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
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
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.
We hope that you can convey our thanks to them on our behalf. The background people are often overlooked, but we feel that we had the best team available playing for us on all levels.
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
Just to confirm the safe receipt of the settlement money into my account,and also want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work not just regarding the fee but also treatment wich help me getting in track with normal life after the accident. Again many thanks for all your hard work.
Mauricio Goncalves
Paul Lewis
Thank you seems such a trivial word and yet without your tenacity, we would not be here today. For all the medical providers you sought out and your words of stability at each and every stage I cannot thank you enough. You will never know how much of a difference you have made, without your constant reassurance and steps of transition to medical assistance especially during Covid I know I would not be at this stage on my journey.
Michele Scott-Green
Paul Lewis
Jasmine has told me that she has now settled and that she can move on with her life.
I would just like to write a brief note of genuine heartfelt thanks from all of us involved. Your company was recommended by a good family friend who works in the BH1 postcode area, at a time when most of us were either in shock or at a loss about how to proceed.
From our very first communication, and the day of your visit to Jasmine’s Mum’s house, you have been thoroughly professional whilst being incredibly caring. You personally, no doubt with the assistance of your team, have allowed Jasmine the opportunity to recover at her own speed, with the assistance of the full spectrum of the medical world, to a point where I honestly believe that she is in a better state mentally and confidence-wise than she was even before the accident.
I would have no hesitation in recommending your Company to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation.
It is common for people who are expert in their field to state that “I was only doing my job” – well, in this case, I am very glad that it was you who handled Jasmine’s case.
With many Kind Regards
John & Paula Gerken
Paul Fretwell
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 George Ide LLP for many years, initially as a support worker but now as a Registered Manager. I have found their brain injury
team, more specifically Paul Fretwell, to be highly efficient, supportive and effective when working alongside me with a very challenging group of clients. Paul and the team at George Ide LLP have secured settlements ranging from £1-6 million and beyond, ensuring financial security and peace of mind for life for the clients and their families.
I have worked closely over many years with Ursula Watt and Stephen Shine in George Ide LLP’s Court of Protection team. I am always impressed by how adaptable and attentive they are in looking after their brain-injured clients who often display challenging behaviour. They are able to communicate in a way our clients understand and work in a very person centered way. They are firm but fair and always have the clients’ best interests at heart. Karl Thompson. Managing Director, THCS Ltd
Paul Fretwell/ Ursula Watt/Steve Shine
Thank you for looking after me and my case. Not just a solicitor, you were a supporter and friend from the off. I felt that you ‘got’ me and understood where I was coming from. The very unexpected payout takes a lot of worries away, thank you.
SB
Paul Fretwell
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 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
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
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: 20th November, 2024
