Rear-ended at a red light
Our client was on a routine journey and had stopped at a red light, as you would. While they sat stationary at the junction, the driver behind failed to stop in time and went into the back of them.
What happened, stop by stop
Stopped at a red light
A routine journey. Our client stopped at the red light, as you would, and sat stationary at the junction.
Hit from behind
The driver behind failed to stop in time and went into the back of them. Rear-end shunts are sometimes written off as minor. This one was not.
Injuries that lasted
The impact caused injuries that stayed with our client long after the car was dealt with:
- severe back pain
- nerve damage, including loss of sensation in one arm
- chronic pain and a long recovery
- ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- time off work
The injuries affected both daily activities and our client's job, and reduced their overall quality of life.
How the claim was handled
Fault was clear. Our client was stationary at a red light, and every driver is expected to leave enough room to stop safely behind the vehicle in front. The driver behind did not. To back that up, NJS Law put together:
- medical reports confirming the chronic pain and nerve-related injuries
- witness statements
- a clear account of the accident circumstances showing who was at fault
That evidence allowed liability to be settled quickly. The claim was brought well within the three-year limitation period, so the client's right to compensation was fully protected.
The outcome
NJS Law secured
£28,000
in compensation for the client.
Every claim is different. This outcome reflects the specific circumstances and injuries in this case and is not an indication of what any other claim may be worth.
Want the legal detail? Read about car accident claims at NJS Law.
Does nerve damage make a difference to a claim?
It can. Compensation reflects how serious an injury is, how long it lasts and how much it affects your life. Injuries with lasting effects, such as nerve damage, loss of sensation or chronic pain, are generally valued differently from injuries that clear up within weeks. The key is medical evidence: an independent expert report setting out the injury, the treatment needed and the likely recovery.
How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?
In England and Wales, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim. There are exceptions. For a child, the three years usually start on their 18th birthday, and different rules can apply where someone lacks mental capacity. Even when time is on your side, it is better not to wait, because evidence is easier to gather while the accident is recent.
You can do everything right and still end up hurt by someone else's mistake.
Call us and we'll tell you honestly where you stand. If your car needs repairing too, we can help with that while NJS Law handles the injury claim.
Back on the Road UK is a trading name of NJS Law Limited, registered in England and Wales, company number 15170704. NJS Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 8006550. This page describes a real claim handled by NJS Law and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice.
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- What happened on the road
- How we helped our client
- The outcome of the claim
Every claim is different. Past results do not guarantee the outcome of future cases.