, qualifying dependants can bring a dependency claim for loss of financial support and services the deceased provided. A statutory bereavement award is also available to a limited class of claimants — spouses, civil partners, and in some cases parents of unmarried children under 18. Separately, the estate of the deceased can bring a claim under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 for losses suffered between the accident and death. Fatal accident claims are among the most complex in serious injury litigation, and we have considerable experience guiding bereaved families through the process with care and sensitivity.
What compensation can I expect for serious injuries from a road traffic accident?
This depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and the financial losses flowing from them. In high-value road traffic accident claims — those involving brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation or other life-changing outcomes — total compensation regularly exceeds £500,000 and can reach several million pounds in the most severe cases. General damages for the injury itself are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines. In serious cases, the larger elements are typically the financial losses: long-term care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, adapted accommodation and specialist equipment. PDA Law handles cases where damages are expected to significantly exceed £100,000.
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Your Specialist Solicitor
Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Claims & Personal Injury
Jonathan has over 10 years' specialist experience in complex personal injury, military claims, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. He has achieved multiple six-figure settlements in high-value cases.
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