Road traffic accidents remain a serious concern across the UK. In 2024, they injured an estimated 128,375 people in Britain. Many of those injured in an accident faced medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about their legal rights.
Despite a 3% year-on-year drop in total injuries, fatalities rose to 1,633, more than four lives lost each day. Behind these figures are real people who suffer physical harm, financial pressure, and lasting disruption. Motorcycle rider fatalities increased by 9%, even though overall rider injuries declined.
Men accounted for 76% of fatalities and 61% of casualties, highlighting how road risk remains uneven across the UK.
In 2024, motor insurers paid a record £11.7 billion in claims. However, false information discourages people from seeking road traffic accident compensation, even when they share some responsibility.
Regulated No Win No Fee arrangements keep access to justice affordable, but uncertainty about costs still prevents valid claims. Claim Time Solicitors provides experienced representation for road traffic, workplace, and public liability claims, guiding clients through evidence, negotiation, and funding with transparency.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways:
- Road traffic accidents affect over 128,000 people yearly, yet misinformation still prevents valid claims
- Believing you cannot claim due to partial fault is a major risk to your compensation
- UK law allows shared responsibility, meaning you can still recover reduced compensation
- Expecting a perfect case delays action and weakens your ability to build strong evidence
- Most claims settle out of court, with over 90% resolved through negotiation
- No Win No Fee arrangements remove financial barriers but require a clear understanding
- Early legal advice helps challenge myths, protect your rights, and maximise your outcome
Myth 1: If you were partly at fault, you can’t claim
This is one of the most damaging misconceptions. Under UK law, liability is not always absolute. Through contributory negligence, the courts recognise shared responsibility.
Many people feel guilty after an accident, especially if they believe they made a mistake. However, you can still recover compensation, even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of responsibility will reduce the amount you receive. Not wearing a seatbelt, for instance, may increase your share of fault, but it does not automatically prevent you from making a claim.
A driver who speeds slightly may carry 25% responsibility for an accident. If another driver runs a red light, the first driver can still recover 75% of the compensation.
Myth 2: You must have a perfect case
In practice, no claim is entirely perfect. Many successful claims involve grey areas around fault. Some people also believe they don’t need a solicitor if the facts seem straightforward. However, UK courts and insurers recognise that accidents can be complex.
The key is to gather strong evidence, such as witness statements, CCTV footage, or medical reports. Experienced personal injury solicitors know how to build strong cases, even when the other party disputes liability. At Claim Time Solicitors, we thoroughly investigate your case and represent you professionally.
Myth 3: Employers aren’t responsible for road traffic accidents
This myth stems from confusion around workplace accident liability rules. Employers owe a legal duty of care to employees who drive for work. This applies when employees make deliveries or attend client meetings. This duty can require proper vehicle training, clear road safety policies, and safe working schedules.
If an employer breaches those duties and a collision occurs, workplace accident law may apply. In that situation, your employer or their insurer may be responsible for your losses.
Myth 4: Making a claim means going to court
Most people imagine years of stress in the courtroom. In the UK, insurance companies settle more than 90% of road traffic accident claims out of court through negotiation. Because most cases resolve this way, early legal guidance can help ensure negotiations remain focused and fair.
Claim Time Solicitors aim to resolve matters quickly and amicably. If court proceedings become necessary, we guide clients through every step and work to secure the best possible outcome.
Myth 5: No Win No Fee is too good to be true
“No win No Fee” (officially called a Conditional Fee Agreement) is a fully legitimate, regulated way to access justice. It means you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. At Claim Time Solicitors, we eliminate hidden costs, ensuring complete transparency. This means financial worries should never prevent you from making a claim.
How compensation works with shared fault
The amount you receive reflects your level of responsibility. Courts typically reduce payouts by your percentage of fault.
So:
- 20% at fault → You still keep 80% of your compensation
- 50% at fault → You still recover half
- Even a high partial fault doesn’t erase your rights.
Use our Claim Value Estimator to get an early idea of your potential compensation before speaking to a solicitor.
Client’s story
Take Sarah, a commuter injured when she collided with another car at a junction. She faced a 30% responsibility for speeding up on amber, while the other driver ran a red light. The total value of Sarah’s damages was £50,000.
With contributory negligence applied, she still secured £35,000, enough to cover treatment, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs. Without challenging the “you can’t claim” myth, she would have lost out on a life-changing sum.
What to do if you’re involved in a road traffic accident
Take the right steps early after a road traffic accident to protect your health and your position in the claim process.
- Seek medical attention and keep all records
- Report to the police if required
- Gather evidence (photos, dashcam footage, witness details)
- Inform your insurer
- Seek legal advice immediately
Even if you believe fault lies with you, only a solicitor can properly assess liability under UK law. Use our Claim Checker to confirm whether you have a valid claim, and seek advice promptly to protect your position.
How Claim Time Solicitors help
As a specialist law firm handling road traffic accident claims, Claim Time Solicitors:
- Investigate liability in depth to maximise your compensation
- Handle negotiations with insurers so you don’t get pressured into accepting less
- Provide No Win No Fee funding to reduce financial risk
- Offer compassionate, expert-led support throughout your recovery
Don’t let myths cost you what you deserve
The real danger after a road traffic accident is not only the pain or the paperwork. Myths can lead people to walk away without compensation. Experienced legal support can make the difference, especially in shared-fault cases.
You can start your claim with no upfront cost under a No Win No Fee arrangement. Contact us today for a free consultation and take control of your next steps.
FAQs
Will I still get compensation if I was partly to blame?
Yes. You can still claim compensation under contributory negligence. However, your share of fault will reduce the amount you receive. Compensation is available when an accident results from someone else’s negligence, even if you share some responsibility.
Will I have to go to court?
Unlikely. Parties settle the majority of claims long before a trial becomes necessary.
Can I use No Win No Fee?
Yes. Most people fund their personal injury claims this way, which makes justice more affordable.
Could I lose my job for making a claim?
No. By law, you cannot be dismissed for exercising your right to claim compensation after an accident.