If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, making a compensation claim might seem daunting.
Many people worry they’ll have to go to court, complete endless paperwork or argue with insurance companies. In reality, the process is often much more straightforward than people expect.
At What’s My Claim Worth, one of the questions we’re asked most often is:
“What actually happens if I make a claim?”
Here’s what you can expect.
Step One: Tell Us What Happened
Everything starts with a conversation.
We’ll ask you about:
- How the accident happened.
- The injuries you’ve suffered.
- Any medical treatment you’ve received.
- Whether you’ve had time off work.
- The impact the accident has had on your day-to-day life.
You don’t need to know all the answers or have every document to hand.
Our job is to understand your circumstances and explain whether you may have a claim.
Step Two: We’ll Explain Your Options
Once we understand what happened, we’ll explain:
- Whether you may have a valid claim.
- What the next steps are.
- How long the process is likely to take.
- How your claim will be funded.
We believe legal advice should be easy to understand, so we’ll always explain things in plain English.
If you decide to proceed, we’ll begin investigating your claim.
Step Three: Gathering the Evidence
Building a successful claim involves gathering evidence to show how the accident happened and how it has affected you.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- Medical records.
- Photographs.
- Dashcam footage.
- Witness statements.
- Police reports.
- Vehicle repair reports.
- Evidence of financial losses.
Don’t worry if you don’t already have all of this.
We’ll explain what’s needed and help obtain the relevant evidence wherever possible.
Step Four: An Independent Medical Assessment
In most personal injury claims, you’ll be asked to attend an appointment with an independent medical expert.
This isn’t something to worry about.
The expert’s role is simply to assess your injuries and prepare a report describing:
- Your injuries.
- Any treatment you’ve needed.
- Your recovery.
- Whether you’ll require further treatment in the future.
This medical evidence plays an important role in valuing your claim.
Step Five: Negotiating Your Compensation
Once the evidence has been gathered, we’ll begin negotiating with the other side.
Many people are surprised to learn that most road traffic accident claims are settled through negotiation, without the need for a court hearing.
If an offer is made, we’ll explain what it means and advise whether we believe it’s reasonable.
The decision to accept any offer will always be yours.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
This is probably the biggest concern people have.
The good news is that most personal injury claims never reach a courtroom.
If court proceedings do become necessary, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to give evidence.
We’ll explain exactly what’s happening at every stage and make sure you’re fully supported throughout.
How Long Does a Claim Take?
Every claim is different.
Straightforward claims may settle within a matter of months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries can take longer.
The timescale depends on factors such as:
- Whether liability is admitted.
- The seriousness of your injuries.
- How long your recovery takes.
- Whether ongoing medical treatment is needed.
We’ll keep you updated throughout your claim so you always know how things are progressing.
What Happens If My Claim Is Successful?
If your claim succeeds, your compensation may include:
- Your pain and suffering.
- Lost earnings.
- Medical expenses.
- Rehabilitation costs.
- Care provided by family or professionals.
- Other financial losses resulting from the accident.
Every claim is different, which is why compensation amounts vary from person to person.
Do I Need to Pay Upfront?
Many people worry that making a claim will be expensive.
In almost all cases, road traffic accident claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis.
We’ll explain exactly how this works during your initial conversation so you know where you stand before making any decisions.
Why Choose What’s My Claim Worth?
Making a compensation claim shouldn’t add to the stress you’re already experiencing.
At What’s My Claim Worth?, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
We’ll explain your options honestly, keep you updated throughout your claim and answer your questions in plain English.
Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or life-changing trauma, we’re here to help you understand your rights and decide what to do next.
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch for a free, no-obligation discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to court?
Usually not. Most road traffic accident claims settle without a court hearing.
How long does a claim take?
Every claim is different. Some settle within a few months, while more complex cases can take longer.
Will I need a medical examination?
In most cases, yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and prepare a report to support your claim.
Can I claim if I’m still recovering?
Yes. In many cases, it’s sensible to seek advice while you’re recovering, even if your treatment hasn’t finished.
What if I don’t know whether I have a claim?
That’s exactly why we’re here. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options and help you understand whether you may be able to pursue compensation.