Accident Claims - A Simple Guide - By: Tim Bishop

If you have had an accident that caused you a personal injury within the last three years, then you may be entitled to claim for compensation. The accident must have involved a 3rd party whom are partly or fully to blame. Examples of such accidents are those caused at work, in road traffic incidents and slips or trips in a public area, including public transport.

The First Steps.

Your accident claims solicitor will need to take details of the circumstances of the accident in a meeting with you. Your solicitor will use all the relevant facts from your accident to establish who is legally to blame. They can then advise you as to the prospects of success and consider the funding of the action. Your solicitor can explain to you the option of entering into a Conditional Fee Agreement, sometimes known as a 'no win no fee' agreement. After the necessary information is assembled, your solicitor will then write to the third party or the insurance company setting out the reasons why you hold them to be responsible for the accident.

What you should do.

It is important that you keep all documents relating to your accident in a safe place. These will include:

- Any expenses and receipts relating to your injuries e.g. taxi fare receipts and prescription receipts or for purchasing any items of special equipment.

- All documents relating to your treatment eg hospital appointment cards.

- Keeping a diary of the accident's effects can be very helpful.

- You must take a copy of your job description and employment contract if the claim you are intending to make involves your employer.

- You should be keeping all wage slips that you have in relation to your earnings, both pre and post accident.

Evidence that you will need.

- The evidence in support of your claim for the personal injuries you have suffered will be in the form of a medical report. Your solicitor will choose the appropriate medical expert in relation to the injuries that you have sustained. For instance, in the case of a skeletal injury you will need evidence from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and in the case of scarring, you may need a report from a Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

- If you have suffered a serious injury then it is likely that we will have to obtain more than one medical report.

You will also need evidence in support of your specific losses and future losses, such as loss of earnings, by way of receipts, payslips, P60s and audited accounts where necessary.

Personal injury claims are often multifaceted and require detailed legal advice from a specialised accident claim solicitor. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible as legal time limits apply in these type of cases.

About the Author

Bonallack & Bishop are specialist no win no fee solicitors with particular experience of accident claims. Tim Bishop is senior partner at the firm, responsible for all major strategic decisions. He has grown the firm by 1000% in 12 years and has plans for its continued expansion.

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