Making a Personal Injury claim
Recently we sat down with our Head of Personal Injury, Tracy Bond to discuss all things Personal Injury. Tracy has kindly provided some much needed guidance when it comes to making a Personal Injury claim…
When it comes to a Personal Injury, what is a ‘valid claim?’
In order to have a ‘valid claim’ you need to be able to prove that the responsible party had a duty to act with reasonable caution, so as to avoid causing a risk of injury to others. In addition, you must prove that they breached that duty by acting carelessly or negligently and that as a direct result of that breach you suffered injuries. You only have 3 years from the date of the incident (or 3 years from the date of your 18th birthday if you are under 18 at the time of the incident) in which to bring a personal injury claim.
How can a solicitor help you make a Personal Injury claim?
Whilst there is no legal requirement for you to instruct a Solicitor to deal with your personal injury claim, a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor will be able to assess whether you have grounds for bringing a Personal Injury claim and ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries and any other associated losses.
What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to making a claim?
Do’s – gather evidence – take photos of your injuries, any property damage, the accident location; obtain details of the responsible party (including insurance details if applicable); obtain details of any witnesses; report your accident to the police/authorities and your insurance company (where applicable) as soon as possible; seek medical attention from your GP or hospital for your injuries; seek legal advice
Don’ts – settle your claim directly with an insurance company; settle without medical evidence as you could be undervaluing your claim if the full extent of your injuries isn’t known; delay in seeking medical attention; delay in seeking legal advice;
Why is it important to speak to a solicitor who specialises in Personal Injury rather than using an unqualified legal provider or taking a DIY approach?
A solicitor who specialises in personal injury is independent and will act in your best interests to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries and any other associated losses. Compensation settlements obtained by specialist solicitors are usually much higher than DIY settlements because the solicitors have the necessary expertise to value your claim and recover maximum compensation for your injuries, past and future losses. A specialist solicitor will able to take away the stress of dealing with the claim and will have the expertise to investigate the circumstances of the incident and to fight your corner if there is any dispute from the responsible party or their insurers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of making a claim?
Don’t delay! Contact a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor today for expert legal advice
Have you suffered from a Non-Fault Accident?
If you find yourself the victim of a Non-Fault Accident, contact our friendly team of solicitors today. You may be entitled to maximum compensation: 0800 888 6888 –
