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Case study · Road traffic accident
£22,500 Compensation After Being Hit From Behind While Stationary
Our client's car was stationary when another car hit them from behind, pushing them into the car in front. They suffered whiplash, sprains and ringing in their ears, and now struggle with anxiety when travelling in a car. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, brought the claim against the other driver's insurer and secured £22,500 in compensation.
How a rear-end collision led to a successful claim for physical and psychological injuries, and what it means if you've been hit from behind.
- Claim type
- Road traffic accident
- Cause
- Hit from behind while stationary
- Injuries
- Whiplash, sprains, ringing in the ears and travel anxiety
- Claim made against
- The other driver's insurer
What happened
Our client's car was stationary, waiting while the car in front pulled around a parked delivery van.
While they were stopped, another car hit them from behind, pushing them into the car in front.
The injuries
The collision left our client with physical injuries and lasting anxiety.
- Whiplash
- Sprains
- Ringing in their ears
- Anxiety when travelling in a car, which they still struggle with
How we helped
Solicitors at NJS Law brought the claim against the insurer of the driver who hit them.
- The claimBrought against the insurer of the driver who hit our client from behind.
- Medical evidenceWe arranged independent medical evidence covering the whiplash, the sprains, the ringing in their ears and the anxiety.
- NegotiationWe negotiated with the insurer until the claim was resolved.
- The outcomeCompensation of £22,500.
Key facts in this case
- Our client's car was stationary
- They were waiting while the car in front pulled around a parked delivery van
- Another car hit them from behind
- The impact pushed them into the car in front
Every claim is different, and the outcome of your claim will depend on your circumstances.
What this case shows about rear-end collisions
If you've been hit from behind in an accident that wasn't your fault, these are the points that matter most.
Drivers must leave room to stop
Drivers should leave enough space to stop safely behind the vehicle in front. If you're hit from behind while stationary, the driver behind is usually found to be at fault.
Psychological injuries count
Anxiety about travelling after a crash is a real injury. With medical evidence, it can be included in your claim alongside your physical injuries.
Mention every symptom
Symptoms such as ringing in the ears are easy to overlook. Tell your GP and the medical expert about everything, so it's covered in the medical evidence.
The other driver's insurer pays
Drivers must be insured, so compensation is usually paid by the at-fault driver's insurer, not by the driver personally.
Hit from behind? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No Win No Fee on eligible claims
- Personal injury solicitors at NJS Law
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
Prefer to talk now? 0330 818 1202
Rear-end collision claims: FAQs
Who is at fault if I'm hit from behind?
In most cases, the driver who hits you from behind is found to be at fault, because drivers should leave enough room to stop safely. Every accident is different, so we'll look at what happened in yours.
Can I claim for whiplash?
Yes, you may be able to. In many road traffic claims, compensation for whiplash is set using fixed amounts in law, and smaller claims go through the Official Injury Claim service. We'll explain how this applies to your claim.
Can I claim for anxiety after a car accident?
Yes. Anxiety about travelling after a crash is a real injury. With independent medical evidence, it can be included in your claim alongside your physical injuries.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as lost earnings and treatment. In this case, our client received £22,500. See our road traffic accident claims page for typical compensation ranges.
Can I claim if I was a passenger?
Yes, passengers can usually claim too. A passenger is rarely to blame for an accident, so the claim is normally made against the insurer of the driver at fault.
Is there a time limit for a road traffic accident claim?
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.
Hit from behind in an accident that wasn't your fault?
Talk to our personal injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.