We’ve all seen those adverts on TV for companies who will help you deal with personal accident or injury claims, but as they take sure a huge commission from your awarded funds, I thought today might be a good time to release a post explaining how you do it without their assistance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no legal expert, but I did follow this process myself a couple of months ago after I slipped in a supermarket and broke my ankle. So, you can be pretty certain all the information is relevant and up-to-date. On top of this, my claim was successful!
Contrary to popular belief, accident claims don’t have to take years. It’s often the company you use who drag their feet, not the guilty party, and for this reason, my method is superior to the one most others use. So, if you want to learn about what you should do after suffering misfortune at the hands of a negligent business or local authority, spend the next five or six minutes reading through the step by step guide I’ve included below.
1. Find a good solicitor
There are many dedicated solicitors around the country who deal with personal accident claims in much the same way a TV advertised specialists do. Some, like Breens Solicitors and their competitors, offer standard legal services as well, so you know they have a good all round understanding, and so these are the ones you should aim to get on side. If you’re uncertain who to choose, just ask about their previous experience, or get a recommendation from a friend.
2. Start gathering evidence
You’re going to need a number of different things to ensure your claim is successful, and I’ve chosen to list these in the bullet points below.
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Photographs of the injury
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Witness testimony
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Medical reports
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Exact times and dates
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CCTV footage if possible (if you ask a company for a copy of the footage that shows your accident, they’re legally obliged to provide you with this for a small fee).
3. Refuse the first offer you receive
The chances of you actually going to court to settle a personal injury claim are pretty slim if it’s genuine, and so you should start to receive offers from the guilty party. Obviously, you need to turn down the first one, and settle for the second or third to get the most money. Just be careful with how many times you turn down their offer, but try to get the highest possible payment from them. It’s all about negotiation. Depending on how large the company is, your solicitor will be able to advise you on when is the best time to accept.
So my friends, you should now be better prepared for dealing with a personal accident or injury claim in the future. It’s important you remember all the points made in this guide, as they will ensure you deal with the issue in the professional, and correct manner. Most solicitors refrain from billing you until their job is done anyway, which means you shouldn’t have to worry about funds.
Stay safe
