How to begin a road traffic accident compensation claim

What to expect from your meeting with a Wilson Nesbitt road traffic accident claims solicitor

Initially the process for making a claim for compensation may seem a little overwhelming, but expert advice is always on hand to assist you through the nuances of the process.

We will discuss the following:

• What happened in your road traffic accident, in as much detail as possible
• Any injuries that were suffered as a result of the road traffic accident, along with any previous injuries or pre-existing conditions exacerbated by the accident

What information/details do I need to provide?

Ideally, you will be able to provide:

• The registration number and insurance details of the other vehicles and drivers involved
• Details of any witnesses
• If the police attended the scene, then details of their references
• Any photographs of the scene
• Details of any injury that you have suffered as a result of the road traffic accident, as well as any supporting medical documentation
• Details of any hospital appointments attended, including physiotherapy and GP appointments
• Details of any loss or special damages experienced, such as the loss of earnings as a result of being off work, broken spectacles, gym membership that you are unable to use etc.
• You own details, such as – vehicle registration number, date of birth, National Insurance Number, and who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
• Details of your motor insurance provider
• Photographic ID

Timeframes

It is difficult to give an estimation of the amount of time that a road traffic accident claim will take to be resolved, as each case is specific to each individual and as a result there are so many variables as to what can happen.

Speaking incredibly generally, a very straightforward road traffic accident claim would take one year to resolve.

In an ideal world, the timeline for your claim would be as follows:

• Initial consultation with your solicitor
• The solicitor sends a Letter of Claim – insurers have three months in which to respond and accept liability
• Your solicitor obtains the required medical evidence – timeframe for this is usually three months
• Your solicitor shares this evidence with the other side of the claim
• The other side make an offer
• The Claim is settled without going to Court

Of course, no two compensation claims are the same, and the timeframe is affected by the speed and efficiency of the other side and any other third parties involved in the process. While many claims are settled out of court, some are not, in which case the timeframe will be significantly longer.

If you’re ready to take the next step in pursuing a claim for compensation, please click here and a member of the Wilson Nesbitt claims team can contact you at your earliest convenience.