Can A Car Accident Claim Be Reopened?
Sarah John's
Legal Writer
Going through a car accident is hard. Besides the pain and injuries, you also have to handle medical bills and try to get your life back to normal. On top of that, dealing with insurance claims can be really stressful. All you want is for it to be over so you can focus on healing.
But what if, after settling your claim, you realise you might need more compensation? Maybe you didn’t know the full value of your claim, or new expenses have come up recently. So, can you reopen a car accident claim once it’s closed?
In this article, we’ll explain when and how you might be able to reopen your car accident injury claim, the challenges involved, and what to expect. If you or someone you know is unsure about this, understanding your options can really help.
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Can a Car Accident Claim Be Reopened After Settlement?
When you settle a car accident claim, you might think the case is completely finished. But sometimes questions come up later – maybe new injuries show up, or medical bills are higher than expected. So, can a closed insurance claim be reopened UK after you’ve already agreed on a settlement?
The short answer is usually no. Once you sign the paperwork and accept the settlement, the insurance company considers the case closed; that’s because signing a release means you’re giving up the right to ask for more money related to that accident. This protects the insurance company from paying twice for the same claim.
But there are rare situations where reopening the claim might be possible. For example, if new evidence comes to light or there was a mistake in the settlement paperwork. But these are exceptions, and reopening a claim can be tricky.
Understanding the Car Accident Claims Process
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is tell your insurance company right away. Waiting too long can cause problems when you try to get your damages covered.
How the claim is handled depends on where you live. Sometimes, the driver at fault pays through their insurance. Other times, everyone uses their own insurance to pay for their own damages. If the accident is simple and it’s clear who’s at fault, the process is usually quick, helping you cover medical bills and car repairs.
But if your injuries are serious or the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance, the money you get might not be enough. In those cases, you might need to take legal action or make road traffic accident claims.
Common Reasons for Reopening a Car Accident Claim?
When you settle a car accident claim, you sign a release of liability. This means the insurance company and the at-fault person won’t owe you anything more. After that, the claim is usually closed. But can you reopen a car insurance claim after it’s been settled? In some cases, yes—especially if certain problems come up.
No Signed Release of Liability:
If you never actually signed the release form, even if you verbally agreed to the settlement, you might still have a chance to reopen your claim. Without that signed paper, the insurance company isn’t fully protected, and the settlement might not be final. This means you could potentially go back and renegotiate for a better deal or more compensation.
Technical Errors in the Settlement:
Mistakes happen. Maybe the settlement amount written in the paperwork is wrong, like mixing up £35,000 with £55,000. Or perhaps your name or injury details were recorded incorrectly. These kinds of technical errors can give you a valid reason to reopen the claim—even if you signed something. It’s important to spot these mistakes early and get them fixed.
Payment Issues:
Sometimes, even after a settlement is agreed upon, the money doesn’t arrive. If weeks pass and you haven’t been paid, and the insurer seems to avoid you or doesn’t respond properly, you might have grounds to reopen the claim. The insurance company still owes you compensation, and ignoring that could be considered bad faith.
Breach of Contractual Duty by the Insurance Company:
Insurance companies are meant to treat you fairly and honestly—but sometimes they don’t. If they pressure or bully you, twist the facts about your claim, ignore your calls, or skip important investigations, they’re breaking the regulations they’re supposed to follow. This kind of behaviour isn’t just frustrating—it can be a powerful reason to fight back and reopen your claim. You deserve a company that plays by the book, not one that tries to cut corners.
Steps Involved in Reopening a Car Accident Claim
Find the Right Lawyer:
Start with a personal injury lawyer who truly understands these cases. Their expertise will help you navigate tricky rules and spot chances you might miss.
Gather Fresh Evidence:
Work with your lawyer to collect new proof—updated medical bills, new injury details, or anything showing errors or fraud. This fresh evidence strengthens your case.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Company:
Your lawyer will contact the insurer, explaining why reopening the claim makes sense. They’ll use your new evidence to push for a fair review.
Be Ready for Court:
If the insurer doesn’t budge, your lawyer can take the claim to court, guiding you every step until your rights are defended and your claim is resolved.
Every step matters — taking them thoughtfully increases your chance to get what you deserve.
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Challenges You May Face When Reopening a Claim
Reopening a car accident claim isn’t easy. Once you sign a release of liability, it usually means the other party is free from any further responsibility. This release is one of the last steps in settling a claim, and it can make reopening the case very difficult. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a personal injury solicitor early on before signing anything. A good solicitor will help you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to and make sure the settlement is fair.
Insurance companies don’t like reopening claims—they want to close cases fast and pay less. They might say you had a fair chance to settle or that reopening isn’t fair.
That’s why having a skilled solicitor matters. They know how to build your case, handle insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your solicitor will clearly explain why your claim should be reopened and push back against any unfair tactics.
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Why You Need Our Panel of Personal Injury Lawyers to Reopen Your Case?
A good lawyer gathers key proof, builds a strong case, and handles insurance negotiations carefully to protect you. If the claim goes to court, they’ll fight for your rights and fair payment.
Our panel of personal injury lawyers at HD Claims knows how hard this process can be. They help you in a nice, one-on-one way and collect hard-to-find facts that back up your claim. They are willing to fight with insurance companies to get you the money you deserve.
Working with HD Claims is great because we don’t charge you if we don’t win your case. In other words, you don’t pay anything right away. You only have to pay us if they get you more money. That way, you can focus on getting better while we take care of the formal stuff. A trusted lawyer with a lot of experience can help you get through a tough situation and find a way to move forward.
FAQs
Can you claim twice for a car accident?
Usually, you can’t claim twice for the same accident once you’ve settled your case and signed a release. This agreement means you accept the compensation as final. However, if new evidence or serious issues come up, there might be a chance to reopen the claim with legal help.
How long after a car accident can a claim be made?
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. It’s best to act quickly because evidence can get harder to gather, and delays may affect your chances of success.
Can an insurance claim be overturned?
An insurance claim is rarely overturned once it’s settled and a release is signed. But if there was fraud, misrepresentation, or a major mistake, you might have grounds to challenge it. Getting advice from a solicitor can help you understand if this applies to your case.
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