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SRA Regulated · Manchester

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No Win, No Fee — UK RTA Solicitors

Insurance Companies Offer a Fraction of What You’re Owed.
We Claim in Full.

Harris & Co. Solicitors pursue maximum compensation for car, motorbike, cycling and taxi accident claims across the UK — including against uninsured drivers through the MIB. No Win, No Fee. Free advice today.

No Win, No Fee
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SRA Regulated
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A solicitor will respond within 2 hours, Mon–Fri.

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your claim. No win, no fee. Strict confidentiality maintained. Harris & Co. Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

£2M+
Secured in Compensation
5.0
Google Rating
650+
Cases Handled
20+
Yrs Combined Expertise
Car Accidents Motorbike Accidents Cycling Accidents Taxi & Passenger
Road Traffic Claims

We handle every
type of RTA claim.

Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of serious personal injury in the UK. Whether you were driving, riding, cycling or travelling as a passenger, if the accident was caused by another party's negligence you are entitled to claim compensation. Harris & Co. Solicitors handle the full spectrum of road traffic accident claims on a strict No Win, No Fee basis.

Car Accidents

Car & Vehicle
Accident Claims.

Car accidents are the most prevalent cause of personal injury in the UK, with millions of road traffic collisions occurring every year. If another driver's negligence — whether through careless driving, speeding, jumping red lights, or driving while distracted — caused your accident and your injuries, you have a legal right to claim compensation.

Harris & Co. Solicitors handle all types of car and vehicle accident claims, from minor rear-end collisions resulting in whiplash to serious high-speed impacts involving multiple injuries. We also handle claims against uninsured and untraceable drivers through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).

Rear-end shunts & whiplash. The most common RTA injury. Even low-speed impacts can cause significant soft tissue damage to the neck, back, and shoulders.
Roundabout and junction collisions. Often involving disputed liability — we gather dashcam footage, witness evidence, and police records to establish fault.
Motorway and dual carriageway accidents. High-speed impacts frequently result in serious injuries and complex multi-party claims.
Uninsured driver claims (MIB). We regularly handle claims through the Motor Insurers' Bureau where the at-fault driver had no insurance or failed to stop.
HGV and van accidents. Collisions involving large goods vehicles often cause severe injuries and involve employer liability alongside driver liability.
What we claim for
Compensation in a car accident claim covers both your injuries and all financial losses caused by the accident.
  • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity (general damages)
  • Lost earnings — past and future
  • Medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Physiotherapy and specialist treatment
  • Vehicle repair or total loss
  • Recovery and storage charges
  • Hire car costs during repairs
  • Travel expenses to appointments
  • Care and assistance provided by family
  • Psychological injury (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
  • Adaptations to home or vehicle if required
Start Your Free Assessment

No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs. A solicitor will respond within 2 hours.

Motorbike Accidents

Motorbike Accident
Claims.

Motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable than other road users. Without the protection of a vehicle body, a collision that might leave a car driver with minor injuries can leave a motorcyclist with life-changing consequences — including fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash requiring extensive treatment.

The most common cause of motorbike accidents is other drivers failing to look for — or yield to — motorcycles. Our solicitors understand the specific legal and evidential challenges of motorcycle accident claims and will fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.

"Sorry, I didn't see you." The most common cause of motorcycle accidents — drivers pulling out of junctions, changing lanes, or turning across the path of an oncoming motorcycle.
Door opening (dooring) incidents. A car door opened into your path can cause a serious collision. The driver opening the door bears legal responsibility.
Dangerous or careless driving. Speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving frequently cause motorcycle collisions with severe consequences.
Road defects. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage can cause motorcyclists to lose control. Claims can be brought against the local authority responsible for the road.
Contributory negligence defence. Insurers often allege that a motorcyclist contributed to their own injury through speed or failure to wear protective equipment. We robustly challenge such arguments.
Motorcycle claim specialists
We recover compensation for the full impact of a motorcycle accident on your life and finances.
  • Personal injury compensation (general damages)
  • Lost earnings — short and long-term
  • Motorbike repair or total loss payment
  • Riding equipment (helmet, leathers, gloves, boots)
  • Emergency medical treatment and surgery
  • Physiotherapy and pain management
  • Rehabilitation — including specialist neurological care
  • Psychological treatment (PTSD, travel anxiety)
  • Care costs if injury affects independence
  • Home and vehicle adaptations for serious injuries
  • Future loss of earnings if unable to return to work
Start Your Free Assessment

No Win, No Fee. Specialist motorcycle accident solicitors. Free initial advice.

Cycling Accidents

Cycling Accident
Claims.

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. When a collision occurs between a cyclist and a motor vehicle, the cyclist almost always suffers the greater injury. Common injuries include broken collarbones and wrists, fractured ribs, head injuries, spinal injuries, and severe road rash — even with a helmet and appropriate protective clothing.

A driver whose negligence causes a cycling accident is legally liable for all of the cyclist's losses. You can claim not only for your personal injury but also for your bicycle, clothing, and equipment, and all financial losses arising from the accident. Claims against uninsured or untraceable drivers can be pursued through the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Left-hook collisions. A vehicle turning left across a cyclist travelling straight ahead is one of the most common and dangerous causes of cycling accidents.
Dooring. A parked driver or passenger opening their door into a cyclist's path. The Road Traffic Act makes this a clear offence and the opening party is liable.
Dangerous overtaking. Passing too close, cutting in too soon after overtaking, or forcing a cyclist off the road all constitute dangerous or careless driving.
Junction and roundabout failures. Drivers failing to give way or check for cyclists at junctions is a leading cause of serious cycling injuries.
Road defect claims. Potholes and poorly maintained cycle infrastructure can give rise to claims against the highway authority responsible for the road.
What cyclists can claim
Your cycling accident claim can cover far more than just your physical injuries.
  • Personal injury compensation (pain and suffering)
  • Bicycle — repair costs or replacement value
  • Damaged clothing, helmet, and equipment
  • Lost earnings during recovery
  • Medical and hospital treatment costs
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Psychological injury (PTSD, cycling anxiety)
  • Travel costs to appointments
  • Care and assistance from family members
  • Future earnings if injury is long-term
  • MIB claims if driver was uninsured
Start Your Free Assessment

No Win, No Fee. We understand cycling cases. Free initial advice from specialist solicitors.

Taxi & Passenger Claims

Taxi & Passenger
Accident Claims.

As a passenger in any road vehicle — whether a private car, taxi, Uber, minicab, coach, or bus — you are almost never at fault for a road traffic accident. Passengers have the strongest possible position for a compensation claim because, in virtually all cases, the accident occurred entirely through the negligence of one or more drivers.

If you were injured while travelling as a passenger, you can claim against the at-fault driver — or both drivers if liability is shared between them. You can even claim against the driver of the vehicle you were travelling in, such as a taxi or rideshare driver. Their liability insurance exists precisely for this purpose and your claim is made against the insurer, not the individual.

Taxi and minicab accidents. Licensed taxi and private hire operators must hold adequate public liability and motor insurance. We claim against the operator's insurer on your behalf.
Uber and rideshare claims. Rideshare platforms require drivers to hold commercial insurance. Injured passengers can claim compensation through this policy.
Bus and coach accidents. Claims can be brought against the bus company, the coach operator, or a third-party driver depending on how the accident occurred.
Friend or family driver. You can claim against a friend or family member's motor insurer — your claim does not come directly from them. Relationships do not need to be affected.
Multi-vehicle accidents. Where two or more vehicles were involved, we identify all responsible parties and claim from each, maximising your compensation.
Your passenger rights
As a passenger, you are in the strongest possible legal position to claim compensation.
  • You are rarely, if ever, contributorily negligent as a passenger
  • You can claim against the at-fault driver regardless of who they are
  • You can claim even if the at-fault driver is a friend or family member
  • Claims are made against insurers — not individuals personally
  • You can claim against multiple drivers if liability is shared
  • MIB claims available if at-fault driver had no insurance
  • Taxi and Uber drivers must carry public hire insurance
  • Bus and coach companies carry substantial liability insurance
Start Your Free Assessment

No Win, No Fee. Free immediate advice. A solicitor will call you within 2 hours.

The Process

How your RTA claim
works.

We handle all the legal complexity so you can focus on your recovery. From your first free call to final settlement, Harris & Co. Solicitors manage every step on your behalf — with no upfront costs and no financial risk to you.

Step 01
Free Initial Consultation
Call us or submit your details and a specialist RTA solicitor will assess your case within 2 hours. We'll advise on the strength of your claim, likely compensation, and the best route forward — all at no cost and with no obligation.
Step 02
No Win No Fee Agreement
If we take on your claim, we enter into a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). You pay nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If we win, our fee is a percentage of your compensation — typically from 25%.
Step 03
Investigation & Notification
We notify the at-fault insurer, gather all available evidence — police reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, medical records — and arrange an independent medical examination to document your injuries and their impact.
Step 04
Settlement & Compensation
The vast majority of RTA claims settle without going to court. We negotiate robustly to achieve the maximum award and will only recommend accepting an offer when it fully reflects the value of your claim. Settlement is typically paid within 28 days.
No Win No Fee

Zero financial risk
to you.

A No Win No Fee agreement (formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement or CFA) means you can pursue your road traffic accident claim without any financial risk whatsoever. You will never receive a bill from us if your claim does not succeed.

Where a matter proceeds to court, ATE (After the Event) insurance policies are available to cover associated disbursements such as expert medical report fees.

No upfront fees
You pay nothing to start your claim. There are no hidden costs, no retainer, and no hourly billing throughout the process.
Nothing to pay if you lose
If your claim is unsuccessful for any reason, you will not be charged. You owe us nothing.
Success fee from your compensation
If we win, our success fee is a percentage of your damages — typically from 25% — agreed with you before we start and fully regulated by the SRA.
  • Upfront cost to you £0.00
  • Cost if claim unsuccessful £0.00
  • Agreement type Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA)
  • ATE insurance Available if required
  • Success fee From 25% of damages (SRA regulated)
  • Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority
Ready to start your claim?
Speak to a specialist RTA solicitor today. Free advice, no obligation, no pressure.
Call 0161 537 3777
Compensation Guide

How much could your
RTA claim be worth?

Compensation in road traffic accident claims is calculated using the Judicial College Guidelines and, for minor soft tissue injuries arising from accidents on or after 31 May 2021, the statutory whiplash tariff. The figures below are general guidance — your actual award depends on the specific nature and severity of your injuries, their long-term impact, and your financial losses.

These figures are general guidance only. The Judicial College Guidelines 16th edition and statutory whiplash tariff figures are shown. Compensation also includes special damages (financial losses) on top of the general damages figures shown. A solicitor will assess the specific value of your claim at your free consultation.

Filter by injury type
Part of Body Severity Compensation Range Types of Injuries
Head Minor £1,880 – £9,040 Head injury with full recovery within weeks. Higher awards where ongoing headaches are a feature.
Head Moderate £13,430 – £93,070 Poor concentration, risk of epilepsy, personality or mood changes, intellectual impairment, or injuries approaching a vegetative state.
Head Serious £186,890 – £199,690 Reduced life expectancy, severe physical symptoms, significant personality or cognitive changes, and substantial dependence on others.
Head Severe £240,590 – £286,050 Minimally conscious state, severe brain damage with little or no meaningful response, or vegetative states requiring full-time nursing care.
Eye Severe £56,080 – £190,290 Complete blindness in one or both eyes, or severe and permanent visual impairment.
Face Minor £1,460 – £6,190 Light or no scarring, loss or damage of one or two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose with a good prognosis for full recovery.
Face Serious £15,320 – £21,590 More significant fractures to the jaw or nose, loss or damage to several teeth.
Face Severe £26,010 – £32,250 Significant facial disfigurement, multiple jaw fractures, chronic dental pain, scarring, eating restrictions, and associated psychological impact.
Ear / Hearing Minor Up to £4,960 Possible noise-induced hearing loss or slight, occasional tinnitus without significant impact on daily life.
Ear / Hearing Moderate £12,700 – £21,040 Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus affecting day-to-day activities.
Ear / Hearing Serious £25,350 – £32,250 Total deafness in one ear. Value varies depending on accompanying symptoms such as dizziness or tinnitus.
Ear / Hearing Severe £77,430 – £99,630 Total deafness in both ears. Higher awards where children also experience loss of speech as a result.
Neck (Whiplash) Most Common Minor Up to £5,540 Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3–24 months. Award reflects pain severity and impact on daily life. Statutory tariff applies to RTA whiplash claims from 31 May 2021.
Neck Moderate £7,410 – £39,640 Disc lesions, fractures, or dislocations; may accelerate a pre-existing condition. Significant restriction of movement, recurring pain, or permanent symptoms.
Neck Severe £56,100 – £115,540 Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant permanent disability.
Back Minor £2,090 – £8,860 Strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries with recovery expected within 3 months to 5 years.
Back Most Common Moderate £11,730 – £21,620 Spinal fusion, lumbar fractures, prolapsed discs, or worsening of a pre-existing condition. May require surgery with ongoing restrictions.
Back Severe £36,390 – £125,390 Spinal cord damage, partial paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel function, disc lesions, or impaired mobility. Surgery typically required.
Shoulder Minor Up to £5,590 Soft tissue injury with pain and full recovery within 3–24 months.
Shoulder Serious £10,890 – £13,600 Fractured humerus, clavicle, or rotator cuff requiring surgical intervention.
Shoulder Severe £16,380 – £34,010 Significant disability from severe neck or brachial plexus damage, with lasting restriction on arm function.
Pelvis & Hips Minor £3,370 – £8,920 Minor soft tissue injuries with full or near-full recovery and little or no disability within two years.
Pelvis & Hips Moderate £10,750 – £27,750 Injuries requiring hip surgery or replacement, or where future hip replacement is likely. No serious long-term disability.
Pelvis & Hips Severe £33,430 – £92,700 Severe pelvic or hip fractures causing bowel damage, spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, or a high likelihood of further surgery.
Scarring (Non-Facial) Minor £2,020 – £6,130 One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands.
Scarring (Non-Facial) Moderate Up to £6,130 Full recovery within two years, or partial recovery where remaining symptoms are not significantly debilitating.
Scarring (Non-Facial) Severe £6,680 – £16,090 Several noticeable laceration scars or a single prominent disfiguring scar with lasting impact on appearance.
Arm Minor £5,630 – £13,600 Fractured forearm with recovery and no significant long-term complications.
Arm Moderate £16,380 – £27,750 Serious arm injury resulting in persistent symptoms over the long term.
Arm Serious £33,430 – £92,700 Significant injury causing some permanent loss of arm use, but stopping short of amputation.
Arm Severe £82,040 – £212,420 Amputation of one or both arms. Award depends on the level of amputation, phantom pain, and overall impact on quality of life.
Elbow Moderate Up to £8,920 Tennis elbow, deep lacerations, or simple fractures with no permanent damage.
Elbow Serious £13,360 – £22,680 Restricted movement but no surgery required and no permanent disability.
Elbow Severe £33,430 – £38,830 Severe disability or injury requiring surgical intervention.
Wrist Moderate Up to £7,250 Uncomplicated Colles fracture or undisplaced fractures with recovery within one to two years, possibly including a plaster cast.
Wrist Serious £10,750 – £17,350 Soft tissue damage or fracture causing some permanent loss of function or disability.
Wrist Severe £20,900 – £42,390 Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function.
Hand Minor Up to £3,360 Lacerations, crush injuries, or soft tissue damage with recovery within six months.
Hand Moderate £4,780 – £9,400 Penetrating wounds, crush injuries, or deeper lacerations causing permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or impairment requiring surgery.
Hand Severe £24,740 – £142,690 Amputation or rejoining of several fingers leaving the hand clawed, impaired, or unsightly; or amputation of one or both hands.
Finger Minor Up to £3,370 Fractured finger bones with full healing within one year, with or without minor scarring.
Finger Moderate £3,370 – £4,150 Full or near-full recovery after a broken finger, or amputation/partial loss of the little finger.
Finger Severe £10,380 – £26,020 Complete amputation of one or more fingers, or serious index finger fractures. Award depends on degree of disability and ongoing symptoms.
Thumb Minor Up to £3,370 Short-term severe pain resolving within three months.
Thumb Moderate £3,370 – £8,920 Fractures recovering within six months, nerve or tendon damage causing partial loss of sensation, or cosmetic deformity.
Thumb Severe £10,750 – £38,830 Partial or complete amputation, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, or fractures causing inability to grip.
Leg Minor £7,780 – £9,970 Soft tissue injuries, bruising, or simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula with recovery within a few months.
Leg Moderate £15,320 – £38,830 Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue damage, crushing injuries, ligament damage, or compound fractures with near-certain arthritis risk.
Leg Severe £46,780 – £199,690 Extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one or both legs above or below the knee.
Knee Minor Up to £9,740 Soft tissue injuries, twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising causing discomfort, with recovery typically within a few months.
Knee Moderate £22,340 – £30,770 Seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments or muscles, dislocation, torn meniscus, or acceleration injuries over several years with ongoing pain.
Knee Severe £44,470 – £68,130 Constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher awards where surgery is required or quality of life is significantly affected.
Ankle Minor Up to £9,740 Undisplaced fractures, sprains, or ligament injuries. Smaller injuries may allow full recovery within a year without scarring.
Ankle Moderate £11,730 – £35,450 Ligament tears or fractures causing some disability while standing or moving, increased arthritis risk, and possibly requiring surgery or specialist footwear.
Ankle Severe £42,710 – £49,370 Severe injury resulting in permanent deformity, disability, or the possibility of eventual amputation.
Achilles Minor £6,200 – £8,920 Minor instability from tendon damage around the ankle. Some cases may involve scarring.
Achilles Moderate £10,750 – £14,920 More serious injury including partial tendon rupture. Severe cases involve disability or permanent scarring.
Achilles Severe £21,320 – £27,210 Restricted ankle movement from severed muscle tissue, with residual limp and scarring unlikely to improve significantly.
Foot Minor Up to £9,740 Minor fractures, lacerations, or contusions with full recovery within two years; or ruptured ligaments causing a chronic limp or pain.
Foot Moderate £11,730 – £49,580 Metatarsal fractures with permanent deformity, fractured heels, restricted mobility, degloving, or heel fusion.
Foot Severe £71,640 – £142,690 Amputation of one or both feet, or traumatic forefoot amputation to prevent the need for full amputation.
Toe Minor Up to £6,800 One or more broken toes with varying recovery. Award reflects long-term symptoms and speed of recovery.
Toe Moderate £8,190 – £9,740 Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two or more toes, or permanent disability, possibly following unsuccessful surgery.
Toe Severe £11,730 – £39,700 Severe crush injuries leading to amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), all toes, or the big toe alone.
Get an accurate valuation of your claim

Our solicitors will assess the specific value of your claim during a free, no-obligation consultation — factoring in your injuries, your financial losses, and the long-term impact on your life.

Call 0161 537 3777
Time Limits

Do not delay
your claim.

Standard
3 Years — Standard RTA Claim
Most road traffic accident personal injury claims must be issued at court within three years of the date of the accident. Once this deadline passes, your claim is permanently time-barred. We advise instructing a solicitor as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
MIB Claims
Strict Deadlines for MIB Claims
Claims against uninsured or untraceable drivers through the Motor Insurers' Bureau require strict notification within specific timeframes — typically within two years of the accident. Police reports must also be filed. MIB claims require early instruction of a solicitor.
Abroad
Accidents Outside the UK
If you were injured in a road traffic accident in another country, different limitation periods apply. Some jurisdictions impose significantly shorter deadlines than the UK's three-year rule. Contact us immediately to establish which time limits apply to your claim.
Real Results

Recent client
settlements.

A selection of recent cases handled by our team. Names have been withheld or used with client permission. All figures represent final settlement amounts secured on a No Win No Fee basis.

£45,000
Passenger Injury — Fracture & Multiple Injuries

Our client was a passenger in her friend's vehicle when her friend was involved in a collision that was found to be her fault. Many clients in this position hesitate to claim — worried about the impact on their friendship. The claim is made against the insurer, not the individual. Her friend's premium may rise, but our client was entitled to full compensation in law. She sustained a fracture and multiple soft tissue injuries. We recovered £45,000 on her behalf.

Road Traffic Accident
£32,000
Driver — Head Injuries & Multiple Injuries

Our client was the innocent driver in a collision caused entirely by another road user's negligence. He sustained head injuries and several other injuries. The at-fault insurer made an initial offer that significantly undervalued the claim. We rejected it, obtained independent medical evidence, and pursued the full amount — securing £32,000 for our client.

Road Traffic Accident
£39,000
Passenger Injury — Head Injuries & Multiple Injuries

Our client was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a serious road traffic accident. She sustained head injuries and multiple other injuries. As a passenger, she had an unambiguous right to claim — regardless of which driver was responsible for the collision. We presented the full picture of her injuries and financial losses to the insurer and recovered £39,000 on her behalf.

Road Traffic Accident
£20,000
Scooter Rider — Fractured Ankle & Multiple Injuries

Our client was riding his scooter when he struck a pothole in the road surface, causing him to lose control and sustain a fractured ankle along with multiple other injuries. Claims arising from road defects are brought against the local authority responsible for maintaining the carriageway. We demonstrated that the defect had been reported and was known to the authority prior to the accident, securing our client £20,000 in compensation.

Road Defect — Local Authority
£20,000
Motorcyclist — Multiple Injuries & Scarring

Our client was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by another vehicle. He sustained multiple injuries and significant scarring to his arm. Scarring and disfigurement carry their own separate head of general damages under the Judicial College Guidelines, calculated by reference to site, extent, and permanence. We recovered £20,000 covering his injuries, scarring, and all associated financial losses.

Road Traffic Accident

Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Each case is assessed on its individual merits. All figures are final settlement amounts prior to deduction of agreed legal fees.

FAQs

Common
questions answered.

Answers to the questions we are asked most often about road traffic accident claims. If your question is not here, call us on 0161 537 3777 for free immediate advice.

Call for Free Advice
You have three years from the date of the road traffic accident to make a claim for personal injury compensation. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or untraceable, you must notify the Motor Insurers' Bureau promptly. It is always advisable to instruct a solicitor as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness recollections.
Yes. Even if you were partly responsible for the road traffic accident, you may still be entitled to compensation under the principle of contributory negligence. Your award will be reduced proportionally to your share of responsibility. For example, if you were found 30% at fault, you would receive 70% of the full compensation amount. We will assess your case honestly and advise you on liability at your free consultation.
If you were injured by an uninsured or untraceable driver (hit and run), you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB was established specifically to compensate innocent victims in these circumstances. Strict notification deadlines apply, so contact us as soon as possible. Our solicitors handle MIB claims regularly and will manage the entire process on your behalf, on a No Win No Fee basis.
Compensation for a road traffic accident is made up of general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) and special damages (financial losses including lost earnings, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs). Minor whiplash injuries under the 2021 whiplash tariff range from £240 to £4,215. More serious injuries involving the spine, head, or multiple fractures can result in six-figure awards. The exact amount depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and your financial losses. We will advise you on the likely value of your claim at your free consultation.
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is the government's online process for lower-value road traffic accident claims where the accident occurred on or after 31 May 2021 and the soft tissue/whiplash injury element is worth less than £5,000. Claims involving more serious injuries or accidents before May 2021 are handled outside the OIC portal. We handle both portal and non-portal RTA claims and will advise which route applies to your case at your free consultation.
Yes — and as a passenger, you are entitled to claim regardless of which driver was at fault. If the driver of your vehicle caused the accident, you claim against their insurer. If the other driver was at fault, you claim against theirs. If both were partly at fault, both insurers may be liable. Passengers are almost never found contributorily negligent. You can claim even if the driver was a friend or family member — the claim goes against the insurer, not the individual. Do not let loyalty to the driver stop you from claiming what you are legally entitled to.
Yes. Cyclists and motorcyclists injured by a motor vehicle can make a personal injury claim against the driver's insurer. Both are among the most vulnerable road users and the law affords them significant protection. Claims can cover personal injuries, damaged equipment (bicycle, motorbike, clothing, helmet), and all financial losses such as lost earnings and medical costs. If the driver was uninsured or failed to stop, you can claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must stop at the scene of a road accident. If injury or damage has occurred and you did not exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to a police station within 24 hours. Even where details were exchanged, reporting serious accidents is advisable. A police incident reference number can be valuable evidence in your compensation claim.
Evidence to gather immediately after a road traffic accident includes: photographs of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries; the other driver's name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details; contact details of any witnesses; a police incident reference number if police attended; CCTV or dashcam footage — request this promptly as it is often overwritten within days. Keep a diary of how your injuries affect daily life and record all financial losses including lost earnings, travel costs, and medical expenses.
Timescales depend on the complexity of your claim. As a general guide: minor whiplash claims through the OIC portal — 3 to 6 months; moderate soft tissue injuries with medical evidence — 6 to 12 months; serious injuries involving fractures, head injuries, or disputed liability — 12 to 24 months; complex multi-injury or catastrophic claims — 24 to 36 months or beyond. The vast majority of claims — well over 95% — settle without a court hearing. We will give you a realistic timeline at your free consultation and update you at every stage.
We'd recommend getting in touch with Harris & Co. Solicitors. We specialise in road traffic accident claims of all kinds — passenger claims, pedestrian accidents, cyclist and motorcyclist injuries, uninsured and untraceable driver claims through the MIB, and serious multi-vehicle collisions. We're experienced with both the OIC portal for lower-value claims and full litigation for complex cases. We operate on a No Win, No Fee basis and hold a 5.0 Google rating from clients we've helped. As with any solicitor, we'd encourage you to do your due diligence — read reviews, check the services a firm offers, and speak to them directly before you commit. Call us on 0161 537 3777 for a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll give you an honest view of your claim with no pressure to proceed.

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Start your RTA claim
today.

Do not let time limits erode your claim. Speak to a specialist road traffic accident solicitor today — free, no obligation, and entirely confidential. We will assess your case and advise you on your options within hours.

No Win, No Fee
Free Consultation
SRA Regulated
5.0 Google Rating