Passenger Injury Claims
Advice on when St Helens passenger injury claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
Passenger Injury Claims
Advice on when St Helens passenger injury claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt as a passenger in a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to make a claim compensation for any suffering endured. As such, this article explains when you might have grounds to start a passenger injury claim, evidence that can help, and what a compensation payout might cover.
You’ll also see how our panel of solicitors covering St Helens can help you through the process. If your claim is accepted, your solicitor can help by gathering key evidence and negotiating your settlement. Importantly, they’ll work for you on a No Win No Fee basis.
Whether your accident happened on the M62, the A570, a dual carriageway, or in the street outside your home, we’re here to help. Our team is here to provide free, no-obligation advice and guidance. To get tailored help, please call 01744385105, or complete our Contact Us form.
What Is A Passenger Injury Claim?
A passenger injury claim is a legal process where you seek compensation after being injured as a passenger in a vehicle. This could be a car, bus, coach, taxi, or even a lorry. The claim covers situations where another person’s negligence caused your injury.
Passengers are nearly always considered blameless. That means you rarely have to worry about who caused the accident. If you were injured while a passenger in any vehicle, you could be eligible to start a claim.
In most cases, the claim is made against the insurance of the accountable driver. Importantly, you could even claim if the other driver was uninsured or failed to stop at the scene.
To find out more about how we can help with St Helens passenger injury claims, why not contact us today? Our specialists will answer your questions as part of a free initial consultation. As there’s no obligation to take the matter further, you’ve nothing to lose by contacting us.
If you've suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you don't need to suffer in silence.
What Eligibility Criteria Are Relevant For Passenger Injury Claims?
To claim as a passenger, you’ll need to show the following:
You were involved in a road traffic accident.
Another party (that owed you a duty of care) caused the accident through negligence.
You suffered an injury or multiple injuries as a result.
Some exceptions might apply if you were knowingly riding with an unfit driver, such as someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you’d like us to verify your eligibility to start a passenger injury claim, please call our advice line today.
How Long Do I Have To Begin A Claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the accident date to start a claim. This is set out by Section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
Exceptions apply, however. They include:
Time limits for child passengers don’t begin until their 18th birthday (meaning claims must be made before they turn 21). However, compensation can be sought by a responsible adult on the child’s behalf at any time before they become 18.
Time limits for those lacking mental capacity don’t have a time limit (unless capacity returns).
We’re happy to confirm how long you have to make a St Helens passenger injury claim. So, why not give us a call today?
Common Examples Of Incidents Leading To Passenger Injury Claims
Passenger injuries can happen in all sorts of ways. Here are some common scenarios where you might claim:
Rear-end collisions on busy motorways like the M62, often due to drivers failing to maintain a safe distance or not paying attention to traffic flow.
Side impact accidents at junctions or roundabouts, frequently caused by drivers failing to give way or misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles.
Bus accidents caused by sudden braking or careless driving, such as failing to observe road conditions or being distracted at the wheel.
Taxi accidents when another vehicle fails to stop at red lights, typically resulting from reckless driving or ignoring traffic signals.
Minibus or coach crashes on the A571, often linked to driver fatigue, speeding, or inadequate vehicle maintenance..
Even low-speed collisions can result in injuries. Conditions like whiplash, broken bones, or cuts and bruises are all common.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger and want to check if you’re entitled to compensation, please call for a free consultation today.
Evidence That Can Help With Passenger Injury Claims
Strong evidence will boost your chances of a successful claim. Where possible, gather the following after the accident:
Accident details: Date, time, location (e.g. ‘on the A58’).
Contact information: Drivers, witnesses, and other passengers.
Photographs: Of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries.
Police reports: Especially for serious or disputed accidents.
Medical records: From your GP or hospital.
Receipts: For expenses linked to the accident (travel, prescriptions, etc.).
Correspondence: Letters or emails from insurers or witnesses.
It’s important to point out that you can contact our team for free advice even if you don’t have all of the evidence listed here. That’s because your solicitor can secure further evidence on your behalf if your claim proceeds.
Can I Claim For A Passenger Injury On A No Win No Fee Basis?
The solicitors on our panel offer a No Win No Fee service for all passenger injury claims. This means that if your claim proceeds, you’ll benefit from:
No upfront legal fees. You won’t be required to pay any initial costs to start your claim, making it financially accessible for everyone.
No fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim does not succeed, you will not owe anything, so there is no financial risk.
You only pay a pre-agreed success fee if your claim wins. The only cost is a success fee, which is agreed upon beforehand and only paid if you receive compensation.
This allows you to start your claim with no financial risk. If you decide to work with a solicitor from our panel who covers St Helens, they’ll explain the No Win No Fee agreement clearly before you sign.
What Does Compensation Cover?
If you are injured as a passenger in a St Helens road traffic accident, and your case is successful, you’ll receive compensation. Your payout can cover any of the following (depending on your needs):
Medical expenses (hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation).
Loss of income or wages due to inability to work.
Future medical treatments or ongoing care costs.
Pain and suffering endured from the injury.
Emotional distress or mental anguish.
Cost of transportation to medical appointments.
Damage to personal property (e.g., clothing, belongings).
Loss of quality of life or enjoyment.
Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
The amount you can claim depends on how seriously you’re injured and the financial losses incurred. Each case is unique, but if you work with a solicitor from our panel, they’ll ensure they’ve assessed your suffering properly before accepting a settlement offer.
Call Today To Start A Passenger Injury Compensation Claim
If you’ve been hurt as a passenger, don’t wait to find out if you could claim. We offer a free initial consultation where you can ask questions about the process. We’ll also review your chances of being compensated and explain how you might proceed.
You can call us now on 01744385105 or use our Contact Us page to get in touch.
Remember, the solicitors on our panel cover claims in St Helens and the surrounding area. What’s more, all accepted passenger injury claims proceed on a No Win No Fee basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about St Helens passenger injury claims.
Will making a claim affect my relationship with the driver?
Claims are made against insurers, not the individual responsible for the accident. This means that if you make a claim, it is handled by the insurance companies involved rather than personally affecting your relationship with the other party. Your relationship should not be directly impacted, as the insurers will resolve the matter between themselves.
Can I claim if an uninsured driver caused my injuries?
Yes, claims can often be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau in this situation. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) helps people involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be identified, the MIB steps in to handle claims. This can provide compensation for injuries and losses. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible for your claim. Reporting the incident to the police and your insurer is also recommended. The process may take time, but it offers another route for compensation.
Can I claim if I was not wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, you can still claim compensation. However, your compensation may be reduced due to contributory negligence. If you were not wearing a seatbelt, it may affect the claim. The percentage of reduction depends on the circumstances.
