Road Traffic Accident Solicitors in Sussex
When you’re involved in a road accident the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered injuries or damage to your vehicle. At George Ide LLP, our experienced car accident solicitors are here to guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
With over 50 years of experience handling road traffic accident (RTA) claims, we pride ourselves on offering personalised support to each client. Our road accident solicitors are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you, whether through negotiation or court proceedings. What’s more, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis where appropriate, so there’s no financial risk involved in seeking legal representation.
What Types Of Car Accidents Can You Claim For?
At George Ide LLP, we handle a wide range of car accident claims, from minor collisions to serious accidents resulting in life-changing injuries. We deal with a significant number of substantial personal injury claims each year, securing compensation settlements worth millions of pounds for our road traffic accident clients.
No matter the type of accident, our expert road traffic accident solicitors will work hard to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Types of accidents we frequently deal with include:
- Rear-end shunts: Common in slow-moving traffic, these can cause significant damage to vehicles and injuries such as whiplash.
- Hit-and-run incidents: Even if the other driver leaves the scene, you may still be able to claim compensation.
- Accidents caused by poor road conditions: Potholes, road defects, and lack of signage can lead to serious accidents.
- Uninsured drivers: You may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
- Accidents abroad: If you’ve been injured while driving overseas, we may still be able to help you navigate international claims processes.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. If you’ve been injured in an accident, George Ide LLP will work to ensure that your compensation reflects the full extent of your suffering.
Common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash
- Head and brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Psychological trauma and mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amputations and permanent disabilities
- Fatal injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
We also specialise in acting for vulnerable road accident victims including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – and we only work for claimants, so we are always focused on your personal circumstances and individual needs.
Contact Our Friendly Legal Experts Today
For general enquiries or to discuss more specific needs in personal or commercial law please get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.
How to Make a Car Accident Claim
The process of making a road accident claim may seem daunting but with George Ide LLP, you’ll have expert guidance at every step. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Immediate Actions at the Scene
After a road accident, ensure your safety and that of others. Call the emergency services if necessary and gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. Note down the contact details of the witnesses and the other driver(s) involved.
Step 2: Reporting to the Police and Insurers
It’s important to report the incident to the police if the accident is serious or if the other driver is uninsured or refuses to share details.
Step 3: Consult a Car Accident Solicitor
Contact us for a free consultation and we will discuss the details and validity of your car accident compensation claim. If you proceed, we’ll begin gathering evidence and building your case.
Step 4: Medical Assessment and Gathering Evidence
We’ll arrange for a medical assessment to document any injuries and provide the necessary reports to support your claim. We will also work with you to collect additional evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony.
In appropriate cases, we can organise and assist with any rehabilitation you may need such as scans and physiotherapy, and help with treatment for psychological symptoms.
Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
In most cases, we’ll negotiate a settlement of the claim with the other party’s insurers. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, with your agreement we’ll take the case to court to fight for your deserved car injury compensation.
Start Your Car Accident Compensation Claim Today
With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, George Ide LLP is the trusted choice for all vehicle accident claims. We offer no win, no fee agreements, ensuring that there’s no financial risk to you, and we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Get in touch with our expert car accident solicitors today for a free consultation.
FAQs About Car Accident Claims
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Can I make an accident claim if I was at fault?
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Will I have to go to court after making a claim?
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Can I make a claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
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Can I claim for a car accident abroad?
Client Testimonials
Following a very traumatic car accident I found myself in the extremely capable hands of Paul Lewis.
He spent time explaining the legal procedures and helped me through every step of my very stressful personal injury claim. Thank you for all you have done for me, you were fantastic.”
Ms L
Paul Lewis
We are so grateful for all your hard work, and the passion with which you fought for him…it has given him a sense of self-worth that someone in your professional position can see what kind of man he is and what he should be awarded. Thank you so much, you have restored our faith in humanity, and we would have no reservations about recommending you to anyone in the future!
Paul Fretwell
Thank you for all your effort and excellent advice and work in this matter. It’s very much appreciated and I will certainly use you and your firm again in the future should I require legal services.
Roger Koep
Paul Lewis
Dear Paul. Thank you for you email. I am so pleased that everything has finally come to an acceptable solution. I am grateful for all your attention throughout. I have, at all times, felt supported by yourself and your firm and confident that you were working in my best interests to resolve the claim.
Kind Regards Janet
Paul Lewis
Dear Mr Lewis. First of all I would like to say a huge thank you to you and your team about the hard work, time and money which you spent to deal with my claim. I agree with you that the settlement is reasonable enough and I know that you’ve did your best to get it.
Plamen Krastev
Paul Lewis
Thank you very much for your email. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your advice and perseverance, especially with regards to the final settlement. Both myself and my wife are so pleased that this matter is finished! We wish you all the best for the future. Kind regards,
Garry
Paul Lewis
Right from the beginning of my journey to claim for compensation for my injuries after being knocked off my bike by a car driver, Paul Lewis has been a tower of strength. His advice, guidance and care in ensuring my claim proceeded smoothly has been First Class. Always promptly keeping me informed of progress by email. A friendly, compassionate listening ear when needed to my worries and concerns. Helping and guiding me every step of the way. I have received the best possible advice throughout, resulting in an excellent outcome, expertly and tenaciously negotiated for me by Paul. Thank You.
Mrs Marion Smith
Paul Lewis
Paul Fretwell has been our solicitor now for 8.5 years and has been dealing with the case for AB (our son) who sustained a head injury in 2012 due to a car accident.
Over the years we have come to rely on Paul’s expert opinion and knowledge of brain injuries to help us understand A’s behaviours and needs.
Paul has been a massive support to us and our whole family since A sustained life changing injuries, as you can imagine, it has been an uphill battle for us and we had no idea or understanding of the challenges to come or how to even start to put in place all the support A needed and still needs today.
A now has his Support Worker, D that Paul put in place, which to be honest, has been a godsend to the family and A. A has a great relationship with D, and we will be eternally grateful. D helps A with day to day challenges that most people take for granted and A now feels D is a friend as well as his mentor and “life coach”. A also has an OT that visits his home to check he is doing ok and guide him in day to day tasks etc.
Paul has always been a phone call away at any time, he is very patient and understanding, his friendly approach to the whole family means we feel we can be very open and frank with him. Although all the legal “jargon” is very hard for us to understand, Paul is and has always been massive support, he explains in detail every word and meaning and why certain steps need to be taken to help A’s case.
We will always be eternally grateful to Paul and George Ide Solicitors.
Paul Fretwell
I suffered a complex ankle injury in a road traffic accident in 2015, Paul Fretwell and the team at George Ide stepped in to manage my claim and helped me through a very challenging period in my life. The team’s experience with this type of injury, their considered approach and meticulous attention to detail enabled them to flag up any potential issues early on, and ensured there were no surprises along the way. Paul was able to see beyond the conventional claim headings, and took the time to understand the full impact of the injury, on my life and hobbies, and was keen to ensure they were all suitably reflected within the claim. Three years on, we went into a Joint Settlement Meeting with a robust and well prepared case, allowing us to secure a claim that significantly exceeded our expectations. I would not have a moment’s hesitation in recommending him to anyone in a similar situation.
RS
Paul Fretwell
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for guiding and supporting my friends through to this conclusion over the last 3 years. The early days were incredibly tough for them as you know and your calm reassuring presence has been one of the main reasons they were able to cope, especially back then. You’ll have learnt that R is a very tough and determined character, but I know they’d have struggled without your help.
Living abroad and unable to help them as much as I would have liked, it’s been so reassuring to continually hear how confident they’ve been in your ability to resolve this for them, right from the word go. I know I was very happy in my own mind that they’d got the right person on their side, after I spoke to you on the phone.
So, thank you again for all the time and effort you’ve put into getting them this result… for always being available to speak to them, even when you were supposed to be on holiday, for steering them through the hardest times and the quagmire of the courts. You’ve made such a difference for them and seeing R getting on with life with such a positive attitude that I’m not sure I would have been able to replicate, had it happened to me; is extremely satisfying as well as inspirational.
Rich J
Paul Fretwell
We thought that we needed to write to you to express our deepest thanks for the way that you personally and all of the staff involved with you carried out the whole case from beginning to end.
The background people are often overlooked but we feel that we had the best team playing for us on all levels.
Paul Fretwell
My daughter and I are extremely lucky to be alive after an awful road traffic accident on the M1 motorway 3 years ago. I had some severe injuries and fortunately I’ve recovered very well (although not without some life altering effects). My good fortune continued when I engaged George Ide solicitors to help with a personal injury claim a few weeks after I was released from hospital after almost 2 months.My dealings with the company have been outstanding in terms of professionalism, thoroughness and sensitivity. I feel that partner Paul Fretwell and his very capable team have worked extremely hard on my case. They achieved a successful and stress-free outcome for which I’m very grateful. I am most appreciative of the kindness and support shown to me throughout the time Paul and his colleagues advised, guided and helped me through what could have been a much more traumatic process without them. I would not hesitate in recommending George Ide solicitors to anyone who needs assistance with a personal injury claim. Paul Fretwell in particular is someone I have great confidence in and his diligence is exemplary. Many thanks once again Paul!
Paul Fretwell
How Is Car Accident Compensation Calculated?
When you make a car accident claim, compensation is typically divided into two categories: general damages and special damages.
- General damages: This covers compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (the impact the injury has on your quality of life). The amount awarded depends on the severity of your injuries and their long-term effects.
- Special damages: This includes financial losses incurred due to the accident. It can cover:
- Lost earnings (including future earnings if you’re unable to work)
- Medical expenses (including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation)
- Travel costs related to medical appointments
- Damage to personal property, such as your car
Our expert road accident solicitors at George Ide LLP will work to ensure that both general and special damages are accurately calculated, so you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
No Win, No Fee Car Accident Claims
At George Ide LLP, we offer no win, no fee agreements where appropriate to all car accident claimants. This means that there’s no financial risk to you if the claim fails, assuming you have been honest and accurate in the information you have provided to us. If your claim is successful, our fees will be a pre-agreed percentage of the compensation awarded.
This arrangement ensures peace of mind and allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Can You Claim for a Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver?
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured driver, you may still be able to make a claim for compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB compensates victims of uninsured and untraceable drivers, ensuring that you’re not left out of pocket due to someone else’s negligence.
We will guide you through the MIB claim process, ensuring all the necessary evidence is submitted to support your case.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Car Accident Claim?
In England and Wales, there is a strict three-year time limit for making a personal injury claim arising from a motor accident. This period starts from the date of the accident or from when you became aware that your injuries were caused by the accident.
There are exceptions to this rule:
- Children: If the injured party is under 18, the three-year time limit begins when they turn 18.
- Mental capacity: If the individual lacks mental capacity, there may be an indefinite period in which to make a claim.
It’s important to start the claims process as soon as possible to ensure that all available evidence is obtained and not lost.
As a robust full-service law firm, we also offer specialist Court of Protection and Deputyship services to protect the welfare and finances of accident victims who are unable to manage their own affairs, as well as a comprehensive range of private client legal and financial services including setting up and managing personal injury trusts, providing replacement cars and arranging private medical care.
Contact our personal injury team
To find out more about our expert personal injury team and for further information about all aspects of our comprehensive personal injury service, contact one of our specialists directly using the contact details below.
Contact Our Friendly Legal Experts Today
For general enquiries or to discuss more specific needs in personal or commercial law please get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.
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Author: Paul Lewis
Last updated: 16th December, 2024
