The relatively high number of accident claims in the UK continues to affect the general costs of motoring in the country, with many industry experts attributing inflated insurance premiums to the perceived accident compensation culture.

However,UK accident compensationconstitutes necessary redress for the many thousands of people injured on British roads each year. Although road traffic accidents in Britain have declined markedly since the 1970's, reports of fatalities and serious injuries remain all too common. According to figures published by the UK Government's Department for Transport, some 2,538 people were killed in road traffic accidents across Britain in 2008. During the same period, 26,034 serious injuries were reported after accidents on British roads, whilst 202,333 people were recorded as having been slightly injured.

Regardless as to the extent of a personal injury sustained following a road traffic accident, it is important that victims report the incident to local police (preferably at the scene but otherwise within 24 hours where possible) and seek immediate medical attention.

UK accident claims invariably focus on the negligent driving of the person responsible for causing the personal injury of another; although, in some cases the cause of an accident may be attributed to an organisation, such as a local authority that erects dangerously misleading road signs or fails to effectively treat icy roads.

In any case, all road users have a duty to act reasonably and sensibly with regard to other motorists and pedestrians in order to preserve their safety. Where this duty of care has been breached, the victim of an accident that causes personal injury is entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.