Road accidents can leave you with injuries ranging from minor whiplash to something far more serious. Whatever the type of accident - or injury - you are legally entitled to financial compensation if someone else was the cause. For example:

• If you were the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident for which another driver was to blame.
  
  
• If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident and your driver, or the driver of the other vehicle, is at fault. Note: don't worry if the driver is a friend or family member because they will automatically lose their no claims bonus as a result of the damage caused to the other vehicle.
  
  
• You are a cyclist who was knocked off your bike by a motorist who failed to see you.
  
  

About one-third of all accidents happen on the roads. It is compulsory for drivers of vehicles to have insurance cover against claims from people who may have injuries. This includes claims from their own passengers even if in the same family.

Such a claim can be made whether or not the police have prosecuted the driver at fault. If the driver had no insurance a claim can still be made from an organisation called the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). A claim for compensation for loss and injuries should be brought against the driver who was at fault.