MOTOR ACCIDENT CLAIM

After being involved in a vehicle collision, 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 :-

Full Information

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 see a medical practitioner or attend A&E on the same day if possible.

Insurance Company

Most policies of insurance require a motor accident claim 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

To facilitate a potential motor accident claim 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 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 employment market and another claim can be made for loss of congenial employment. 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 including the allegations of negligence. After receiving a letter of claim, the defendant or his legal representatives must follow fixed protocols and in due course either accept or deny liability which may lead to the case going to court for a judge to make a decision on liability and a decision on the amount of the compensation award.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0845 009 2017

Personal Injury Solicitors

Our lawyers are all members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority panel of personal injury experts. We use the no win no fee scheme and you will not be asked to finance your claim at any stage. Compensation is paid in full with no deductions. In the event that the claim is unsuccessful you do not pay one penny. Win or lose there is no charge. To discuss your claim without further obligation just call the helpline or complete the contact form.