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 was involved in a traffic accident as a pedestrian, being hit by a car. My family were recommended to George Ide regarding personal injury, and what a great choice this turned out to be. Words can’t express how thankful and grateful I am for the service and support that I received from everyone at George Ide. My case was handled by Paul Fretwell with the help of Karen Jenkins, and the genuine kindness, care, and professionalism that they provided throughout my claim from start to finish was second to none. The experience of Paul and his team really shone through, and this was obvious from the very start when I first met Paul for an initial chat at home. The thoroughness and dedication to getting me the best possible outcome was clear throughout. Paul fought to the nail making sure that no stone was unturned, this allowing me to feel less anxious and to be able to concentrate on getting physically and mentally better. For anyone that goes through a traumatic event, the support from the people around you is key, Paul and his team were no exception to this, and I felt that I had a true friend and ally on my side. George Ide and Paul should be the first port of call to someone in need of a personal injury solicitor, I can’t recommend them enough!
Alex Richardson
Paul Fretwell/Karen Jenkins
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
Both Michael and I are very grateful for your good wishes and for the continued support that both you and all your colleagues at George Ide have given us through this process.
If, for any reason, we find ourselves in need of legal advice we would most definitely make your company our first choice and would also have every confidence in recommending you to others.
Wishing you every continued success in the future. Kindest Regards
Jan and Michael Gosling
Paul Lewis
Dear Paul. Thank you so much for negotiating a satisfactory sum (exactly as you had predicted) and I am very grateful to have had the benefit of your excellent service throughout this ordeal. Horrid though it was, your expertise and guidance were of immense help. We can now happily put this whole thing behind us and finally move on. With very warm thanks and best wishes.
Michael Tudor
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
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 would like to say a huge thank you to Paul (with the fantastic assistance of Karen and Lizzy especially) for the support and kindness throughout my claim as well as the superb outcome that he obtained for me.
I am in no doubt that I would never have achieved the result without the dedication, experience and can do attitude of Paul and the team. Their caring attitude, sensitivity and professionalism shined throughout the entire process. Despite the other side initially denying liability, Paul fought tirelessly on my behalf, to ensure they provided what they should do, thus allowing me to get back to as near a normal life as quickly and safely as possible. Right from the first point of contact (and I first met Paul from my hospital bed), the service was outstanding and second to none, the communication was excellent, and I was never in doubt as to what was happening, and why. I truly believe my subsequent recovery is down to the fact that I was guided so well by Paul and his team, and him obtaining the opinions of the experts he did.
The support was amazing, as was the end result, which has ensured I am able to continue to press on with my every day life without worry of what lies ahead, despite the disability I now have. I really cannot recommend Paul and is team enough, I would suggest to anyone that is in need of a personal injury solicitor to give Paul a call, it really would make all the difference.
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
Hello Paul. The money has arrived safely thanks. May I say a very big thank you for your excellent service on this case you have been incredibly upfront and honest and have dealt with my case with superb attentiveness. It was frustrating for me at times as it took a long time to get it concluded, but I do appreciate the effort on your part. Many thanks again.
Luke Leleu
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
Dear Paul, Please accept this email as confirmation that I have received the cheque and final settlement from the accident. I wanted to thank you very much for all your help and advice throughout the case and want you to know that your efficiency and effort s have been very much appreciated. Kind regards,
Michael
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
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
