5 myths about road traffic accident claims that could cost you thousands

Here’s a cold, uncomfortable truth: in 2024, an estimated 128,375 people were hurt on Britain’s roads, that’s a full Wembley Stadium of casualties, even after a 3% drop year-on-year in total injuries. but fatalities still edged up to 1,633, more than four lives lost every day, despite fewer overall injuries. Motorcyclist fatalities rose by 9% in 2024 while motorcyclist casualties fell by 6%, highlighting how exposure risk translates into disproportionate harm for riders even when collisions decline. Men accounted for 76% of fatalities and 61% of all casualties, underscoring how risk is unevenly distributed on UK roads.

Insurers paid a record £11.7 billion on motor claims in 2024, a scale that makes misinformation and “don’t bother claiming” myths particularly costly for injured people weighing up their options. One persistent myth, “partly at fault means no compensation,” is simply wrong under UK law: compensation is typically reduced in line with assessed responsibility rather than wiped out entirely, which is why getting early legal advice is critical when liability is disputed.

Regulated no win no fee arrangements exist to keep access to justice affordable, yet uncertainty about fees and court risk still puts many off starting a perfectly valid claim. Claim Time Solicitors offers experienced, no win no fee representation for road traffic, workplace, and public liability claims, guiding clients through evidence, negotiations, and funding transparently so valid claims aren’t abandoned due to myths or confusion.

What’s in this Blog

• The top five myths about road traffic accident claims
• How compensation works with shared fault
• Client’s story & What to do after an accident (even if you think you were at fault)
• How claim time solicitors help
• Don’t let myths steal what’s rightfully yours
• FAQs

Myth 1: If you were partly at fault, you can’t claim

This is one of the most damaging misconceptions. In UK law, liability isn’t black and white. Through contributory negligence, the courts recognise shared responsibility. That means even if you were partly at fault, you may still recover compensation; it will simply be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if a driver is found 25% responsible for an accident because they were speeding slightly, but another driver ran a red light, that person could still recover 75% of their award.

Myth 2: You must have a perfect case

There is no such thing as a “perfect” claim. In fact, many successful claims involve grey areas around fault. UK courts and insurers understand that accidents can be complex. The key is gathering strong evidence such as witness statements, CCTV, or medical reports. Claim Time Solicitors specialise in building robust cases even where liability is contested, ensuring your side of the story is properly represented.

Myth 3: Employers aren’t responsible for road traffic accidents

This myth stems from confusing workplace accident liability rules. If you were driving for work, say making deliveries or attending client meetings, your employer still has an employer duty of care to keep you safe. That may mean providing proper vehicle training, road safety policies, or safe schedules. If those duties are breached and a collision happens, workplace accident law can apply, and 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. The reality? Over 90% of road traffic accident claims in the UK are settled out of court through negotiations with insurers. Claim Time Solicitors aim to resolve matters quickly and amicably, but if court is necessary, we guide clients through every step and fight tirelessly for the best 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 high partial fault doesn’t erase your rights.

Client’s story

Take Sarah, a commuter injured when she collided with another car at a junction. She was found 30% responsible because she sped up on amber, but the other driver ran a red light. Sarah’s damages totalled £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 after an accident

• 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.

How Claim Time Solicitors help

At Claim Time Solicitors, we:

• 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 steal what’s rightfully yours

The true danger after a road traffic accident isn’t just the pain or the paperwork, it’s the myths that convince people to stay silent and walk away empty-handed. At Claim Time Solicitors, we’ve stood beside thousands of clients and fought for their rights, even in the toughest, shared-fault cases.

You don’t have to face this alone, and you don’t have to risk a penny to get started. With our no win no fee promise, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t let fear or doubt cost you your future. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and take back the control you deserve.

FAQs