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Things you need to know about UK personal injury lawyers

Personal injury lawyers are solicitors who specialise in helping people injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault. They can help you claim compensation for your injuries and any other losses you have suffered from the accident, such as loss of earnings.

Written by

Ashwood Solicitors

Published on

09/08/2022

Things you need to know about UK personal injury lawyers

How can personal injury lawyers help me?

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you claim compensation from the person or organisation responsible. They will give you expert legal advice on whether you have a strong case and how much compensation you could be entitled to. If your case is successful, they will also negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.

What should I look for in a personal injury lawyer?

When choosing a personal injury lawyer, it is important to ensure they are experienced in dealing with similar cases. They should also be members of a professional body such as the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Once you have shortlisted some potential lawyers, you should arrange to meet them in person to get an idea of their personality and whether you would feel comfortable working with them.

How much will it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

You can obtain a free initial consultation by calling our personal injury lawyers. It won’t cost you anything to find out whether they can help you with your case. If they take on your case, they will usually work on a ‘no win, no fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay anything upfront. You should also be aware that other costs may be associated with your case, such as court fees. Your lawyer should give you an estimate of these costs before they start work on your case.

Do I need to go to court?

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but in some cases, it may be necessary to go to court to get the compensation you deserve. If this is the case, your lawyer will be able to represent you in court and guide you through the process.

Can I claim for my injuries if the accident was my fault?

In most cases, you will only be able to claim compensation if the accident was not your fault. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, for example, if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or if the accident happened at work. If unsure whether you can claim, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer for advice.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury case can vary depending on its complexity. However, most cases are resolved within 12 months. Your lawyer will be able to estimate how long they think your case will take to resolve. Also, bear in mind that it can take several months or even years to reach a final decision if you do have to go to court.

What should I do if the responsible party’s insurance company offers me a ‘low ball’ settlement?

If you are offered a much lower settlement than expected, you should not accept it without first speaking to a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company may be trying to take advantage of you by offering a low settlement, so it is important to get expert legal advice before accepting any offer.

Can I claim for my injuries if the accident happened some time ago?

In most cases, you will only have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you were a minor at the time of the accident or if you only recently found out that your injuries were caused by an accident. Also, if the accident happened at work, you may have longer to make a claim. You can also speak to a personal injury lawyer if you’re unsure whether you’re still within the time limit for making a claim.

How much compensation will I receive?

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact the accident has had on your life, and whether you have suffered any financial losses due to the accident. Your lawyer will be able to estimate how much they think you could receive in compensation. However, it is important to bear in mind that this is only an estimate, and the final amount may be higher or lower than this.

What if the responsible party refuses to pay the settlement?

If the responsible party refuses to pay the settlement, your lawyer can take them to court in order to get the compensation you are entitled to. And if the court rules in your favour, the responsible party will have to pay the settlement amount and your legal fees. This can be a lengthy and costly process, so it is important to try and reach an agreement with the responsible party before going to court.

Can I claim for my injuries if the accident happened abroad?

If the accident happened in another country, you might still be able to claim compensation. However, the process can be more complicated than if the accident had happened in the UK. For example, you may need to instruct a lawyer in the country where the accident happened. And if the responsible party is based in another country, it can be more difficult to take legal action against them.

What if the person who caused the accident is uninsured?

If the person who caused the accident is uninsured, you may still be able to claim compensation. You could make a claim against their employer if they were working at the time of the accident. Or, if the responsible party is an individual, you can make a claim against them directly. However, getting compensation from an individual can be more difficult as they may not have the financial resources to pay a settlement.

What if the person who caused the accident is untraceable?

If the person who caused the accident is untraceable, you may still be able to claim compensation. For example, if the accident happened in a hit and run, you can make a claim against your own insurance company. Or, if the responsible party was driving a stolen car, you can make a claim against the owner of the vehicle. In either case, you will need to speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a valid claim.

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