Car Accident Abroad Claims

If you had a car accident in another country because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a car accident abroad claim and get compensation for your injuries.

Being involved in any road accident is a devastating experience, and an accident overseas can make it all the more overwhelming. This could include language barriers, unfamiliar laws, and different time limits for starting a compensation claim.

We understand how difficult it can be to deal with a car accident abroad, and we are here to help. Our specialist solicitors would be happy to offer you a free case assessment and advise you on your legal rights and options.

To discuss your case with a friendly legal adviser and learn more about the process, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a claim for a car accident abroad?
• Who could be liable for my car accident?
• Can I make my car accident claim in the UK?
• What should I do if I am involved in a road traffic accident abroad?
• How do I make a car accident abroad claim?
• What injuries could be caused by car accidents abroad?
• Can I claim compensation for an accident with an uninsured driver abroad?
• How much compensation could I receive for a road accident abroad?
• What is the time limit to make a claim for a car accident abroad?
• Can I claim compensation on behalf of a loved one injured in a car accident abroad?
• How much will it cost to make a car accident abroad claim?
• Will I need to go to court?
• How long will my compensation claim take?
• Start your personal injury claim today!

Am I eligible to make a claim for a car accident abroad?

The easiest way to find out if you may be able to claim compensation for a car accident abroad is through a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor.

They will verify whether:

• Another party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached this duty and caused your car accident abroad.
• You suffered injuries and other losses as a result.
• You are within the legal time limit for starting a claim.

If these can be established, a solicitor will take on your case and help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim.

Who could be liable for my car accident?

Depending on the circumstances of your car accident abroad, various parties could be liable for compensation, including:

• Another driver. In most cases, if another driver was speeding or acting otherwise negligently, they would be the liable party. In this case, their insurance would cover the compensation owed to you.
• A car rental company. If your accident was caused by a faulty hire car, the rental company could be held liable for failing to provide a safe and well-maintained vehicle.
• The local authorities. If you were injured due to a poorly maintained road or a lack of road signs, you could make a claim against the local authority responsible.
• A manufacturer. If you had an accident due to a car defect, such as faulty brakes or a defective steering wheel, the manufacturing company could be held liable for damages.
• A tour operator. If the accident occurred in a vehicle that was part of a package holiday, you could make a holiday accident claim against your travel agency.

Can I make my car accident claim in the UK?

Yes, in many cases, you can still make a claim for compensation in the UK even if you were involved in a road accident abroad. This is possible when:

• The accident was part of a car transfer booked through a UK tour operator as part of a holiday package. In this case, you can make a claim against them under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
• The party responsible for your accident is based in the UK.
• International rules permit jurisdiction in UK courts.

In other cases, you will generally have to pursue your claim abroad, which can be complex and time-consuming. This may also involve legal intricacies, different time limits and a lower (or higher) compensation award, depending on the country where the accident occurred.

What should I do if I am involved in a road traffic accident abroad?

If you were involved in an accident abroad, there are a few steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to have your injuries diagnosed and treated; if needed, call the emergency services at the accident scene.
• Report the accident to the local police and ask for a police reference number or a copy of their report.
• Take photographs or a video of the accident scene, from different angles, if it is safe to do so.
• Exchange details with other parties involved in the accident, including the vehicle details, the registration plate and their contact number.
• Ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses who may be able to provide a statement later about what happened.
• Take note of the date and time of the accident, including any details you can remember about how the collision occurred.
• Inform any relevant parties about the accident, such as your insurer, a car rental company or your tour operator.

How do I make a car accident abroad claim?

To make a compensation claim for an accident abroad, the first thing you should do is seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor. They will offer you a free consultation to discuss the details of your accident, your injuries, and the evidence you have.

If you are eligible to proceed with a road traffic accident abroad claim, your solicitor will:

• Further investigate your case and gather supporting evidence.
• Establish who is liable for your injuries and how much compensation you are entitled to.
• Send a letter of claim to the defendant outlining the details of your case.
• Handle negotiations on your behalf if liability is admitted.
• Issue court proceedings if they deny responsibility for your accident.

What injuries could be caused by car accidents abroad?

A car accident abroad could result in various injuries for which you could claim compensation, including:

• Whiplash and other types of soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.
• Fractures of the limbs, ribs, skull or even the spine.
• Concussions or more severe brain injuries.
• Back and spinal injuries, such as slipped discs and spinal cord damage.
• Internal bleeding, bruising and damage to internal organs.
• Cuts and lacerations, some of which can cause permanent scars.
• Psychological trauma, such as anxiety and PTSD.

The type and severity of your injuries will largely determine the amount of compensation that will be awarded to you if your claim is successful.

Can I claim compensation for an accident with an uninsured driver abroad?

Yes, it is often possible to claim compensation for a road traffic accident abroad that wasn’t your fault, even if the other driver is uninsured.

If the accident happened in Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or a European Union country, you could typically claim through that country’s equivalent of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

If the accident took place outside of these countries, you may still have options, such as:

• Claim compensation directly from the driver (if they are able to pay).
• Claim through your own travel or car insurance policy, if it covers overseas accidents.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and options.

How much compensation could I receive for a road accident abroad?

Your accident compensation payment will be calculated based on two types of damages:

• General damages cover your injuries and the pain, suffering and loss of amenity they have caused you.
• Special damages cover related financial losses and expenses, such as medical costs and loss of earnings during recovery.

If you can make your claim in the UK, your general damages will be based on the Judicial College guidelines.

If you need to make a claim abroad, your compensation will be calculated according to the legal system of the country where the accident happened.

What is the time limit to make a claim for a car accident abroad?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to make a claim for a road traffic accident in the UK, with a few exceptions:

• Child injury claims can be brought by a parent or legal guardian anytime before the child’s 18th birthday.
• There is no claim limitation date if the injured party does not have the mental capacity to handle legal proceedings.

The time limits for personal injury claims vary significantly between countries. For example, Italy has a two-year limitation date, while in Spain the time limit may be as short as one year.

Can I claim compensation on behalf of a loved one injured in a car accident abroad?

If a loved one suffered injuries due to a car accident abroad caused by someone else’s negligence, you can claim compensation on their behalf if they are:

• A child under the age of 18.
• An adult who lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves (a protected party under the Mental Capacity Act 2005).

To claim on their behalf, you must first apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. A specialist solicitor can help you complete and submit the necessary documents and guide you through the litigation friend claims process.

You could also make a claim if you lost a loved one in a car accident abroad and you qualify as their dependant. In this case, you could claim the loss of financial support, loss of services, funeral expenses and a bereavement award of £15,120.

How much will it cost to make a car accident abroad claim?

If you are entitled to compensation for a car accident abroad, the solicitors we work with will be happy to offer you a no win no fee agreement. This means:

• You do not have to pay anything to begin your claim.
• If your claim fails, you will not be charged a single penny.
• If you win compensation, your solicitor will be entitled to a success fee. This is agreed upon from the beginning and capped at 25% of your settlement.

Will I need to go to court?

It is highly unlikely that you will need to go to court. The vast majority of personal injury claims (over 96%), including those for car accidents abroad, are settled through negotiations between the two parties.

If the defendant disputes liability or settlement negotiations fail, your solicitor will be prepared to take your case to court. However, even in this case, it is still very likely that a settlement will be reached before the trial date.

How long will my compensation claim take?

The duration of a claim for a car accident abroad can vary significantly, based on several factors:

• The type and severity of your injuries.
• Your recovery and prognosis.
• The defendant’s willingness to negotiate.
• Whether you can make your claim in the UK.
• The legal system in the foreign country.
• The need for court proceedings.

Straightforward claims can be settled quickly, within six to 12 months. However, complex or high-value cases can potentially take years to resolve. Your solicitor will work hard to secure a fair settlement for you in the shortest time possible.

Start your personal injury claim today!

To find out if you are able to make a claim for a car accident abroad, do not hesitate to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Claims for accidents abroad can be more complex, and time limits can vary significantly between countries. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better your chances of securing compensation.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help. You can call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back.

Last edited on 2nd Sep 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.