If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
We understand that the thought of dealing with an accident claim may seem very daunting, especially whilst you are recuperating and trying to juggle daily life and challenges.
It is not mandatory to instruct a solicitor or legal representative as you could deal with your claim yourself, however we highly recommend you do have legal representation in order to recover the maximum compensation which you deserve.
At John Hodge Solicitors, our expert local accident lawyers are here to assist you. Here are our top 5 reasons as to why you should consider instructing your own solicitor or legal representative:
- Conflict of interests and knowing the value of claim
If your claim is handled by the insurer of the person who caused your accident, there will be a conflict of interest. As the insurer will be paying your compensation if your claim is successful, it is in their interests to pay you as little as possible. However, you, as the injured party, should be achieving the best settlement possible to reflect your pain and losses that you have suffered.
During your claim, the insurer may make you an offer to settle. Most settlements are on a full and final basis meaning you cannot seek to recover further compensation in the future should your recovery not be straightforward or as anticipated. You may not know the value of your claim, or it may be too early to know the long-term effects of your injuries, and you risk settling at an undervalue.
Here at John Hodge Solicitors, we have vast experience in valuing claims and achieving maximum settlements for our clients. We appreciate that a sum of money cannot take away your pain and suffering, however we hope it may redress the financial burden you may be suffering as a result of your accident.
- Communicating with third parties to allow you to focus on your recovery
Dealing with a claim can be very time consuming. You may be contacted regularly by the Defendant’s insurance company as well as potential third parties such as the Court and medical experts.
We understand that on top of managing your pain and adapting to your injuries, the last thing you want to do is be constantly dealing with paperwork and trying to understand legal jargon.
Although we will have to contact you throughout your claim, we will only do so when necessary and will keep things easy and concise to understand.
- Sourcing evidence early in your claim
In order to build your strongest case, it is very important to have evidence. Memories fade over time and things become hazier, so it is important to capture the key facts from you and any witnesses shortly after your accident. Witnesses may be harder to contact in the future as you may lose touch with them, or they could change contact details.
If your accident was captured on CCTV, this is often vital evidence to prove your claim and it is important it is sourced quickly as footage is usually retained for only 30 days at most.
If your accident was caused by a street defect or broken equipment, that may be repaired or scraped, and any documents relating to it might be lost or destroyed.
We understand the importance of sourcing evidence as soon as possible and will do so early to ensure that your claim has the best chance of succeeding.
- Seeking treatment and interim payments
You may be experiencing delay in receiving NHS treatment, such as physiotherapy, or facing financial hardship if you are unable to work.
If the Defendant’s insurer admits fault for your accident, we will be able to request they fund recommended treatment to assist you in your recovery. We will also request an interim payment on account of the damages you will receive to lighten the financial burden you may be experiencing.
- Instructing appropriate medical experts and barristers
Medical evidence forms the basis of your case, meaning it is vitally important that an expert in the correct discipline is instructed. The expert will be instructed to provide an opinion on the extent of your injuries caused by the accident, a future outlook on your recovery, and recommend any treatment which may help.
Depending on the nature of your claim, it may also be beneficial to have input from an independent Barrister. Barristers are involved in claims at an early stage to provide advice on tactics, evidence and value, as well as representing you at Court.
We recommend that you speak with a solicitor as soon as possible after your accident, or when you become aware of your right to claim. If you are hesitant or unsure about pursuing a claim, we offer a free No Obligation Injury Claim Consultation where you can discuss your potential claim with us. This can be done by telephone or face to face at one of our offices. During the meeting, we will explain the claim process and funding of your claim without cost to you, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Next Steps: Get in touch
If you would like to discuss your Personal Injury claim then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors, conveniently located throughout the South West, with offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton.
You can contact us either:
- by email
- via our website
- by calling us on 0800 097 8611
Naomi Drew
Amber Vincent
Nikki Taylor
Samantha Day