I Was Hurt In A Crash On A One-Way Street – How Do I Claim Compensation?
Last Updated On 20th June 2025. Our guide will explain how you can claim compensation if you were injured in a crash on a one-way street and when you might be eligible to do so.
Moreover, we explore the various rules and laws which are implemented to minimise the risk of those navigating the roads from experiencing harm.
We will also discuss how the whiplash reforms can influence the process of how certain road traffic accident claims are made.
This guide also explores the process of making a personal injury claim after a road traffic accident on a one-way road, including the criteria that must be met to make a claim, the evidence you can gather and the different forms of compensation that can be awarded if you make a successful claim.
For more information about making a road traffic accident claim, please continue to read this guide. Alternatively, you can reach an advisor to ask about claiming personal injury compensation in the following ways:
- Call on 020 3870 4868
- Contact us by completing our online form with your details
- Speak with an advisor through our live chat bubble
Select A Section
- What Is A Crash On A One-Way Street?
- UK Road Accident And Collision Statistics
- What Duty Does A Driver Owe A Passenger Or Other Road Users?
- How Does The Car Accident Claims Process Work?
- Settlements For A Crash On A One-Way Street
- Get Help With Your Claim
What Is A Crash On A One-Way Street?
A crash on a one-way street is a collision resulting from drivers crashing into each other on a street in which the traffic can only travel a certain way. These can happen in a number of ways.
Examples include:
- A driver coming the wrong way down a one-way street and causing a head on collision
- A driver reversing without making the necessary checks and colliding with an oncoming vehicle
- A driver crashing into the rear end of the car in front due to being distracted while using their phone.
The Highway Code contains guidance and rules for different road users to follow. Some of the rules are backed by the law. As per Rule 143, traffic must travel in the direction indicated by road signs on one-way streets. If this rule is not adhered to, it could lead to another road user experiencing harm. Call to find out whether a claim could be made.
What Kind Of Injuries Can I Sustain In A One-Way Street Crash?
There are many kinds of injuries possible if you are involved in a crash on a one-way street, such as:
- Head injuries not leading to brain damage.
- Traumatic head injuries, such as concussions, which cause brain damage.
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains, and dislocations.
- Permanent scars, bruises and lacerations.
- Burn injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Psychological injuries due to the trauma of the car accident.
- Back or spinal injuries.
- Crush injuries, which may lead to amputations.
- Paralysis due to serious brain injury or spinal cord damage.
As you can see, your injuries would vary in type or severity, and that would affect your compensation amount. We will cover this aspect in greater detail in the subsequent sections. It is also possible to sustain more than one injury, and we will cover that as well while covering the compensation section.
While we have tried to cover all possible examples, it is possible that we may have missed out on mentioning your particular injury. If that’s the case, do not worry. Just call us and book a free consultation to discuss your car accident claim. We will analyse the eligibility, strength and the compensation amount due in your car crash claim.
UK Road Accident And Collision Statistics
According to a report from the Department For Transport, it was estimated that there were:
- 1,607 fatalities in reported road collisions
- 31,147 casualties who were killed or seriously injured
- 128,920 casualties of all severities
What Duty Does A Driver Owe A Passenger Or Other Road Users?
The Road Traffic Act 1988 outlines the duty of care that road users owe each other. A road user has a duty to take reasonable care in navigating the road to prevent one another from experiencing harm.
Additionally, as mentioned, the Highway Code provides guidance for different road users. There are also rules which are backed elsewhere in law. Rule 204 of The Highway Code outlines that road user’s who have the potential to cause the most substantial harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others. This can include drivers of vehicles, such as cars, lorries and vans.
As part of the road traffic accident claims process, you must prove that your injuries sustained in a crash on a one-way street were caused by someone else’s negligence. Negligence is when:
- The road user had a duty of care
- This duty was breached
- This breach of duty caused your injuries.
If you can demonstrate these criteria, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Please get in touch on the number above to find out whether you are able to make a claim.
How Does The Car Accident Claims Process Work?
When wondering what to do if you’re injured in a car accident, you should take steps to ensure your well-being first and foremost. After this, you should take steps to gather evidence to support your claim.
Evidence can include:
- CCTV footage
- Dashcam footage
- Copies of medical records
- Photographs of your injuries and damage to your car
Road accident solicitors can assist you in acquiring these forms of evidence. They can also help you throughout the different stages of the claims process. Get in touch to find out whether a solicitor from our panel could represent your case.
What Is The Road Traffic Accident Time Limit?
You should also be aware of the time limit for starting a claim. This is outlined in The Limitation Act 1980. It states that a person has three years from the date of the accident to make a claim or three years from the date that they became aware of the negligence involved.
Exceptions to this time limit exist if:
- A person was under eighteen at the time of the accident. In these instances, the time limit does not apply. During this time, someone could make an application to act as a litigation friend and put forward the claim on their behalf. If no claim is made on their behalf, they have three years from the date of their eighteenth birthday to start a claim.
- A person lacking the mental capacity to claim. The time limit is also frozen in this instance. While the time limit is suspended, a litigation friend could put forward the claim on their behalf. In the event that they regain their mental capacity, they have three years from the date they recover to make a claim, provided no claim has been made on their behalf.
To learn more about collecting evidence, accessing a solicitor’s services or the exceptions to the time limits, please get in touch on the number above.
Settlements For A Crash On A One-Way Street
General damages are one head of claim that you could receive if you make a successful claim. These cover the pain you have experienced as a result of your injuries. Consideration is also given to the impact on both your physical and psychological suffering as well as the impact on your quality of life.
The Judicial College Guidelines are used by personal injury solicitors to value injuries in a claim. They contain a list of compensation brackets that correspond with different injuries. We have used these in the table below.
The figures in the table are not guaranteed, however, as each claim is unique. Also, the top row isn’t from the JCG.
| Injury | Notes | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Injuries and Special Damages | There could be combination of the injuries mentioned here or even others along with financial losses. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Injury From Brain Damage - Very Severe (a) | Quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Severe physical and cognitive disabilities. | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Injury From Brain Damage - Moderately Severe (b) | Seriously disabled. Constant need for professional care. | £267,340 to £344,150 |
| Back Injuries - Severe (a) (i) | Damage to spinal cord and nerve roots. | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Back Injuries - Severe (a) (ii) | Nerve root damage and loss of sensation. | £90,510 to £107,910 |
| Neck Injuries - Severe (a) (i) | Incomplete paraplegia. Little/no movement in neck despite collar wear. | In the region of £181,020 |
| Neck Injuries - Moderate (b) (i) | Fractures/dislocations. Serious soft tissue injuries. | £30,500 to £46,970 |
| Shoulder Injuries - Severe (a) | Damage to brachial plexus. | £15,580 to £23,430 |
| One or more whiplash injuries with one or more minor psychological injuries | The duration of the injuries is between 18-24 months. | £4,345 |
| One or more whiplash injuries | The duration of the injury is between 18-24 months. | £4,215 |
Special damages are another head of claim you could potentially receive. These aim to restore you to the financial position that you were in prior to your accident. They cover monetary losses you have incurred due to your injuries. For example:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical costs
- Travel expenses
You can collect evidence to support these losses, such as:
- Payslips
- Receipts
- Invoices
To learn more about the compensation you could be awarded for injuries sustained in a crash on a one-way street, get in touch using the number above.
What Is The Whiplash Reform Program?
The Whiplash Reform Programme is a set of changes made to the way claims for whiplash and soft tissue injuries are made. These state that if you are a driver or passenger over eighteen and have sustained whiplash or soft tissue injuries valued at £5,000 or less, then your claim must be made through a government portal known as the Official Injury Claims portal.
In doing so, any injuries relating to whiplash or soft tissue damage will be valued in accordance with the fixed tariff in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. However, even if you are not required to claim through the Reforms, the fixed tariff may still apply as they apply to all occupants inside a vehicle. We have included some of figures from the tariff in the table above.
Get Help With Your Claim
When making a road traffic accident claim, No Win No Fee agreements may financially benefit you. A Conditional Fee Agreement is a popular type of this arrangement. Usually, if your case is unsuccessful, you may not be required to pay any upfront fees regarding your solicitor’s services. You won’t typically be expected to pay for their services if your claim is not a success either.
In the event that your claim is successful, your solicitor is likely to take a success fee. This is a deduction from your compensation that is legally capped.
Please chat with us about claiming for an injury sustained in a crash on a one-way street. Our team of advisors could connect you with one of the experienced solicitors from our panel to assist you in making your claim, provided it’s valid and has a chance of success.
You can get in contact with us by:
- Calling on 020 3870 4868
- Completing our contact form with your details
- Speaking with an advisor through our live chat bubble
Learn More About Road Traffic Crashes
Please feel free to explore more of our guides through the links below:
- My Child Got Hit By A Car, Can I Claim A Payout?
- Cyclist Hit By A Car
- What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits Me?
For further information, take a look at the external resources linked below:
- NHS – First Aid
- GOV – Road Accidents And Safety Statistics
- Highway Code – Rules For Drivers And Motorcyclists
Thank you for reading our guide on claiming compensation for an injury sustained in a crash on a one-way street. If you have any other questions, get in touch using the details provided above.
Writer LS
Checked by AC
