UK MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIM SETTLEMENTS

After being involved in a collision possibly the last thing you want to do is take on the stress of dealing with a motor accident claim. However this process doesn’t have to be stressful, and getting a basic understanding of the steps involved may help you.

When the accident occurs
The success of a UK motor accident claim can directly relate to the action taken at the time of the accident, so try to be meticulous at this point, even if you are feeling shaken. Note the vehicles involved and their registration numbers. Obtain the names and addresses of anyone directly involved in the accident. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact details. If you’ve suffered any injury get to a medical practitioner or to accident and emergency on the same day if possible.

Contacting your insurance company
Most policies of insurance require a report to be made to the insurance company as soon as possible even if the incident was entirely someone else’s fault and they have admitted liability. Your own insurers may attempt to force you to use a solicitor recommended by them but you have a right to use a solicitor of your own choice.

Providing Evidence
Your solicitor will require a detailed statement of evidence from you and from any witnesses. Before seeing your solicitor for the first time you should write down everything you can remember and record all location details and vehicle positions both before and after the collision on a sketch map. Take photographs of the location, of the vehicle damage and of the injuries as they resolve and provide details of all medical treatment. Get a good assessment of the damage to your vehicle which may assist in proving the severity of the collision and thereby back up any medical evidence.

Making a Claim
A UK motor accident claim can cover more than the obvious costs – vehicle damage, loss of income and pain and suffering. There are many other less obvious items that a skilled solicitor can include in a claim. As an example a repaired car is worth less in capital value than a previously undamaged car and a claim can be made for the difference. If an injury means a change of job then a claim can be made for future disadvantage on the job market and another claim can be made for loss of congenial employment. The list is almost endless. Once the claim has been assessed in full, your solicitor will send the defendant a ‘letter of claim’, which will map the nature of the claim, the allegations of negligence, and the amount of compensation required. After receiving this letter, the defendant has three weeks to acknowledge it, and three months to either accept or deny liability which may lead to the case going to court for a judge to make a decision on both liability and the amount of the compensation award.

Dealing exclusively with compensation for personal injury our solicitors are specialist. Our lawyers are all members of the Law Society Panel of personal injury experts and as such are guaranteed to provide the best professional service. We use the ‘No Win No Fee’ scheme and you will not be asked to finance nor fund your claim at any stage. In the event that you lose your case you do not pay us a penny. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. This means there is no need to consider a loan or borrowing any money in order to obtain justice. Our free legal advice network is designed to assist anyone who has been affected including drivers, pedestrians and passengers. The network is comprised of specialist solicitors from across the United Kingdom and also includes medical, psychological and other expert professionals. To get in touch and discuss your claim, or simply ask some questions, either call the helpline number or fill in the contact form on this web page.