Passenger in car accident - what now?

shell820810

My partner was a passenger in a van which was driven into by a bus. This has caused whiplash, and loss of earnings in having to go to hospital, and arranging for alternative transport etc. Police were not called to the scene, but the incident was later reported to the police.

How should he go about making a claim for compensation? Does he go to his own insurance company, the drivers insurance company, the bus company? Or one of those online "National Accident Helpline" type of sites? He does not have a solicitor, and we cant really afford the initial outlay of paying for a solicitor, unless we are guaranteed the expenses are covered.

Also do we have to pay for further treatment for his neck, or should this be covered by the party at fault?

Thanks

mattymoo

If your partner has a motor policy and they obtained the legal expenses add-on cover, they can use this to pursue the claim. A claim under the legal expenses cover does not result in loss of NCD.

The claim will be against the bus company but if they do dispute liability, they may elect to bring in the van driver as a second defendent. Either way, your partner is an innocent party so the claim will be paid, might take a little longer though.

Neck injuries are normally soft tissue injuries and do not require surgical intervention. They normally clear up over a period of weeks or months. Treatment from a chiropracter or physio can help and this can be reclaimed from the negligent party. Keep receipts.