How Car Accident Settlements Work in England: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering:
"How do car accident settlements actually work?"

At Inson Legal Limited, I specialise in helping people across Bolton, Wigan, Stockport, Oldham, Greater Manchester and Lancashire recover the compensation they deserve after being injured on the road. Whether you're a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, here’s what you need to know.

🔍 Step 1: Establishing Who Was At Fault

To begin your claim, we must prove that another party was legally responsible for the accident. This could be:

• A careless driver (e.g. speeding, failing to give way, rear-ending you)

• An uninsured or hit-and-run driver

• Poor road conditions caused by a local authority

• A vehicle defect caused by a manufacturer or garage

Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be entitled to a reduced settlement. I’ll give you honest, clear advice from the start.

📑 Step 2: Gathering the Evidence

Strong evidence is key to a successful car accident settlement. I help you gather:

• Police reports and reference numbers

• Witness statements

• Photos of the scene and vehicle damage

• Dashcam footage (if available)

• Medical records

• Proof of expenses and lost income

The sooner you act, the easier it is to build a strong case.

🧑‍⚕️ Step 3: Assessing Your Injuries

You’ll attend an independent medical assessment to document your injuries, which might include:

• Whiplash

• Broken bones

• Head, back or neck injuries

• Psychological trauma (e.g. anxiety, PTSD)

This report forms the basis for calculating your compensation for pain, suffering, and recovery time.

💷 Step 4: Calculating Your Settlement

Car accident settlements in the UK include two main types of compensation:

1. General Damages – for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity

2. Special Damages – for actual financial losses, such as:

   • Loss of earnings

   • Medical treatment

   • Travel expenses

   • Vehicle repairs

   • Care and assistance

If your car is off the road, I can also arrange a same-day courtesy car hire to keep you mobile while your claim progresses.

🤝 Step 5: Negotiating a Settlement

Once your injuries and losses are clear, I begin negotiations with the insurer on your behalf. Most car accident claims settle out of court. My goal is to get you the maximum compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If liability is denied or the offer is too low, we may issue court proceedings — but most cases still settle before trial.

⏳ How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take?

It depends on:

• The severity of your injuries

• Whether the other party admits fault

• How long your recovery takes

Minor injury claims can settle in a few months. Serious or complex cases may take 12+ months — but I’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

🕒 Time Limits for Claiming

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a claim. If the injured person is a child, the 3-year period doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday.

👨‍⚖️ Why Choose Inson Legal Limited?

I’m Chris Hutchinson, a qualified solicitor with over 14 years’ experience in personal injury law — and I’ve been through the claims process myself following serious injury. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, and I’ll handle your case personally from start to finish.

✅ No Win No Fee service
✅ Direct access to me – no call centres
✅ Fast, honest advice
✅ Same-day hire vehicles available
✅ Serving Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and the whole of Greater Manchester & Lancashire