Car accident statistics

Car accident statistics reveal that travelling by road accounts for nearly 97 per cent of all transport fatalities. In fact, car accident statistics show that in 2009 there were just under 231,000 road casualties in Great Britain. However the true number of injuries is often greater than car accident statistics would reveal, as not all incidents are reported to the police. Last year, 170,591 road accidents involving personal injury were reported to the police. Of those, 10,711 people were seriously injured and 1,257 killed.*

If you are involved in a car accident and someone is injured, whether it is you, the other driver, a pedestrian or another road user, you are legally obligated to stop at the scene of the accident. If you do not, you could be charged by the police.

If someone is injured you must also report the accident to the police. Again, failing to do so could see you charged by the police. You can report the accident by calling a police officer to the scene, or, if this is not possible or practicable, by attending a police station in person. The report should be made as soon as practicable and must be made within 24 hours.

If any personal injury is caused to another person, the driver must also produce a valid insurance certificate if asked to do so by a police officer, injured person, or anyone else directly or indirectly involved in the accident.

A person injured in a car accident may be able to seek compensation for his or her injuries. This may be done through insurance, or a person can make a claim through the courts. It’s a complicated process, and if you have been involved at any stage then speaking to a solicitor is a wise option.

*All statistics taken from the Department for Transport

If you would like to obtain legal advice on car accidents, then Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist car accident solicitor free of charge. So if you have any questions or would like our help in finding a local car accident solicitor please call us at 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.

Last Updated on 02/03/2010