Sustaining an injury when getting in an accident can turn your world upside down. In the aftermath, you’re not only dealing with physical pain and emotional distress, but the path to seeking compensation may cause further strain.  We know how confusing and overwhelming all of this can get, and questions like “Where do you even begin?” and “What happens next?” will always surface.

This is why at RG Jones Solicitors, we believe in clarity and confidence. 

Rest assured we’ll demystify the personal injury claim process for you with our detailed timeline. Here, we’ll guide you through each step — from the moment of your accident to the resolution of your claim — so you know exactly what to expect. Scroll with us to learn more:

Step 1: Immediately After the Accident

Your immediate priority is your health and safety. However, if you are able, there are a few crucial first steps that can help protect your right to claim later on.

• Seek Medical Attention: This is the most important step. From whiplashes to lacerations, visit a doctor or hospital immediately to have your injuries properly assessed and treated. Thus, this will create an official medical record of the injuries you sustained.
  
• Report the Incident: If your accident happened at work, in a shop or even in a public space like a park, always make sure it’s officially reported and recorded in their accident book.
  
• Gather Evidence: If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, what caused it and your injuries. Additionally, make a note of the names and contact details of any witnesses around (If in a traffic collision, take note that you’re legally required to exchange names, addresses and contact information).

Step 2: Your Initial Consultation with Us (The First 1-2 Weeks)

Now that you’ve collected all necessary documentation and evidence, this is where your journey with us begins. 

We understand how the thought of legal fees can be daunting. Which is why we offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case. At RG Jones, we want to hear what happened, understand the impact it has had on your life, and give you clear, honest advice on whether you have a strong claim.

But this is also where we will explain our No Win, No Fee guarantee. With this agreement, it removes any financial risk from you. Put simply, if your claim is not successful, you will not have to pay our legal fees. Thus, allowing you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery without the stress of upfront costs.

Step 3: Building Your Case (The Following Few Months)

Once you’ve met with us, have a clear understanding of the process and are happy to proceed, we’ll get to work building your case straight away. From complex paperwork and correspondence, let us handle all of this for you, including:

• Letter of Claim: We will send a formal ‘Letter of Claim’ to the person or organisation responsible for your injury (the defendant). This letter will outline the details of the accident and your injuries.
  
• The Defendant’s Response: The defendant’s insurers legally have a set period (usually around three months) to investigate the claim and respond, either accepting or denying responsibility (liability).
  
• Gathering Medical Evidence: We will arrange for you to be seen by an independent medical expert who will assess your injuries and write a detailed report. This report is crucial for valuing your claim and understanding the long-term impact on your health.

We understand that in some circumstances, when an injury was sustained at work, you may be hesitant to make a claim due to the fear of losing your job. But be reassured that the law is on your side, and to know more about this, take a look at our guide: “Workplace Accidents: A Guide to Your Rights, Your Job and Your Compensation”.

Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement

Once liability has been admitted and we have the final medical evidence, we can calculate the value of your compensation. This includes: damages for your pain and suffering, as well as any financial losses you’ve incurred, such as lost earnings, medical bills or even travel expenses.

We’ll soon enter into negotiations with the defendant’s insurers to secure the best possible settlement for you. The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled at this stage without ever needing to go to court. As expert negotiators, we will dispute to get you the compensation you deserve.

It’s at this point that the benefits of working with a specialist solicitor become clear. To understand more about how our fee agreement ensures we’re fully motivated to secure a positive result for you, it’s worth reading about what a Win Solicitor: What Does It Mean and How Can It Help You?.

Step 5: Resolution and Receiving Your Compensation

Once a settlement figure has been agreed upon, the legal process will be almost complete. From here, the defendant’s insurer will send a cheque or make digital payment transfers for your compensation. Once received, we will forward the payment to you after deducting our agreed-upon fees.

If, in the rare instance that liability is denied or a fair settlement cannot be agreed, we may advise you to begin court proceedings. This is not a decision we take lightly, and we would guide you through every step to seek a suitable settlement throughout the process.

Your Partners in Recovery

At RG Jones Solicitors, we are more than just legal experts; we are your dedicated partners through this difficult time. 

With extensive experience, we will handle the legal complexities so you can concentrate on what matters most: your recovery. So if you have been injured and are unsure of what to do next,  get in touch with us today at 0151 332 5252 or info@rgjonessolicitors.co.uk.

Let us put your mind at ease and help show you the clear path forward.

About RG Jones Solicitors

For over 20 years, RG Jones Solicitors has been dedicated to helping people who have been injured through no fault of their own. We are specialists in personal injury law, and our focus is always on you, our client. We pride ourselves on offering a professional service with a personal touch. Our lead solicitor, Rosaleen Jones, is consistently praised by clients for her approachable, efficient and supportive manner. It is with this dedication to our clients that drive us to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Upholding the Highest Standards:

As personal accident solicitors, we adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We’re committed to acting with integrity, transparency, and professionalism throughout your case.