Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a frightening experience with long-term effects. From suffering permanent or short-term injuries, to having anxiety about driving, there are many ways that being in an RTA can affect your quality of life.
If your road traffic accident has caused an injury, you may have to take time off work and could lose income as a consequence. You may also require physiotherapy or another type of medical treatment to rehabilitate after your injury. This is why it is important to seek expert legal advice to ensure that you are able to claim the maximum amount of compensation.
How to Choose the Personal Injury Solicitor?
Choosing the right solicitor could have a significant impact on the amount of compensation that you receive. Personal injury claims following a road traffic accident are usually required to be filed within three years of the date of the accident.
When you are choosing your solicitor, they should be able to explain to you the full process of the claim and factor both short-term and long-term medical implications and the full costs of rehabilitation. Your solicitor should use similar cases as examples of injuries or other medical issues that can develop over time, to ensure these costs are included in your compensation claim.
Look for a personal injury solicitor with a proven track record in handling cases like yours. Their success in securing compensation for clients with similar injuries is a good indicator of their capabilities. If you find that the solicitor you initially speak to doesn’t grasp the specifics of your claim, don’t hesitate to request another litigator from the department.
Check that your solicitor is fully qualified and registered with the relevant governing bodies. Look into their professional background, education, and credentials. You can also visit the firm’s website to learn more about the team’s experience and expertise. This way, you can make an informed decision when seeking legal support for your case.
Choose a solicitor who keeps you in the loop with regular and clear communication. They should be available to answer your questions and keep you updated on your case’s progress. Most good solicitors offer a free initial consultations to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your case.
A reliable solicitor should make the process and fees involved in your case clear and easy to understand. They should help you understand their fees and any costs you might have to cover upfront. Look for a solicitor that works on a No Win No Fee basis, so you won’t pay a penny until they win your case.
Be aware of…
Some solicitors will also be more interested in quick settlement of a claim rather than spending more time working on your case to achieve the maximum compensation, which could mean that you lose out financially, especially over the long-term.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, some medical issues might develop over time, rather than being instant. If your solicitor encourages you to take an early settlement for your claim, this could prevent you from claiming for medical costs further down the line.
Do I Need to Choose the Insurer’s Referral for Solicitors?
No, you are free to use any legal firm of your choice. Solicitors pay insurance companies to make referrals and the company they recommend may not be the best one to handle your claim. You might also find that instead of being provided with an experienced, fully qualified solicitor, it will be a legal clerk that works on your case.
Even if you have already been referred to a solicitor by your insurance company, you may still be able to transfer your case to a desired personal injury solicitor, so that you get the full compensation amount that you are entitled to.
The article was created in cooperation with SilverOak Solicitors – Personal Injury, Housing Disrepair and Immigration Services
At SilverOak Solicitors, we always prioritise the best interests of our clients. We use our legal knowledge and experience of winning road traffic accident claims to help achieve the best possible outcomes. We know that you want to get your compensation payment paid into your bank account as soon as you can, but we also make sure that every potential aspect of the claim is reviewed, so that you receive the maximum amount of compensation.
