Can I Claim For A Lorry Or HGV Accident?
Last Updated 28th January 2026. Any type of road traffic accident can have detrimental consequences; however, accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or lorries pose a much higher risk of serious injury. Due to a disparity of size and weight, smaller vehicles involved in a lorry accident can, in some situations, end up completely written off, sometimes causing fatalities, traumatic brain injuries, or even life-changing spinal injuries. Lorry accident claims can help you seek compensation if you’ve been involved in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another driver.
You might be wondering how a claim could help, with the overwhelm of your recovery and the daunting nature of starting your own claim. However, the solicitors on our panel have extensive experience helping claimants seek much-needed compensation after a lorry accident. With specialist knowledge, our panel could help you seek compensation for the physical, psychological and financial implications of your HGV accident. By placing clients at the centre of all that we do, they will handle all legal complexities on your behalf, to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.
For an obligation-free case consultation, please get in touch with our advisors today. They’re available to listen, assess the facts of your case and if eligible, connect you with one of our specialised lorry accident claims solicitors from our panel.
Jump To A Section
- Who Can Make HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims?
- Can I Make HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims On Behalf Of A Loved One?
- Average Compensation Amounts For An HGV or Lorry Accident
- What Commonly Causes A HGV Or Lorry Accident?
- What Should I Do After Being Involved In a Lorry Or HGV Accident?
- Why Choose UK Law To Claim For A HGV Or Lorry Accident
- Get Help From Our Panel Of No Win No Fee Lorry Accident Solicitors
- More Information
Who Can Make HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims?
Those who have been injured by an HGV or lorry, or who are drivers of such vehicles, may be able to claim for any injuries they have suffered that were caused by the negligent actions of a road user. Essentially, your claim would need to demonstrate the following:
- Another road user owed you a duty of care
This is a legal obligation owed to you by all other road users. This duty of care is owed by all road users to use the roads in a way which minimises their risk of causing harm to other users. This is owed by HGV and lorry drivers and also owed to them. Per their duty of care, all road users must also adhere to both the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988.
- Another road user breached their duty of care
This arises when a road user fails to act as a reasonable driver would, causing injury to others. This occurs as a result of negligent actions, including speeding over the limit, distracted driving or failing to check their mirrors.
- You suffered an injury as a result of this breach
The final element that we must prove is that you suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of the other driver’s breach. You can claim compensation for any injury that was sustained, whether a minor injury or a more serious injury. You could claim as either a road user injured by an HGV or lorry, or as a driver of one of these vehicles that was injured by another road user.
To learn whether you could make a lorry accident claim, please get in touch with our advisors today. They can provide you with a free consultation where they’re able to assess the validity of your claim and discuss the next steps.
What If It Was A Foreign Lorry Or HGV Driver?
If you were involved in a lorry accident with a foreign-registered vehicle, you can still make a compensation claim, and the process is more straightforward than you might think.
Thanks to the Green Card system, you will claim in a similar way. The key difference is that your claim will be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which handles cases involving foreign drivers under the Green Card framework.
The Green Card is an international certificate of insurance, acting as proof that the foreign vehicle has the minimum third-party liability cover required by law in the country they are driving in. The system is recognised across 47 countries, including all EU and EEA nations.
This framework ensures that victims of road traffic accidents involving foreign HGVs or lorries are not left at a disadvantage when making a truck accident compensation claim.
Were you injured in an accident with a foreign HGV? Contact our advisors today to potentially begin your lorry accident claim through the Green Card MIB system.
Can I Make HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, you can bring an HGV or lorry accident claim on behalf of a loved one in two specific scenarios. This is called acting as their ‘litigation friend’, which comes with a number of responsibilities, including acting in the claimant’s best interests, discussing the case with their solicitors and ensuring that they are kept informed of the progress of their claim.
You can act in this position if either:
- You’re claiming on behalf of someone who was under 18 at the time of the lorry accident, as minors are unable to make their own claim
- You’re making a claim on behalf of a vulnerable adult who lacks the mental capacity to bring their own claim
Our panel of solicitors could help you apply to the courts to make a claim on behalf of a loved one.
Fatal Lorry Accident Claims
If a loved one has tragically died in a lorry accident, their estate or certain qualifying dependents may be able to claim compensation for the impact of their loss. The same eligibility requirements that apply to standard personal injury claims must be met.
To claim, it must be shown that:
- The deceased was owed a duty of care by another party (e.g. a lorry driver, employer or road user)
- That duty was breached
- The breach led to fatal harm
Under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934, the estate can bring a claim for the deceased’s pain, suffering, and any financial losses they incurred before death. They may also bring a claim on behalf of the deceased’s dependents. The estate is the only party entitled to claim within the first 6 months following the death.
If no claim is made by the estate within the first 6 months, certain qualifying relatives, known as dependents, can claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. These claims relate to how the death has affected them personally and financially.
Please note that dependents cannot claim on behalf of the deceased. That right lies solely with the estate.
If you’ve lost someone in a fatal lorry or HGV accident, contact our advisors now to learn how our panel of No Win No Fee solicitors can help you. We can also tell you who qualifies as a dependent.
Average Compensation Amounts For An HGV or Lorry Accident
The average compensation amount for a lorry accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific financial impact the accident has had on your life.
Compensation is typically divided into two parts:
- General damages – awarded for the psychological and physical pain and suffering caused by the injury.
- Special damages – awarded to reimburse you for the financial losses resulting from the injury.
To help calculate general damages, legal professionals refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides bracketed compensation amounts for a wide range of injuries based on their type and severity.
Below is a table showing examples of compensation amounts from the JCG for different injuries that could potentially be suffered in a lorry accident. Please note that none of these amounts can be guaranteed, as all lorry accident claims are unique. Also, the top figure is not from the JCG, and the bottom 2 figures are from the fixed tariffs in the Whiplash Reform Programme.
| Injury type | Severity of injury | Guideline compensation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple serious injuries plus special damages | Serious | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain damage | Very severe (a) | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Less severe (d) | £18,700 to £52,550 | |
| Neck | Severe (a) | In the region of £181,020 |
| Moderate (b)(i) | £30,500 to £46,970 | |
| Arm | Severe (a) | £117,360 to £159,770 |
| Less severe (c) | £23,430 to £47,810 | |
| Whiplash injuries with psychological damage | Lasting between 18-24 months | £4,345 |
| Whiplash injuries | Lasting between 18-24 months | £4,215 |
Please note: These figures apply only to general damages and do not include special damages, which can significantly increase the total value of your HGV accident compensation claim.
We are here to help you
Here at UKlaw our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free legal advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
How Is Compensation Calculated?
When you make a lorry accident claim, your compensation will be calculated by assessing both general damages and special damages.
The value of your general damages will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury – more serious injuries generally lead to higher awards
- The level of pain experienced – both immediate and ongoing pain are considered
- Duration of recovery – longer recovery times can increase the value of your claim
- Impact on daily life – including the inability to carry out work or normal activities
- Emotional distress – including anxiety, PTSD or depression resulting from the accident
- Long-term or permanent symptoms – such as scarring, disability or loss of function
Here are some financial losses that can be reimbursed under special damages:
- Loss of earnings and future earning potential
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle
- Costs of care and support
You will need to provide evidence such as receipts, wage slips, and medical records to support your claim for special damages.
If you’re unsure how much your HGV or truck accident claim could be worth, get in touch with our advisors today for a no-obligation assessment.
How Does The Whiplash Reform Programme Affect Lorry Accident Claims?
The Whiplash Reform Programme introduced changes to how certain road traffic accident claims are made. If you were injured as a driver or passenger in a vehicle and are aged 18 or over, and your injuries, such as whiplash, are valued at £5,000 or less, you may need to pursue your claim through a different route.
Whiplash injuries that fall under this programme are now valued using a fixed tariff system, as outlined in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
If you’ve suffered additional injuries that aren’t covered by the tariff—such as a sprained wrist—these will be valued separately. Should the total value of your claim exceed £5,000, it may still follow the traditional claims process, but tariff rates for whiplash will still apply.
Not sure which route applies to your claim? Speak to our advisors today.
What Commonly Causes A HGV Or Lorry Accident?
Below, we explore common causes of HGV and lorry accidents, supported by examples showing how accidents involving lorries can lead to serious personal injury claims.
Tailgating
- A car driver followed your lorry too closely on a busy A-road. When you slowed to avoid debris, they failed to stop in time and rear-ended you, causing spinal and shoulder injuries.
- A HGV tailgated a cyclist through a city junction. The driver couldn’t stop quickly enough when the cyclist braked, knocking them over and causing a head injury.
Fatigue
- A car driver fell asleep at the wheel and veered into your lane on a dual carriageway whole you were driving a lorry, resulting in a high-speed crash and multiple broken bones.
- A fatigued HGV driver failed to notice slowing traffic ahead and crashed into the back of your stationary vehicle, leaving you with whiplash and lower back injuries.
Alcohol or Drugs
- A car driver over the drink-drive limit misjudged a bend, crashing into your HGV head-on and causing you to suffer a neck fracture and concussion.
- A HGV driver under the influence of drugs ran a red light at a junction, hitting your motorbike. You sustained a broken leg and required reconstructive surgery.
Mobile Phone Usage
- A car driver abruptly cut in front of a fully loaded HGV on the motorway, braking sharply, because they were on their mobile phone. The HGV was unable to stop in time, leading to a rear-end collision that left the driver with neck and shoulder injuries.
- While checking their GPS app, a HGV driver drifted out of their lane on a dual carriageway, sideswiping your van and causing you to sustain multiple soft tissue injuries.
These examples illustrate how a breach of the duty of care by a lorry, HGV, or car driver, can cause serious accidents and injuries. If you’ve been affected, you could be eligible to make a truck accident compensation claim.
Speak to our team of advisors today to find out if you are eligible to make a truck accident compensation claim for your injuries.
What Should I Do After Being Involved In a Lorry Or HGV Accident?
To support your HGV accident compensation claim, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention – Prioritise your health and generate medical records.
- Report the accident – Notify the police and obtain a report.
- Gather evidence – Take photos, collect witness details, and document vehicle damage.
- Exchange insurance information – Essential for starting your claim compensation process.
- Contact UK Law – Let our advisors guide you through your next steps.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case. So, call UK Law for free help now.
How Long Do I Have To Make A Lorry Accident Claim?
The standard time limit to start a personal injury claim is 3 years from the date the accident occurred, under the Limitation Act 1980. However, exceptions apply for:
- Children (under 18s)
- Individuals lacking mental capacity
While children and those lacking mental capacity are unable to make their own claim, the time limit is paused. While the time limit is paused, a litigation friend can step in.
A litigation friend is an adult appointed to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to manage their own claim, such as a child or a person lacking mental capacity.
Not sure if you’re within the time limit? Contact our advisors today and protect your right to compensation. We can also give you more information on how to apply to be a litigation friend.
Why Choose UK Law To Claim For A HGV Or Lorry Accident
Here at UK Law, our panel of solicitors have a personalised approach. By placing you at the centre of all they do, they aim to make the claims process as seamless as it can be. They understand that it can feel overwhelming to start your own claim, which is why their focus remains on recovering the compensation that you deserve.
With this approach, our panel can handle the entire process on your behalf, meaning you can remain focused on your recovery. Additionally, our panel works on a No Win No Fee basis, under a Conditional Fee Agreement, which offers a few benefits, such as:
- Not having to pay them upfront for their services
- Having nothing to pay for their services while the claim is underway
- Not having for their completed services if the claim is unsuccessful
On the other hand, if your claim was successful, then a small legally capped percentage would be deducted from your compensation. This is our panel’s success fee, and is limited in line with the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, to make sure that you receive the bulk of your compensation.
Furthermore, some of the services offered by our panel of specialist solicitors include:
- Regular updates about the progress of your case
- Simple explanations of complex language or the claims process
- Providing an estimate of how much compensation you may receive
- Connecting you with recovery specialists
- Negotiating a settlement that reflects the harm caused by the lorry accident
To learn more about how UK Law could help you with your own HGV accident claim, please get in touch with us today.
Contact Our Advisors
Contact our team of advisors today to find out if you could start a No Win No Fee truck accident claim. Our panel of solicitors are here to support you every step of the way:
We are here to help you
Here at UKlaw our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free legal advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
More Information
View some of our similar guides here:
- Learn about split liability road traffic accident claims.
- How to make a road traffic accident claim against an uninsured driver.
- Learn about whiplash payouts.
You might also find these resources helpful:
- Highways England Traffic Information
- Gov.UK – the rules on drivers’ hours for HGV drivers.
- Gov.UK – how to apply for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you injuries have caused you to have time off work.
Call UK Law now and speak with our expert advisors about the lorry accident claims process.
