Road Traffic Accident Solicitors in Cheltenham
Legal Advice and Representation for People Injured in Road Traffic Accidents
Specialist Legal Advice on Road Traffic Accidents
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Road traffic accident claims are governed by specific legal principles, and the steps taken early in the process can have a significant impact on liability, evidence, and the overall outcome of a claim.
We advise individuals in Cheltenham and across England and Wales who have been injured as drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians. Our role is to explain your legal position clearly, assess whether a claim can be brought, and guide you through the process in a structured and transparent way.
We also assist clients nationwide, providing advice either in person or remotely where appropriate.
When a Road Traffic Accident Claim May Arise
A road traffic accident claim may arise where injuries have been caused by another person’s negligence. This may include careless or reckless driving, failure to comply with traffic signals, excessive speed, poor observation, or unsafe manoeuvres.
Claims are not limited to collisions involving cars. They may also arise from accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, public transport, or commercial vehicles. Each case is assessed on its individual facts, taking into account how the accident occurred and the available evidence.
When you may be able to make a claim
Road traffic accident claims usually begin by gathering information about how the accident occurred and the injuries sustained. This may include reviewing accident details, medical records, and any available evidence.
Your solicitor will then contact the other party or their insurer to set out the claim. Many claims are resolved through negotiation without the need for court proceedings. Where matters cannot be resolved, further steps may be required.
Throughout the process, your solicitor will explain what is happening, what information is needed, and what to expect at each stage.
Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims
We advise on a wide range of road traffic accident claims, including:
Collisions involving cars, vans, or motorcycles
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents
Accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers
Rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions
Accidents caused by poor road conditions or reduced visibility
The circumstances of the accident will determine who may be legally responsible and whether a claim can be pursued.
Proving Fault and Liability
To succeed in a road traffic accident claim, it must be shown that another party was at fault. This may involve reviewing accident reports, witness statements, photographs, dashcam footage, and vehicle damage.
In some cases, liability may be admitted at an early stage. In others, responsibility may be disputed or shared between parties. We assess the available evidence carefully and provide realistic advice on prospects of success before a claim progresses.
Compensation and What a Claim May Include
Compensation in a road traffic accident claim is intended to reflect the impact the accident has had on your life. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, as well as financial losses arising from the injury.
A claim may include consideration of medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of earnings, travel expenses, and ongoing symptoms. The value of a claim depends on the nature of the injuries and their long-term effects, which are assessed using medical evidence and recognised guidelines.
Time Limits for Road Traffic Accident Claims
Strict time limits apply to road traffic accident claims. In most cases, a claim must be started within three years of the date of the accident or the date the injury was first identified.
Different rules may apply in cases involving children or individuals who lack mental capacity. We explain how time limits apply to your circumstances and ensure claims are brought within the required period.
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Common questions about road traffic accidents
How do I know if I have a valid road traffic accident claim?
You may have a valid claim if you were injured in a road traffic accident that was caused, wholly or partly, by another road user. This includes accidents involving cars, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians, or passengers.
A claim does not require the accident to be entirely the other person’s fault. If another party contributed to what happened, even in part, a claim may still be possible. A solicitor can review the circumstances and advise whether responsibility can be established.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
If you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still be able to make a claim. In these cases, compensation is usually reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
For example, if you were found to be 25% responsible, your compensation would typically be reduced by that amount. Each case is assessed on its own facts, and responsibility is often negotiated between insurers.
Do I need medical evidence to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. This time limit is strict.
There are exceptions, such as claims involving children, where the time limit works differently. Because deadlines are fixed, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible, even if you are unsure about proceeding.
How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?
If agreement cannot be reached, there are still options available. A solicitor can help progress matters through further negotiation or, where necessary, by making an application to the court.
Court proceedings are usually a last resort, but they can provide a clear outcome where disputes cannot be resolved in any other way. Throughout the process, your solicitor will explain what to expect and support you at each stage.
What compensation can I claim for?
Compensation is usually made up of two parts. The first relates to pain, injury, and recovery. The second covers financial losses caused by the accident.
This can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Each claim is assessed individually based on how the accident has affected you.
Advice in Cheltenham and Across England and Wales
We advise clients on road traffic accident claims in Cheltenham, across Gloucestershire, and throughout England and Wales. Advice can be provided in person at our Cheltenham office or remotely by telephone or video call where appropriate.
Speak to a Solicitor
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident and would like advice on making a claim, our solicitors are here to help. We provide clear, practical guidance focused on helping you recover fair compensation.
To speak to one of our solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA
If you have any questions before visiting or would prefer remote advice, please contact us by phone.