Road traffic accident abroad claims

Being injured in a road traffic accident abroad is frightening when you're far from home and unsure of your rights. Whether you were a road user or traveling as a passenger, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our specialist international injury team is here to guide you through every step.

GET IN TOUCH 0330 175 8740

Trustpilot
TOP-RANKED LEGAL EXPERTS CHAMBERS & LEGAL 500
NO WIN, NO FEE

Author

Ross Smith

International Injuries Team Lead

Reviewer

Jamil Mohammed

Solicitor

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Can I make a road traffic accident abroad claim?

You can make a road traffic accident abroad claim if you were injured in a collision overseas that was caused by someone else’s negligence whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian. A serious road traffic accident can change your life in an instant, affecting your everyday independence.

In many cases, claims can still be handled in the UK through our specialist international solicitors, no matter where your accident happened. We have supported clients after collisions across a wide range of destinations, securing compensation for those who have suffered life-changing harm.

You may be able to claim if your accident involved your own vehicle, a hire car, a local driver, or occurred while on holiday or on a business trip. If your accident happened outside Europe, we can still assess your case as our team works with trusted international partners to navigate different legal systems and insurance rules on your behalf.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if some time has passed since your accident, it’s still worth speaking to us. Time limits for making a road traffic accident abroad claim vary by country, so some are shorter than others meaning it is that much more important to seek advice as soon as possible. We’ll tell you honestly whether you have a case.

Example of a road traffic accident abroad claim

Imagine a UK tourist on holiday in Spain who is hit by a local driver running a red light while crossing the road. The collision causes serious leg fractures requiring emergency surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, resulting in significant time off work and substantial medical costs. If the driver was at fault and proper evidence was gathered at the scene, this could be a valid road traffic accident abroad claim handled through our UK-based team.

Common road traffic accident abroad claims we support

Expertise you can trust

9/10 clients would recommend us
4,000+ client outcomes achieved in the last 12 months
Dedicated rehabilitation and wellbeing team

What compensation can help with

Person driving a cream vintage convertible car with sunlight glare

Recovering lost income and covering future care

Serious injuries sustained in road collisions abroad often come with significant costs that go beyond immediate medical treatment. Lost earnings and ongoing rehabilitation back in the UK can add up, even more so if you need specialist equipment or home adaptations. This can all place enormous pressure on you and your family at an already difficult time.

A successful road traffic accident abroad claim might cover:

Medical treatment and emergency care costs incurred overseas
Repatriation and specialist transport back to the UK
Rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Psychological support and counselling where needed
Loss of earnings, both current and future
The cost of ongoing care and support.

In more serious cases, compensation may also contribute towards home adaptations, mobility equipment, prosthetics and assistive devices, as well as travel and accommodation costs related to your injury and recovery. We work to ensure your compensation reflects the full impact of your injuries on your life.

Understanding the potential value

In one case, our client was injured as a passenger on a moped in Greece when a car swerved into their lane. He suffered serious knee ligament damage and PTSD, which prevented him from returning to his previous job. The claim, valued under Greek law, ultimately settled for £125,000, significantly higher than the initial £40,000 offer.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how the accident affects you and your life in terms of the level of care and support you will need going forward. Another large factor in these cases is the laws of the country where the collision occurred.

Understanding interim payments

We understand that waiting for a claim to conclude can put real financial pressure on you and your family so where possible, we will seek to secure interim payments on your behalf during the claims process, before a final settlement is reached.

This can allow you to access the care, equipment, or adaptations you need without having to wait until your case is resolved. You should not have to put your recovery on hold while your claim progresses.

Specialist road traffic accident abroad solicitors

We handle complex cross-border road traffic claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your road traffic accident abroad claim?

Road traffic accidents abroad can be difficult to pursue, with claims often involving unfamiliar legal systems and overseas insurers. Fletchers’ international injury team has extensive experience managing these cases, helping clients navigate the process and secure fair compensation.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist international injury solicitors with decades of combined experience in complex cross-border claims
Recognised leaders in serious injury abroad and road traffic accident abroad compensation claims
Trusted network of international legal partners and medical experts across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond
Proven track record of six and seven-figure settlements in serious road traffic accident abroad cases
In-house rehabilitation and wellbeing team, helping you access the right care from the earliest stage
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we have supported
No win, no fee, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

We know the worry after a road accident abroad goes beyond the physical pain and the shock of the collision itself, you may have had to deal with unfamiliar healthcare systems and language barriers all while trying to understand what your rights are and who can help. That is an enormous amount to face, and it is entirely understandable to feel overwhelmed.

The financial side of a serious accident overseas can quickly become overwhelming. Ongoing treatment, travel back to the UK, and time away from work can all place a heavy strain on your situation while you are still trying to recover.

Many people we support initially feel unsure about their options, especially when the incident happened in another country. It can seem complicated or even impossible to take things further, but often they simply need clear guidance and someone willing to take on the legal burden for them.

Our role is to step in and handle the process for you from start to finish. We deal directly with insurers, arrange the evidence needed to support your case, and work to secure a level of compensation that properly reflects what you have been through, so you can concentrate on moving forward.

People we’ve supported

1/3

VIEW ALL STORIES

FAQs about road traffic accident abroad claims

What happens if I have a car accident abroad?

If you are involved in a car accident abroad, your first priority is safety. Call the local emergency services and make sure any injuries are seen to even if they seem minor at first. Your next priority is evidence. Gather as much evidence as you can such as photographs, witness details and even police reports.

Notify your travel insurer and, if applicable, the hire car company. Once you are safe, contact a specialist road traffic accident abroad solicitor. You may be entitled to compensation, and early legal advice can make a significant difference to your case.

Can I make a road traffic accident abroad claim from the UK?

Yes, in many situations you can bring your road traffic accident abroad claim through the UK legal system, even if the accident happened overseas. Our specialist solicitors will assess whether UK courts have jurisdiction and manage all aspects of your claim from here, making the process simpler and more accessible. It is important to note, however, that there is currently no automatic right to bring a road traffic accident abroad claim through the English courts.

This is a complex area of law and in some circumstances our experts can at best co-counsel if the claim is made alongside overseas lawyers. There may be occasions where you are required to work with a foreign-based lawyer who handles your claim locally. We will always advise you honestly on the best route for your specific situation.

How long do I have to make a road traffic accident abroad claim?

The time limit for making a road traffic accident abroad claim varies depending on the country where the accident occurred. Some countries allow only a short window to bring a claim, while others have longer limitation periods.

To protect your right to compensation, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after your accident. Our solicitors can confirm the relevant deadline for your specific case and ensure your claim is submitted on time.

Can I make a No Win No Fee road traffic accident abroad claim?

Yes, in most cases you can make a No Win No Fee road traffic accident abroad claim. This means you will not pay any legal fees unless your case is successful. At Fletchers, we handle the financial risk on your behalf, allowing you to pursue your claim with confidence and without upfront costs.

Can I claim if my accident happened outside Europe?

Yes, in many cases you can still make a claim for compensation even if your road traffic accident abroad occurred outside Europe. We have successfully represented clients injured in destinations including Australia, Thailand, Canada, and the USA, helping them navigate different legal systems and insurance rules.

Our team works with trusted international partners to manage your case effectively from the UK. We will assess your circumstances and advise on the most appropriate route to claim compensation and access rehabilitation support.

Can I claim compensation if the accident was partially my fault?

Possibly. Even if you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to claim compensation. This is known as contributory negligence, where your level of fault is taken into account, and any award may be reduced proportionally.

We will assess the full circumstances of your case and advise you honestly on your options.

Can I start my claim while I'm still abroad?

Yes, in many cases you can start your road traffic accident abroad claim while you are still overseas. Our team can begin gathering evidence, contacting insurers, and advising you remotely to ensure your claim progresses without delay.

You do not need to wait until you are back in the UK to get the process started.

What evidence do I need for a road traffic accident abroad claim?

The stronger your evidence, the stronger your claim. Useful evidence includes photographs of the vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries, along with details of other drivers such as names, registration numbers and insurance information.

You should also keep contact details of any independent witnesses, a copy of any police or accident report, and medical records or receipts for treatment received abroad. Dashcam or CCTV footage can also be helpful if available.

Don’t worry if you weren’t able to gather everything at the scene, as our team will advise you on how to build your case using the evidence you have.

Does accident insurance cover overseas?

Most travel or car insurance policies offer some cover for accidents overseas, but this varies. Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses, a road traffic accident abroad claim through a solicitor may help you recover additional compensation.

Who's the best for handling accident abroad claims?

Fletchers Solicitors are recognised specialists in road traffic accident abroad and serious injury claims. With extensive international experience and a strong record of successful settlements, our expert solicitors provide trusted, compassionate legal support wherever your accident occurred.