What should I do immediately after a road traffic accident in the UK?
You must stop and remain at the scene. Exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration details with the other driver. Take photographs of the scene, damage, injuries, road markings, and any relevant signs. If anyone is injured you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you were unable to exchange details at the scene. Report to your own insurer promptly even if you do not intend to claim.
What is the Official Injury Claim portal and how do I use it?
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal at officialinjuryclaim.org.uk is the dedicated system for making whiplash and soft tissue injury claims from road traffic accidents in England and Wales where the injury element is under £5,000. You register on the portal, submit a Claim Notification Form, and the portal notifies the insurer. You then obtain a medical report through a MedCo-accredited expert and review the insurer's offer.
Do I need to report the accident to the police?
You must report a road traffic accident to the police within 24 hours if someone has been injured and you did not produce your insurance details and driving licence at the scene. You can do this at any police station. If the other driver failed to stop you should report this to the police as it is a criminal offence. Police reports can support your insurance claim and any personal injury claim.
What if the other driver is uninsured or untraced?
If the driver who caused the accident is uninsured or cannot be traced, you can claim compensation from the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). The MIB operates two schemes — the Uninsured Drivers Agreement and the Untraced Drivers Agreement. Claims are made directly to the MIB. There are strict time limits and conditions. You do not need a solicitor to start an MIB claim.
How do I notify my insurer after a road traffic accident?
Most motor insurance policies require you to notify your insurer as soon as reasonably practicable after an accident, even if you do not intend to claim. Failing to notify promptly can invalidate your cover. Provide factual details without accepting blame, as liability is a legal determination to be made later. Keep copies of all correspondence.
What medical records and treatment records do I need?
For a personal injury claim you will need medical evidence of your injuries. The OIC portal arranges a MedCo medical report for whiplash claims. Keep records of GP visits, hospital appointments, physiotherapy, and any other treatment. Prescription receipts and records of out-of-pocket costs such as travel to appointments can also be included in your claim.
What is the small claims track for road traffic accident claims?
Since May 2021, most road traffic accident personal injury claims valued at under £5,000 (injury element) are allocated to the small claims track. This means solicitor costs are not generally recoverable even if you win, which is why the OIC portal is designed for self-representation. Claims over £5,000 can be allocated to the fast track where costs may be recoverable.
Can I claim for vehicle damage as well as personal injury?
Yes. Vehicle repair or replacement costs, hire car costs, and other financial losses (such as earnings lost while injured) can all be included in your claim alongside the personal injury element. Vehicle damage claims are separate from personal injury claims and are handled through your insurer or directly with the at-fault driver's insurer.
How is whiplash compensation valued under the new tariff?
Since May 2021, whiplash injuries lasting up to two years are valued using a fixed tariff set by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. For example, an injury lasting up to 3 months is valued at £240, up to 6 months at £495, and up to one year at £840 (2024 figures). These amounts are fixed and apply regardless of the claimant's age or occupation.
How does uplaw.ai help with road traffic accident claims in the UK?
Tell uplaw.ai about your accident, your injuries, and what has happened with the other driver's insurer. We help you understand whether to use the OIC portal, how to navigate the process step by step, and what compensation you may be entitled to.
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