Rear-End Collision Claims

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of road traffic accidents. It is essential to know that, if you have suffered an injury following an accident that was not your fault, our team of expert solicitors can help you make a rear-end collision claim.

Such accidents can be caused by various types of negligence, such as tailgating, speeding, impaired driving and sudden braking. Like other collisions, they could lead to numerous injuries, ranging from whiplash to severe head trauma, with potentially permanent consequences.

To find out if you are entitled to seek compensation for a rear-end accident, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back. Our friendly legal advisers will offer you a free consultation with no obligation to proceed.

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Table of Contents

• What is a rear-end collision?
• Am I entitled to make a claim for a rear-end collision?
• What evidence do I need to support my personal injury claim?
• Common causes of rear-end collisions
• Am I eligible for compensation if I was partly at fault for a rear-end shunt car accident?
• What are common injuries caused by rear-end collisions?
• Can I claim compensation on behalf of my child?
• What is the time limit to start a road traffic accident claim?
• How much compensation could I receive for a rear-end collision injury claim?
• Can I make a claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
• Start your claim today!

What is a rear-end collision?

A rear-end collision, also known as a rear-end shunt, happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. It is one of the most common types of collisions that may lead to a car accident claim, and can happen in situations such as:

• The car in front suddenly slows down or stops
• A driver is distracted and does not notice that the vehicle ahead is stopping
• Poor weather conditions make it difficult to brake safely
• A driver must suddenly avoid a serious road defect, an animal, or a road user

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, all road users must act with care and follow the traffic rules to prevent causing harm to others.

Section 126 of the UK Highway Code outlines the safe stopping procedures to avoid incidents. It also advises drivers to keep a safe following distance to prevent rear-end collisions, which should be increased in poor road or weather conditions.

Usually, the driver in the rear is presumed to be at fault for the collision, as they have a legal duty to maintain a safe stopping distance.

However, depending on the accident circumstances, you may be eligible to claim compensation for a rear end shunt accident as the driver or passenger of either vehicle.

Am I entitled to make a claim for a rear-end collision?

The easiest way to find out if you can claim for injuries caused by a rear-end collision is through a free consultation with a friendly legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether:

• Another road user owed you a legal duty of care
• They acted negligently and caused a rear-end collision
• You suffered injuries as a result of the road accident
• You are within the legal time limit to start a claim

If all these can be established and supported by evidence, you will be paired with one of the specialist solicitors that we work with. They will explain your legal options and guide you through the accident claims process.

What evidence do I need to support my personal injury claim?

To secure compensation, you will need various types of evidence to support your claim. This must be able to prove how the accident happened and how it has affected you, and could include:

• Photographs and videos of the accident scene and the vehicle damage, taken from various angles, before anything is moved.
• If available, dash cam or CCTV footage can provide a clear, objective view of how the collision occurred.
• Pictures of any visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises or fractures and their healing process.
• Statements from independent witnesses who saw the crash can help confirm your version of the events.
• Contact and insurance details of the other driver.
• A copy of the police report, if they attended the scene of the accident.
• Medical records are essential to prove the injuries sustained, the treatments received and your prognosis.
• A report from an independent medical specialist can confirm the full extent of your injuries and any long-term care needs.
• A detailed diary of your symptoms, pain levels and how your injuries have impacted your daily life.
• Proof of financial losses related to the accident, such as receipts for medical expenses and payslips if you’ve lost income due to time off work.

Common causes of rear-end collisions

Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of road traffic collisions and can be due to various causes, such as:

• Tailgating – When drivers do not have enough stopping distance, they cannot react in time if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes.
• Distracted driving – Using a mobile phone, eating or talking to passengers can distract you and delay your reaction time.
• Speeding – Driving too fast increases the time and distance needed to stop safely.
• Driver fatigue – Driving when too tired can significantly slow down reflexes and may even cause you to nod off, leading to collisions.
• Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can reduce alertness and reaction time.
• Sudden braking – If the lead vehicle stops unexpectedly or harshly, it can catch the driver behind off guard.
• Poor weather or road conditions – Rain, snow, debris and other hazards on the road can reduce traction and increase the stopping distance.
• Driver inexperience – New drivers may misjudge distances or the time they need to stop the car.
• Mechanical failures – Faulty brakes or turn signals can also contribute to accidents.

If you or a loved one suffered rear-end collision injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make an accident compensation claim.

Am I eligible for compensation if I was partly at fault for a rear-end shunt car accident?

You can still make a road traffic accident claim even if you were partially at fault for the rear-end collision. This is known as contributory negligence, and while it does not affect your claim entitlement, it will likely impact the compensation award you get.

This means that if you suffered a leg injury valued at £20,000 and you are found to be 25% at fault for it, you would only receive compensation of £15,000. Examples of contributory negligence in a rear-end accident include:

• Sudden or unnecessary braking
• Faulty or broken brake lights
• Failing to use the turn signal or change lanes properly
• Pulling out into traffic unexpectedly
• Distracted driving or failing to check mirrors when stopping or slowing down
• Stopping in an unsafe location
• Not wearing a seatbelt

Even if you believe you were partly at fault for a car accident, you should speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your situation and determine whether you may have a valid claim for compensation.

What are common injuries caused by rear-end collisions?

A rear-end collision can cause various types of injuries for which you may be eligible to claim compensation. These range from minor to life-threatening and include:

• Cuts and lacerations – These injuries can result from shattered glass, loose objects within the vehicle or impact with the steering wheel or other hard surfaces. They are rarely serious, but could lead to infections and permanent scarring.
• Whiplash – This is one of the most common injuries in road accidents. It is caused by a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head that can damage the muscles, ligaments, tendons and discs in the neck and cause pain, stiffness and other symptoms.
• Head injuries – You can suffer head injuries if you hit your head on the steering wheel, dashboard or headrest. These can range from mild bumps and concussions to severe brain trauma with permanent and catastrophic consequences.
• Back injuries – A forceful impact during a rear-end collision can lead to sprains, strains, herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. In severe cases, the spinal cord can also be affected, leading to paralysis and loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Chest injuries – The force of the seatbelt or the impact with the steering wheel or airbag can lead to various chest injuries, such as contusions, rib fractures and internal injuries.
• Arm and leg injuries – A rear-end collision can cause a variety of arm and leg injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, burns, dislocations and crush injuries.
• Psychological injuries – Besides physical injuries, the trauma of being involved in a collision can also lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Can I claim compensation on behalf of my child?

If your child was injured in a rear-end collision, you may be able to make a claim for them as their litigation friend. To represent them, you must first send a certificate of suitability to the court, proving that:

• You can make fair and competent decisions throughout the claims process.
• There is no conflict of interest between you (for example, you may not be able to represent them if you were driving at the time of the car accident).

You will have several responsibilities as a litigation friend, which include:

• Act in your child’s best interests
• Instruct solicitors and take legal advice
• Help gather supporting evidence
• Approve and sign legal documents
• Pay any fees requested by the court
• Decide whether to accept a settlement offer

If you secure compensation for your child, the amount must be approved by a judge during a court hearing. The money will be kept in a court bank account or a personal injury trust and released to the child on their 18th birthday.

What is the time limit to start a road traffic accident claim?

There is a general three-year limitation period to initiate a claim under the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit begins either:

• On the date of the rear end accident.
• On the date you first became aware of your injuries (the date of knowledge), if these became apparent at a later date, as is often the case with whiplash.

A few exceptions might apply to your case:

• You can make a child accident claim at any time before their 18th birthday, after which they have until 21 to start a compensation claim themselves.
• If the injured party cannot handle a claim due to a brain injury or a pre-existing condition affecting their mental capacity, there is no time limit for a litigation friend to represent them.
• If you lost a loved one following a severe rear-end collision, you have three years from their death to claim compensation.

How much compensation could I receive for a rear-end collision injury claim?

There is no set amount of compensation for a rear end collision. Your solicitor will carefully calculate how much you are entitled to receive from the defendant based on two types of damages:

• General damages are awarded for the pain, suffering and other subjective losses incurred due to the accident. They could include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement and loss of consortium.
• Special damages are awarded for financial losses and expenses incurred because of the accident, such as private medical treatments, loss of earnings, travel expenses to medical appointments and care costs.

General damages are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College and are awarded according to the type and severity of your injuries. According to our personal injury compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £240 to £4,345 for a whiplash injury
• £1,960 to £6,300 for moderate back injuries with complete recovery within two years
• Between £4,780 and £11,330 for a hand injury with long-term effects
• £43,710 to £67,410 for very severe leg injuries with permanent symptoms
• Up to £493,000 for a very severe brain injury

Can I make a claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are eligible to make a personal injury claim following a rear-end traffic collision, our team of solicitors will represent you on a no win no fee basis. That means you will not have to pay them anything upfront, and you will not be taking any financial risks.

If you receive compensation, your solicitor will be entitled to a percentage of it, known as a success fee. This is agreed upon from the beginning and cannot exceed 25% of your general damages and past financial losses. If you lose, you do not pay them a single penny.

For added security, you can also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance to protect you against litigation costs. If you lose the claim, the ATE will cover all your expenses, including the defendant’s legal representation.

Start your claim today!

If you were injured following a rear-end collision and wish to seek personal injury compensation, do not hesitate to contact us for a free case assessment.

Our friendly legal advisers will be happy to offer you a free consultation and answer any questions you may have. If you can proceed with a claim, you will be paired with a specialist solicitor, who will:

• Offer you a no win no fee service
• Provide support and advice at every step of the claims process
• Collect the necessary evidence to build a compelling case
• Handle all communication with the defendant
• Negotiate the maximum compensation on your behalf

To find out if you have a valid claim for injuries sustained in a rear-end collision, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back to receive a free consultation with a legal adviser.

Last edited on 8th Aug 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.

Last edited on 8th Aug 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.