Lindsey Juggins LL.B.

Member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and the
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Newbys Solicitors

Useful Legal Advice for Accident Victims

Most people now know that if they are injured in a Road Traffic Accident they can bring a claim for compensation against the person who caused the accident.

People used to be worried about the prospect of taking action against another driver or their insurers or would naturally be concerned about how they would pay their own solicitor to bring a claim for what fees they would be responsible for if they lost.

Nowadays, there are so many companies and firms willing to assist people who have had accidents to bring their claims and it would be extremely rare for a person to have to fund such a claim themselves.

If you have had an accident, the first thing you should do is to check to see whether you have already paid for Legal Insurance which is something that many of us do when we take out our motor insurance.

If you do not have such insurance then you will need to find a solicitor who has the skill and expertise to deal with your claim quickly and skillfully but also one who is willing to offer conditional fee arrangement or "no win no fee" terms. These days many solicitors who deal with accident claims will fund any necessary expenses themselves and indeed will pay the cost of the insurance premium to cover the risk of you being asked to pay your opponent's fees if you lose.

You should check to make sure your solicitor is a specialist preferably a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and a Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Another important consideration is whether you will be able to see and speak to your solicitor when you wish, one who is therefore local and who is also one who can explain things to you and keep you up to date on what can appear to be a daunting prospect particularly after you have just been injured.

Notes to remember:

• HELP IS AT HAND - many solicitors offer practical assistance to start your claim
• ARE YOU COVERED? - your motor insurance may include legal insurance
• CHOOSING HELP - find a solicitor who has the right skills and expertise
• NO WIN NO FEE - insist on a conditional fee agreement that covers your risk
• MEMBERSHIPS - Law Society Personal Injury Panel or Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
• GO LOCAL - easier for you to visit and to be kept informed about the progress of your case

If you are a victim of a Road Traffic Accident caused by someone else, following these tips will ensure you get your compensation claim off to the best possible start.