Step-by-Step Process of an Injury Claim After a Car Accident

Step 1: Reporting the Accident

After an accident, the injured party may choose to file a claim for personal injury compensation.

What you should do immediately:

• Exchange contact and insurance details with all parties involved.

• Collect photos, witness statements, and accident details.

• If anyone is seriously injured, call emergency services.

• Notify your insurance provider about the accident, even if you weren’t at fault.

Step 2: The Injured Party Files a Claim

• The injured person (or their solicitor) will:

• Report the injury to their own insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer.

• Provide medical evidence from a doctor confirming the injury.

• Submit a compensation claim for medical expenses, lost earnings, or pain and suffering.

Common injuries claimed after an accident include:

• Whiplash

• Back and neck injuries

• Head injuries

• Broken bones

• Psychological trauma (anxiety, PTSD)

Step 3: Insurance Investigation Begins

Once a claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate to determine:

• Who was at fault for the accident.

• Whether the injury claim is legitimate or exaggerated.

• The cost of medical treatment and compensation.

What insurers will review:

• Police reports (if available).

• CCTV or dashcam footage.

• Medical records and doctor assessments.

• Witness statements.

The insurer may approve, negotiate, or reject the claim based on their findings.

Step 4: Liability Decision and Compensation Payout

If the insurance company accepts liability (meaning they believe their insured driver was at fault), they will:

• Pay for the injured party’s medical expenses and damages.

• Cover rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering compensation.

If liability is disputed, the case may:

• Go to court for a legal decision.

• Be negotiated between insurance companies.

• Require further evidence (independent medical exams, accident reconstruction).

What Happens if Someone Claims an Injury Against You?

1. If You Have Insurance

• Your insurance company will handle the claim.

• You should not admit fault—leave it to insurers to investigate.

• If the claim is valid, your insurer will pay compensation on your behalf.

2. If You Were at Fault

• Your no-claims bonus may be affected.

• Your insurance premium may increase at renewal.

• If you have legal protection coverage, it may cover legal fees.

3. If You Were Not at Fault

• Your insurer may recover costs from the other driver’s insurance.

• If the other driver is uninsured, the claim may go through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

What If the Injury Claim Is False or Exaggerated?

Some claims are fraudulent or exaggerated, which can lead to higher premiums for all drivers.

Signs of a Fraudulent Claim:

• The person didn’t appear injured at the scene but later files a claim.

• No medical records or doctor’s reports supporting the claim.

• The claim is filed weeks or months after the accident.

What You Can Do:

• Report any suspicious claims to your insurer immediately.

• Provide dashcam footage or witness statements as evidence.

• If needed, insurers may use independent medical experts to assess the claim’s legitimacy.

How Injury Claims Affect Car Insurance

1. Your No-Claims Bonus (NCD) May Be Reduced

• If you’re found at fault, you may lose some or all of your no-claims discount.

• If you have NCD protection, your discount may remain unchanged.

2. Your Insurance Premium May Increase

• Insurers may increase premiums if a claim is made against you, even if you weren’t at fault.

3. You May Need Legal Assistance

• If the claim is large or disputed, you may require legal representation.

At RoadXpert, we help drivers find policies that include legal protection cover, which can help with injury claims.

How to Protect Yourself from Injury Claims

• Always exchange insurance details after an accident.

• Take photos and collect witness statements at the scene.

• Use a dashcam to provide video evidence.

• Report accidents to your insurer immediately.

• Be honest about what happened, but don’t admit fault.

How RoadXpert Can Help with Car Insurance and Claims

At RoadXpert, we:

• Assist drivers in navigating car insurance claims.

• Offer comprehensive insurance policies with legal protection.

• Help you find affordable insurance, even after a claim.

If you need expert guidance on car insurance and injury claims, we’re here to help. Visit www.roadxpert.com today to compare policies and get insured.