Getting over your accident

When you have slipped or tripped in public, in addition to feel very embarrassed about the whole situation, you may have suffered an injury. Whether this is a sprain ankle, a broken wrist or a slipped disk, it is worthwhile finding out whether or not you can claim for compensation for your injuries.

You are well within your rights to claim for compensation for the injuries you have sustained. Most people do not realise that you are able to claim for your injuries. There are a number of specialist solicitors who deal with accident injury cases regularly, and they know how to put together a case for compensation for you.

In most cases, these solicitors work on a no win no fee basis. This means that they don’t get paid for their services unless you win your case for compensation. In some instances your solicitor’s fees are part of the settlement agreement that you come to with the other party involved in your accident. This will mean that you will receive 100% of the compensation.

The compensation you receive will cover any medical expenses you have incurred as well as other expenses that have all been a result of your accident.

Recovering after an accident that wasn’t your fault

Getting yourself back on your feet is important after being involved in an accident that isn’t your fault. You need to take time to recover from your injuries, which could have been both physical and emotional. It can be a difficult time for both you and your family and you may be struggling to keep your family unit together.

After being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may not be able to work which has resulted in your family suffering financially. You might not have been able to pay your bills, your mortgage and in worse cases, put food on your family’s table.

This is why you should claim for compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault and you have suffered injuries as a result. You shouldn’t have to struggle financially as well as struggling with your health because of somebody else’s irresponsible behaviour.

In order to find out whether or not you have a case for compensation, you should seek advice from a solicitor. A solicitor is able to tell you whether or not you are eligible for claiming for compensation and they will be able to guide you through the process of claiming compensation.

Who to turn to after an accident that wasn’t your fault

Some of us may have been through the experience of being involved in some kind of accident, whether it was a fall at work or having a bump in our car on the road. However, not many of us can relate to being involved in accidents that weren’t our fault and it can be difficult to come to terms with it if it has happened to you.

A minority of people are involved in accidents that aren’t their fault and they often don’t know who to turn to for advice on their situation. The best thing you can do if this has happened to you is contact a solicitor.

You might not know that you are able to seek compensation for your physical and emotional injuries. A solicitor will be able to help you with this and they will be able to guide you through the process of putting together a claim for compensation.

This may seem rather daunting, but your solicitor is working on a no win no fee basis, so they need to make sure that your case is water tight in order for it to be successful so that they can get paid for their time.

Getting back to your normal routine after your accident

What many of us fail to realise after being involved in an accident, it can take a considerable amount of time before we feel able enough to do the normal things we would do on a day to day basis. Many people find it difficult coming to terms with the accident or their injuries and it has a detrimental effect on their rehabilitation. Some individuals are unable to return to work as their injuries are so bad that they cannot perform the same function as they used to.

This is why, if you have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you should claim for compensation from those who are responsible for your injuries. You have been seriously hurt as a result of somebody’s negligent behaviour and they should be made accountable for what they have done to you.

The only way to ensure that you are successful at claiming compensation is to speak to a specialist solicitor who deals with cases such as yours on a daily basis. You want to have the reassurance that they know what they are doing and the best ways to approach your case so that it is successful.

Making those responsible for your injuries accountable

If you have been involved in an accident, you should be embarrassed about what has happened to you or the injuries that you have sustained. Many people close up after an accident and stop doing the things that they usually do. Some people feel alone and depressed after an accident and it can trigger a number of emotional injuries as well as coping with your physical injuries.

In such instances it is important that you get help from your doctor as well as seeking legal advice from a solicitor. There are a number of solicitors who specialise in accidental injury cases and they would be happy to help you pursue a case for compensation against those who are responsible.

Making those who caused your injuries accountable may help you come to peace with your injuries and help you on the road to recovery. Many people find that seeking justice helps them recover from their injuries and also gives them something to work towards.

Your solicitor will be able to tell you whether or not you have a case for compensation or not. Because your solicitor is working on a no win no fee, they will not want to pursue a case which they think won’t be successful.

Suffering with injuries from an accident?

Have you ever been in an accident that wasn’t your fault? Have you suffered with injuries as a result of the accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, you are not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of people every year who suffer because of someone else’s negligence.

Many people are left with injuries that mean that they are unable to work, cope with daily activities and injuries that even affect their home life. They feel like they have nowhere to turn, however, there is something you can do to ease the pain of your injuries.

Claiming compensation for your injuries is your legal right. Whether the injuries were sustained as a result of a crime, an accident in the workplace or a slip or trip in public, you will be entitled to compensation.

In order to successfully pursue a case for compensation, it would be worthwhile seeking out the expertise of a solicitor who knows how to deal with cases such as yours. They will know exactly how to handle your case on your behalf. You will not have to worry about a thing, apart from concentrate on getting yourself fit and well again.

The many different types of accidents

There are a variety of different accidents that can happen to a person. Some of which are listed below.

Road traffic accidents apply to anybody who has been injured whether they are the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian or a cyclist. If you have been injured via a third party you are entitled to seek compensation for the injuries you have sustained.

Slips and trips in public are one of the most common accidents. Accidents such as this occur by tripping over a paving slab, slipping on water that has been spilt or a pothole, which hasn’t been covered properly.

Accidents in the workplace can be almost anything. Whether you work in an office, a school, factory or warehouse, you are at risk of having an accident. This can include slips and trips. In most cases of accidents at work, it occurs because health and safety rules haven’t been implemented properly. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that they employees are safe in the workplace and this means that they are responsible for you should you have an accident, you are entitled to seek compensation from your employer.

Getting advice from a solicitor about your accident

Whether you have been a victim of medical negligence, had a trip or fall in the workplace of been involved in a serious road accident, you should seek advice from a solicitor.

The solicitor that you go to speak to will be able to tell you what your legal position is with regards to claiming for compensation and whether or not you will have a good chance of winning your case.

Your solicitor will tell you honestly and truthfully about your case and whether you might win or not. Because they work on a no win no fee they will not want to pursue a case that they believe they cannot win. Otherwise if they did, they would have wasted time and have received nothing for it.

By working on a no win no fee basis, it means that you won’t have to pay for the services of your solicitor until your case has been won and the settlement has been agreed upon. If you don’t win your case for compensation, you won’t have to pay them a penny. It also means that you know your solicitor will be working hard on your behalf to ensure you win your case.

Accidents that occur due to negligence

Unless you have been involved in an accident in a public place, you won’t know how embarrassing not to mention traumatic it can be. If you have had a slip, trip or fall in a public place that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim for compensation.

If you fell over a faulty step, slips on spilt juice or trips over a loose paving stone, there will be somebody to blame for your accident. In most cases, accidents such as this are due to negligence.

If this has happened to you, you need to hire yourself a solicitor. Although you could put in a claim for compensation yourself, it can be particularly hard work and tiresome. You need to channel your efforts into getting better and mending the injuries that have resulted from your accident.

Your solicitor will handle every aspect of your compensation claim. They will know who to contact, how to communicate and most importantly, how to fight for the compensation that you deserve. The compensation you receive will cover your injuries both physical and emotional injuries as well as medical expenses, loss of earnings and any other expenses that have been a direct result of your accident.

Claiming for your personal injury

When it comes to settling a claim for an accident or injury, you need to hire yourself the services of a solicitor. In most circumstances, these solicitors will take on your case on a no win no fee basis.

Hiring a solicitor on a no win no fee can save you a lot of worry and anxiety when it comes to how you are going to pay the solicitor fees. You may even consider not pursuing your case because of how much you may have to pay a solicitor. In some cases, your solicitor will claim their fees from the other side. This means you will not have to pay for their services out of your compensation settlement. Almost all injury solicitors will offer their services on a no win no fee basis.

Personal injuries are one of the most common types of claims that are handled by the small claims courts. You should only put in a claim if your injury has seriously affected your life through the pain and suffering you are experiencing. Your solicitor will advise you as to how much you will be able to claim in compensation.

Accidents in a public place

If you have had an accident in a public place, which isn’t your fault, you need to hire the services of a good compensation solicitor.

Most compensation solicitors work on a no win no fee basis. They will examine the ins and outs of your case to see if you have a good claim for compensation. Some solicitors should you win your case will claim their fees from the other side, or you might be liable for them through your compensation settlement.

If your accident was in a public place, it is worth checking to see if they have public liability insurance. Almost everywhere where the general public is allowed to visit should have public liability insurance, with some instances where it is compulsory. If such places do not have the sufficient amount of insurance, they are liable for prosecution. Public liability insurance covers any accidents or incidents that might occur whilst the public and visiting that specific location.

This could add some weight to your case should they not have the right insurance for the services they offer. Your solicitor will be able to investigate these avenues for you and advise you one way or the other.

Finding yourself a solicitor after a serious accident

Have you found yourself in an awkward situation after a difficult accident or injury? If the accident was in a public place, they might be liable for your injury. In such situations, you should consider hiring a solicitor. A solicitor who deals in specialist accident and injury claims will be able to tell you if you have a case for compensation. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed about seeking a claim for your accident, you are entitled, especially if it has resulted in a change of lifestyle for you.

Whether you have had a trip or fall, your solicitor will be able to investigate and find out whether or not you have a case. If your injury has resulted in a loss of earnings and deteriorations in your standard of living such as depression, then you should be entitled to compensation.

Hiring yourself a specialist solicitor who is well versed in dealing with cases such as yours is highly recommended. You should seek advice from friends and family to see if they have any recommendations for a good solicitor.

Tips on getting workplace injury compensation

Workplace injury cases have increased greatly. Employees should make sure that all safety measures are adopted for the safety of the employees. However, even after adopting such measures, many organisations face the problem of workplace injuries. If employers fail to secure the safety of their employees, then employees are free to demand injury compensation.

There are many factors that could lead to injuries, ranging from the use of hazardous machines to poorly trained staff. The accident may be caused due to any reason, but it is the duty of the employers to take responsibility. Employers should see to it that all the machines and other equipment are maintained and in good condition. The staff has to be well trained before using the machines to avoid accidents. Also, employers should have warning signs in hazardous places to warn people of dangers.

If you have faced serious injury due to which you cannot work for some days, you have the right to demand compensation for the injury. The compensation claim will include lost wages as well as earnings you would have made during the time of recovery. Sometimes, even mental trauma can be quantified in terms of monetary compensation.

You can claim for compensation if it is not your fault by reporting to the employer immediately after the accident and recording it in the accidents book. It is legal to record the accident and this will help the solicitor to deal with your employer.

Collect all the possible evidence for the accident and record it in terms of location, time, witnesses etc. This will make your case very strong.

These tips will help you demand injury compensation from your employers. Do hire a reputable solicitor, who can help you win the case.

Regulated Claims Management Companies

Compensation Act 2006

As a direct result of the Compensation Act 2006, companies such as us now have to be approved to operate within the Personal Injury Claims Management Sector. The Act came in to force in April 2007 and we are the proud holders of a certificate of authorisation and follow strict guidelines that are set out by our regulatory body, the Ministry of Justice. Our Authorisation number is CRM3364.

The move to a fully Regulated Claims Management Industry is one we welcome and were actively involved in promoting. Indeed, members of our team assisted with Government working parties and pushed the debate towards having the regulatory system that we now operate within. We now feel that victims of accidents, who wish to launch No Win No Fee Accident Claims, can be sure of an open, ethical and honest partner when they choose a company to manage their accident claim.

Why have a regulated Claims Management Industry?

Prior to the Government creating a law, which legally requires any person or company operating within the Personal Injury Claims sector, there were no restrictions on who could get involved in this industry or how they could operate. Clearly, this was not acceptable and whilst the majority of companies operating did so in a proper manner, a hardcore few didn’t. This caused a whole series of problems for claimants wishing to lodge a claim. Individuals ended up out of pocket, people were harassed in to making a claim, Solicitors were provided with falsified versions of events and Insurers could not be certain that claims were genuine.

There was a genuine case of all Claims Management Companies being tarred with the same brush. Those in the majority who were genuinely acting in the clients best interests were indistinguishable from those that were dishonest and feathering their own nests.

Fortunately for us, the move to a fully regulated sector has banished the less scrupulous firms and practices. We no longer get tarred with the same brush as the firms who operated in a less than squeaky clean manner.

Famous cases of unethical Claims Management practices

The two most famous exposures of bad practice were the collapse and folding of Claims Direct and The Accident Group (more commonly known as TAG).

Claims Direct were the first big No Win No Fee Company to operate in the Personal Injury Sector in the UK. They initially did great things, before their demise lead to the Sun labelling them ‘Shames Direct’. The demise of Claims Direct hit the headlines when it emerged that the compulsory insurance premiums that they had forced their clients to sign up to were wiping out customer compensation settlements. Unsurprisingly, Claims Direct never recovered from the public relations disaster and later went under.

TAG caused a messy stir of their won when they admitted to sacking 2,400 employees by text message after the company ran out of money to write new business. The No Win, No Fee Company, was placed in the hands of administrators Price Waterhouse Coopers, who had a hard job fending off claims from employees who say TAG never bothered paying commissions and fees that had been earned. To make matters even worse, clients of TAG who succeed in winning their cases (estimated to be about 70 per cent of 100,000 customers) were informed that despite the demise of TAG, they might still receive money because the policies that they forced their clients to sign guaranteed a minimum payout of £500 if a claim was successful, but that winnings may be significantly reduced. Under the terms of TAG policies, personal injury victims were made to take out an insurance policy of between £800 and £900. The company believed that this sum would be recovered when a claim was won, as it would be argued that this was a legal fee. Unfortunately, this was not the case and this very belief caused numerous TAG employees to lodge fake claims. After all, the company got a massive commission on every policy taken out. This commission was paid regardless of the claim and regardless of the outcome. Why would a company worry about honest claims if they could make a nice sum of money for every client they signed up? It was rumoured that TAG customers would be liable to make up most of the shortfall, which would have to be paid to the policy insurers and to TAG bankers.

What does the regulatory status mean to clients?

The Regulatory Authority rules mean many things to clients. There have been some key rules that offer genuine choice, safety and transparency to all members and parties operating within the No Win No Fee industry. Firstly, no company or business is allowed to offer claims management services unless they are authorised to do so. Any businesses doing so without approval should be reported. To do so, either call us or visit the Ministry of Justice website and tell them.
The regulator has also outlawed various marketing methods used by the less scrupulous firms. Cold Calling is no longer allowed. Trawling around housing estates, knocking doors and harassing people are now banned. Further, companies can no longer aggressively advertise or harass people in Hospitals. Wording such as No Win No Fee must now be qualified and we are obliged to inform individuals and clients how we make our money, who pays us what, when and how.

We also offer a proper published Complaints procedure, although this has never been used against us!

Also, we are now obliged to have Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364) and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Stamping out Fraudulent Claims

Fraudulent claimers get found out!

Honest Accident Claim Clients

We know, because of the efforts taken by our Accident Claims Managers, that 99.9% of our clients are the genuine victims of non fault accidents. We know that their claims for accident compensation are worthy and well worth pursuing. These clients deserve their compensation when it eventually comes, often after a long and hard fight to get it.

But, as often is the case, the ease with which one can pursue compensation and the way upon which that client is looked by their peers or perceived by the general public, is tarnished by the very few who try and get away with claiming compensation that is not theirs.

Dishonest Accident Claim Clients

Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd have a good reputation within both the Accident Claim Client and Solicitor Sectors. People know that we are honest, trustworthy and a reliable base from which they can mount their claim for compensation. However, even the most thorough of regimes to ensure that fraudulent claimers are weeded out, can sometimes get breached!

It amazes us when this happens. Surely people think this through and realise that Insurance companies don’t simply fork out compensation to anyone who applies for it. Anyone reading this that has been unfortunate enough to need to make a valid claim on an insurance policy will know just how tough getting your rightful settlement can be. Stories need to be proven, injuries need to be treated and records need to be in existence so that a claim can be verified.

Unsurprisingly, the kind of person who attempts to make a fraudulent claim, can often be described as not the sharpest tool in the box.

Questions and answers

When an accident claim client comes to us with a potential claim, we take them through a fairly rigorous qualification process. Our team ask relevant questions about their accident, injuries, medical treatment and available proof that what they have said is accurate. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent the determined idiot fake claimer who is prepared to lie. However, their lies will be found out before they get compensation! Indeed, they will not get compensation, they may end up arrested instead!

Just the other day, we had a claim that had failed some months after one of our Solicitors had taken the case on. The initial story presented to us by the client was extremely plausible. He appeared genuine and had obvious injuries. We took him at face value and completed our claim work and handed the same to our Solicitors so that they could pursue compensation for him. It was only upon the release of the clients medical records some 3 months later, that it was shown that he had sustained his injuries in a drunken fight and not in the way he had claimed. He simply (simply being the operative word here!) decided that he would pick a company at random and make a claim against them. If he had been successful, an innocent 3rd party and their insurers would have picked up a potentially hefty legal bill and compensation settlement. We were pleased to ensure that did not happen and closed the claim immediately before informing the 3rd party insurers that there was no case to answer.

This client was clearly less than intelligent. He had not thought about the fact that his medical records listed not only his injuries and how they would be treated, but how they happened in the first place

Consequence

The upshot of his fraudulent claim affects 3 parties. We and our Solicitors have our reputation tarnished and waste valuable resources trying to help a liar. The genuine clients out there who wish to pursue their legitimate accident compensation claims will find a less trusting Solicitor & Claims Company and may well come up against a cynical 3rd party insurer and the client himself is now subject to a criminal investigation and pursuit of costs from us and our Solicitors.

We can live with the time wasted, that is not our main concern although it is a right pain in the you know what. We worry more about our genuine clients and even the poor 3rd party insurers! There is no benefit to us if they pay out compensation to individuals who are not entitled to it. It is vital for us that our genuine clients receive what is legally theirs. Fraud helps no party in this industry and we are happy to help stamp it out.

If you know of a fraudulent claimer, please help us by telling us this. Email me at: webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk with the details so that the liar can be identified.


Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Assault Victim? Win the fight for justice

One of the best things about working in Personal Injury Claims Management is knowing that the work that we do on behalf of our accident claim clients is going to go some way towards helping them overcome the hardship caused to them. It is satisfying when we learn that a client has successfully pursued their claim for compensation and been awarded a sum of money to compensate them for their injuries and losses.

Thankfully the majority of accident claims that we deal with are just that, Accidents. Often people, employers or organisations are regrettably negligent and at fault for the injuries and losses sustained by our clients, but rarely are claimants injured and in need of making a compensation claim through purposeful acts of violence. However, occasionally people are injured through malicious acts of aggression. Often in these instances, the injuries that people sustain are more than just physical. The shock, trauma and fright caused to innocent victims of these assaults has a big impact on their lives. Rebuilding their lives and confidence can take much time. They also need the support of friends and family members. Victims of Criminal Assaults know that they must inform the Police and know to seek medical treatment, but many have no idea at all that they can claim compensation for their injuries.

Did you know that you could claim compensation for Criminal Injuries?

The Government fund an organisation called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) that has been set up to provide financial compensation for the victims of unprovoked Criminal Assaults. The criteria for making a successful claim is that a victim MUST have informed the Police of the assault, must have sought medical treatment and MUST cooperate fully with the Police. Also, individuals with criminal records of their own may well be barred from making a claim.

So, you know that you can claim Criminal Injuries Compensation, but where do you do it?

At Direct 2 Solicitors, we can assist you with a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claim. We are able to complete the paperwork for you, liaise with the CICA on your behalf and give you the best chance of claiming something back for the pain, distress and injuries that you sustained. You were an innocent victim and we want to make sure you get back to where you should be.

The CICA will pay out compensation for injuries ranging from cuts and bruises, to stabbing, Murders and many more incidents.

Whilst it is satisfying knowing that we have helped an innocent accident claim client gain compensation, it is even more pleasing to hear of a successful claim for one of our Criminal Injuries victims. The monies awarded to them will never rid them of the painful memories, but it does help them to overcome what they went through.

Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

A day in the life of a Personal Injury Claims Management Company

Lots of people talk about claiming compensation for their accident. Lots of people want to make a claim. But not many people know what happens in the day to day management of an accident claim. Cast your eye below to see what has been happening so far today at Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd.

Helping Clients

As always, we have been busy talking to our clients and Solicitors regarding claims. I have just spent 40 minutes on the phone taking details of a claim. A retired gentleman on Holiday with his Wife in Torquay sustained some really nasty injuries tripping on a very badly damaged footpath. They are extremely keen to lodge a claim for compensation. So what did I do?

As well as needing information about their accident from the clients so we can build a viable claim for them, we needed witness information. In this case, I was after a Hazard Witness. As it happened, the Gentleman who owned the Holiday accommodation where the client was staying has come forward to act as a Hazard Witness. It transpires that this Gentleman has complained to Torbay Council on more than 4 occasions over the last year about the dangerous and hazardous footpath outside his Holiday Flats. Yet no remedial action or repair has been carried out by Torbay Council. Indeed, they have not even inspected the area. Clearly this witness is far from happy with the Council. As a result of ignoring the complaints made to them, the Council could well be held liable for the injuries sustained by our client. Thus the supporting Hazard Witness Statement will assist greatly in our Solicitors obtaining a successful outcome for our client. So after speaking to the client, I called the Hazard Witness and discussed the pathway in question. He is more than happy to assist with the compensation claim and we now await his statement. This is a good news story. We have tracked the witness down and he is happy to cooperate. It is not always like this! But some of the investigating work we do in tracking down folk who can play a vital role in the success or failure of a claim can be fun (even if it can be hard work!).

Accident Claims. More than meets the eye

You see, there is more to making an accident compensation claim than many would believe, especially those that pedal the myth about the compensation culture. It is not enough to say you fell and were injured. We need evidence. Public Liability related claims need to be supported by photographs of hazardous pavements. Independent Witnesses need to be found who are willing to state that a defective and dangerous area of footpath has been in situ for a considerable period; it is dangerous and has been ignored by the Council responsible for the maintenance of the footpath. It is with such information and proof, that we can achieve success with a No Win No Fee claim.

Building a viable claim

Fielding calls (the phones are ringing around me this morning) from people wishing to find out if they have a viable compensation claim and sorting the wheat from the chaff is one part. But we also do many other things too. Such as liaising with Solicitors about the details of the enquiry when needed, making sure we have the full details about the accident, losses and injuries so we can commence our claim file, starting an accident claim application, speaking to witnesses, reviewing photographs, appointing regional claims managers to visit accident sites, submitting claims to our Solicitors, and much, much more beside!

What is our involvement in your accident claim?

Our job is to provide our Solicitors with all the information that they will need to enable them to successfully pursue our clients accident claims. We work tirelessly to do so and 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday is a busy time for the team here at Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd. We work hard to make sure that our clients are in the know, the evidence is gained, the witnesses are involved and the claim is watertight. At Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, we manage your accident claim. Giving you the very best chance of success in your rightful pursuit of Personal Injury Compensation.

Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Do you know if you are entitled to make a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim?

You have been injured, it was not your fault. But can you claim compensation?

With so many armchair Solicitors and many well meaning, but misinformed people ready to tell everyone what they think they know about making a claim, we find that often the injured party either does not know that they could make a successful claim, or has been informed that they could and should, when they cant! So, to help potential claimants decide if the cause of their injuries will enable you to lodge a claim for Accident Compensation, basic accident claim criteria information is needed (see below).

Remember, there are always exceptions to rules and each accident claim needs to be assessed on its own merits. We advise all persons injured in non fault accidents considering a claim to call us and discuss their accident claim circumstance with our experts. You may think you dont have a claim when you do.

Basic Criteria

Limitation: This is the time frame in which a claimant HAS to register a claim in the courts. An adult (over 21yrs) has 3 years from the date of an accident to ensure a claim is registered. Therefore, if accident injuries were caused 3 or more years ago, the claim is out of limitation and any rights to make a claim become statute barred.

Remember, an Accident Claim Solicitor or Claims Management Company usually require AT LEAST 6 months of a 3 year period remaining so that they can prepare a claim properly (although there are exceptions to this).

Exceptions

Adults have 3 years; children have until their 21^st birthday (or 3 years). CICA claimants (Criminal Injuries) have 2 years (although older claims can be considered) as do MIB claimants (victims of uninsured and untraced drivers).

Liability: For an individual to successfully pursue a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim there needs to be a liable 3^rd party to pursue for the compensation. If the accident was your fault, you have no claim. However, if your injuries arise from an accident at work, a road traffic accident or a slip/fall in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation. It boils down to a duty of care at the feet of the persons, authority or employer who owns or operates the location where you were injured.

Like who?

For example, Council Highways Departments have to monitor, inspect and repair footpaths and roads within a reasonable time frame and ensure that defects of a certain size and of a certain age are removed. If they dont, person injured on a hazardous pathway could make an accident compensation claim. Employers have to provide Health & Safety training and equipment and follow strict laws governing employees safety at work. Failure to do so could result in a serious injury and leave them open to a claim for work accident compensation. Drivers of cars, motorcycles and pushbikes have a responsibility to drive safely and pay attention to road conditions and traffic. If they fail to do so and cause a Road Traffic Accident, an injured person could easily pursue a whiplash claim or similar for their injuries and losses.

Proof: Individuals MUST prove that they were injured and that it was someone else's fault. If they fail to do so, their accident compensation claim will fail. Persons wishing to pursue compensation claims MUST have sought medical treatment either at a Hospital or GP and it MUST be noted on the medical records. Also, the injuries have to be of a certain severity.

How?

As well notes on medical records, injured parties MUST always ensure that accidents at work are recorded in employers official accident books. Injured parties MUST report this themselves, ensuring the record is an accurate report of what happened. A person injured in any public establishment, such as a Hotel, Shop or Restaurant, again must ensure a record is entered in an accident book. Road Traffic accident victims should ensure that their insurers have been informed and if necessary, also inform the Police. Whilst Police cannot always attend an accident, they will make a log of any report and issue an incident reference number.

Now I know. Or do I?!

As stated earlier, each case has to be looked at individually, but the above gives some pointers as to if you could make a claim. Our advice remains the same, contact us for an honest opinion. It is free and you may well be entitled to compensation. We know Accident Compensation wont make the pain go away, but it does help you to get back to where you should have been if you were not injured in the first place. Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, will know if your claim is worthy of consideration by an expert Personal Injury Solicitor, so to let us discuss your accident and we can then decide if it is in your interests to make a claim for Accident Compensation.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box on this page.

How to avoid a bad No Win No Fee Claim experience!

Scared of the dark? Wont walk under ladders? Dont cross on the stairs? A few odd superstitions and irrational fears that humanity has developed over time. So, you see some people avoiding the above, for no reason other than an old wives tale! Fair enough I guess? But it is amazing how many people don't avoid some of the real pitfalls in life and do things like enter in to a very important legal matter, such as making a Personal Injury Compensation Claim. They often do so without understanding what they are agreeing to and just how see through the company that they are instructing is.

Transparent Accident Claim Service

Direct 2 Solicitors, has a very transparent arrangement and we make a point of disclosing what we get paid when successful, what our Solicitors pay us and what if any fee you would pay if your claim was successful. Unfortunately, we have been approached by clients who have chosen badly when making their claim with a cowboy outfit that have deducted high sums from settlements that had not been explained clearly at the outset, or that they had not queried at the outset. Also, we have heard from clients who have been unable to make contact with the person running their claim. Numerous messages left, unanswered letters and a lack of support is the last thing you need when dealing with a complex and alien matter like a Personal Injury Claim. Direct 2 Solicitors are available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm on 0800 9177456 with an answering service outside those hours. We guarantee to call you back the next working day if a message is left.

One shot for success

Remember, You only get one chance to make a claim for any accident, so it needs to be right. Often at such a late stage when things have gone wrong, we can do nothing to help these individuals other than point them in the direction of the Claims Regulation team at the MoJ. We have also had clients come to us late in the day when another Claims Management Company or Solicitor has all but ruined their chances of success. Most people know that you have 3 years to make a claim, but most dont know that any Claims Management Company or Solicitor will need at least 6 months of that period remaining in order to ensure that they can prepare a decent case and get it registered in the courts in time, should that be needed. In the past, some firms have wasted time by not acting on a claim or failing to place it promptly. We work hard to ensure that any claim is seen by the full extent of our panel in the quickest time frame. Indeed, we only allow a Panel Solicitor 5 days to view and consider a claim and accept or reject the chance to litigate on that matter. If they fail to say yay or nay in that time, we take it away and try it with another.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back..." box at the top right of this page.