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
I don’t have enough words to describe how helpful, professional and supportive you have been, at a very stressful time for me. I feel really lucky to have had you as my solicitor. Your service was superb; it just could not have been better.
VG
Paul Fretwell
On April 9th 2010 it was my turn to be involved in a traffic accident with an uninsured driver. Although my injury was only a minor back injury, I wanted to be able to claim some sort of compensation if only for some treatment of physiotherapy. George Ide LLP, appointed by my insurance company, have been absolutely superb in representing my claim for personal injury against the Motor Insurance Bureau. With the expertise of Paul Lewis, Head of Accident Management, he has managed to increase the original offer made by the MIB almost threefold. It has been a long process, as Paul advised from the outset, but has been worthwhile and rewarding. I do hope that I do not need to use Paul’s expertise ever again, but know that if I do I would be in the hands of a very capable and friendly team.
Ms H
Paul Lewis
I would just like to thank you for all your hard work in settling my father’s case and in coming to an agreeable settlement with the insurers. Thank you for being so patient with us, and taking time to explain things in layman’s terms. You have led us through this process with ease and my father is very happy to have reached a conclusion in this matter . All your efforts are very much appreciated. Wishing you all the best.
Nancy Ackermann
Paul Lewis
I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank you for all you have done for us regarding our daughter’s burn. You made the process a lot less scary for her so thank you for that and we are pleased with the outcome. Your professionalism and care for our daughter throughout was very much appreciated by us all.
Beth Huxley
Paul Lewis
Ian Oliver and Paul Lewis of George Ide Solicitors, and their appointed barrister, were outstanding in helping us defend an HMO licensing prosecution by a local authority. This was a complex matter which should never have been taken to trial by the local authority. However, thanks to the care, knowledge and tenacity shown by George Ide, the correct judgment was given. Thanks again for guiding us through this stressful experience.
Ian Wiggett, Pace Property, Lettings & Management Ltd.
Ian Oliver / Paul Lewis
I have worked with Paul for several years now on various challenging cases. Paul has a very honest and open approach with the people he represents, his communication skills and ability to share complex information at a level of understanding for his clients is second to none. Paul has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by somebody who has acquired a brain injury and it is this understanding that ensures clients anxiety levels and concerns are kept at the lowest level possible at all times. Paul is realistic with his expectations and has had a high level of success with regard to achieving the right level of settlement to ensure his clients get the support they need for the rest of their lives.
Karl Thompson. Managing Director, Thompson Holistic Care Services (THCS)
Paul Fretwell
I must of course take this opportunity to tell you how grateful I have been for all your advice, assistance and counsel during the past difficult months. You have been demonstrably skilful, resolute and responsive in all aspects of dealing with my case. I have always felt in very safe hands and your experience shines through, knowing just how to procure the best outcome. I can’t thank you enough for getting me through this horrid and complicated experience. With very best wishes.
Linda Tudor
Paul Lewis
I just wanted to say thank you again for all your efforts on my behalf, your resilience has been outstanding! Thanks to you, and the funds you secured, the process with Dorset has started already, and my new limb should be in my possession on October 4th (within a fortnight!) with the Echelon VT foot. This foot has a greater ankle bend which should help with the hill walking. I am also in much greater comfort in travelling in more testing conditions (when weather is wet especially), with the recent replacement of the 4wd car. This car will be especially useful when we intend to holiday in France with our friends during the winter months. Obviously my thanks are also extended to Lizzy and Karen for their efforts also! With very best wishes and thanks for your ongoing support,
Rusty Brown
Paul Fretwell
I would like to inform you that I have received the money and I am very happy about the amount. I would like to thank you for the help and for always having time to write back to my emails. You were always in contact with me. I will recommend you and only you to my friends. Regards,
Anna Pomorska
Paul Lewis
I contacted George Ide LLP by recommendation when my husband was involved in a severe accident as a pedestrian almost 4 years ago. In the very early days Paul Fretwell visited us at home and was an immense support through what turned out to be a very difficult case. Paul immediately knew my husband’s injuries were life-changing and throughout he dealt with it in the most holistic way possible, including instructing the best counsel and experts, to ensure the most positive outcome for us.
Paul takes a practical and pragmatic, but supportive approach. For the duration of our claim he was unfailingly responsive, always communicating legal detail clearly and concisely, which was important given my husband’s cognitive restrictions and fatigue issues. We would absolutely recommend Paul and George Ide LLP to anyone dealing with the legal aftermath of a severe accident.
Martin & Lynne Gowers
Paul Fretwell
George Ide looked after my claim from accident to the case conclusion, they took care of everything on route which concluded in a very substantial out of court settlement. The settlement enabled the family not to worry about future employment problems, and gives everyone piece of mind.
George Ide are a very professional company, and I would always recommend them to other people in the same situation.
M
Paul Fretwell
“In an age of ever larger firms of solicitors, George Ide LLP stands out as a beacon of truly personal service against the backdrop of warm and welcoming staff. Not only does Paul Fretwell possess real expertise in high value personal injury claims, he brings charm and real commitment to everything he does. No Claimant could be other than impressed by his willingness to go that extra yard in their cause. The legal industry would be a better place if there were more like both the firm and Paul Fretwell.”
Will Waldron QC
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
