1. Provide evidence of the accident

If you want to claim compensation for a personal injury, you have to prove that the accident was due to someone else's negligence. This is why it's so important to collect as much evidence as possible. Whether it was a road traffic accident, an accident in a public place or an accident at work, try to do the following:

• Photographs: If possible, take photographs before the scene is cleared, the slippery area cleaned or the car moved. If you are unable to take photographs yourself, ask a witness to do so. Ask them to send the data to you immediately so it can't get lost.
• Witnesses: Witnesses are very valuable evidence. Try to get the names and addresses of all possible witnesses. We can then assist you collecting witness statements. If a witness doesn't want to give their address, ask them to give a witness statement on the scene and have it signed. Whilst this may not be quite as reliable in court there may still be ways that we can use this information.
• Notes: It is important that you make detailed notes of your accident while your memories are still fresh. Don't forget to mention details that might seem meaningless at the time:
• For a road traffic accident, note the time, where the sun was and if something, e.g. a bush or a house, obscured your view. Other details, such as whether your car window was open or whether you played music can be important too.
• For an accident at work, note when your last break was, what work hours you had the past few days or weeks, what PPE you have been issued, who asked you to perform this task etc.
• Medical reports: Collect all medical reports. Try to collect your older medical reports too, they can come in useful to prove that a condition isn't pre-existent. If required we will also help by organising a medical assessment.

2. Don't fight your personal injury case alone

Your chances of winning a personal injury case will be much higher if you work with an expert solicitor. Choose a firm with experience and expertise to withstand the legal departments of insurance companies.

Make sure to choose a solicitor you can trust. You should be able to talk to him about sensitive topics such as mental symptoms that you might experience, e.g. nightmares. A good solicitor will handle your case with the utmost sensitivity and will not make you feel uncomfortable.

If you have a strong case, a professional law firm will represent you on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you only have to pay a fee if they win compensation on your behalf. If your case is taken on as a No Win No Fee case, your solicitor will work hard to win you compensation.

Contact us as soon as you feel comfortable, we will help you establish your full legal position and keep track of your timeline.

3. Provide evidence of injuries and losses

Usually, you have to make a claim with the court within three years after the accident happened. The sooner you start it, the better.

We need medical evidence to confirm the final prognosis of your condition before a claim is settled. That could be when you've fully recovered from your injuries, or when the medical evidence confirms any lasting effects.

Keep records of all your financial losses, such as any wages lost, house modifications, medical expenses and other costs that you've incurred or are faced with because of the accident, such as childcare and assistance around the home. The more evidence you have, the better the chances that you'll be compensated for it.

Some tips from our personal injury expert

In this video, our head of serious injury, Tracey Benson, explores the personal injury claims process and stages involved:

Speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor

Our most honest advice for you is to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A professional solicitor will help you with all of the above steps and keep track of the timeline.

If you don't feel comfortable with your legal representative, you're may be able to change the law firm that represents you during an ongoing case.

Contact us now to establish your full legal position.