This guide has been compiled to help you choosing the correct injury lawyer / solicitor in the event you may have to make a compensation claim. If you have suffered an injury, physical or mental, from the actions of a person or business being negligent then you have a right to claim for personal injury compensation.
Your first step is to make sure you contact experienced injury lawyers who will give you proper advice regarding making a claim for compensation. Personal Injury Law is a complicated matter and that is why we strongly suggest to seek out a reputable lawyer / solicitor rather than any other third party who may not be experienced in injury law matters.
Researching and selecting a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are many good, experienced and qualified injury lawyers / solicitors that will advise you free-of-charge if you have a proper claim, try searching for "Injury Lawyers" on Google in your start to find a suitable injury lawyer for you.
Check their websites to see if they have genuine testimonials from satisfied clients. Do they give advice free-of-charge. It shouldn't cost you anything for making an enquiry including making a telephone call.
During the course of discussion between yourself and the injury lawyer they'll try to assess if you have a valid claim. They will also inform you of how best to fund your claim (most Injury Lawyers work under a No Win No Fee agreement), the time scale involved and other details that are important to your claim.
What your Injury Lawyer will require from you
Once you are happy with your selection the process then starts with collecting the evidence to help with your claim. The details of the accident: date, place, events of the accident itself etc ... Any witnesses that can provide statements. Details of your injuries and any medical documents showing the attention you received / receiving. Loss of earnings or any other financial expenses that you have incurred since the accident. Insurance documents. Photographic proof (if you have any).
If you are seeking whiplash claims advice please be sure to contact the Police and make a report of the road accident, injury at the earliest possible moment available to you.
Setting the process of your claim into action
Once all information has been gathered your injury lawyer / solicitor will send a letter to the person / party you are making a claim against. The next stage is waiting on the reply (they have 21 days to acknowledge the claim). The reply from the respondent (the person / party you are claiming against) will outline if they accept responsibility for your injury or not.
Settling out of court
If the respondent accepts liability your injury lawyer / solicitor will then advise you to settle-out-of-court. You will also be advised at this stage what levels of compensation are acceptable and if all parties involved are in agreement the case is settled without ever having to go to court.
Making a court appearance
In the event of no agreement being reached either from accepting responsibility or compensation payments then the case will be brought to court and a judge will oversee proceedings. Your injury lawyer / solicitor will have prepared for this outcome in any event and will advise you of the next stages as you seek to claim compensation for your injuries.
Outcome and costs
During the process of selecting your personal injury lawyer / solicitor you should have been advised as to what costs may be involved and how best to finance these costs in the event of your case ending up in court and also losing your claim.
Will you be responsible to pay the legal costs of the winning side if you lose your claim? As a good personal injury lawyer will always make sure you have cover should you lose your claim, so that you are not out of pocket.
Make sure that these questions are asked when selecting a personal injury lawyer to present you in your case for compensation. Good lawyers always advise claimants to take out insurance to cover all risks involved.