Personal Injury Solicitors
How do I choose a solicitor?
This is a key decision when considering your accident claim.
I have worked for over 70 firms of solicitors as an expert witness and as with any profession or indeed trade, some people are better than others.
The best advice is to find a personal injury solicitor. In otherwise a specialist in dealing with this type of claim on a regular basis.
TIP: Do not just walk into a High Street solicitor, research a firm that specialises in personal injury claims.
How will the case then proceed?
Click on an advert above left or below right and check that they are are registered with APIL [Association of Personal Injury Lawyers] or MASS [Motor Accident Solicitors Society].
These are specialists.
Accident
Start Court proceedings within 3 yrs from the date of accident or date of knowledge
Instruct Solicitor
Discuss evidence, prospects of success, likely value of claim and funding
Investigation of the Claim
Statements taken from claimant and
witnesses
Letter of Claim
Prepare letter of claim and send to
defendent/insurer. Defendant should reply within 21 days and has 3 mths to investigate liability.[cont right]
If liability admitted
If Defendant admits liability, claim carries on to resolve damages.
If liability denied
If Defendant denies liability case proceeds re liability and
the amount of damages.
Medical Evidence
Solicitors normally seek medical expert to prepare a report.
Valuation of claim
Assess loss after considering medical evidence and loss of earnings etc
Negotiation between solicitors
After the above, negotiations take place between solicitors for both sides. If the case can not be resolved it will go to Court for the decision.
What else to consider when chosing a solicitor?
* How many injury claims have they dealt with in the past 12 mths?
* Are they a specialist?
* What is the biggest claim they have dealt with
Personal Injury Solicitors
