Minster Law Solicitors - Accident Claim & Legal Advice > Personal Injury FAQs > The personal injury claim process

The personal injury claim process

What is the process for pursuing a personal injury claim?

When you contact Minster Law, we will need to take some basic facts about your accident. These may include:

  • The location, time and date of the accident
  • The nature of the injuries sustained
  • Information about any witnesses who saw the accident
  • Details of the third party involved – for example, your employer if the accident happened at work or the company name and address if you slipped on a wet floor in the local shop

We will then contact the third party advising of our intention to bring a claim on your behalf and explaining why we think they are responsible for the accident. We will then begin to gather more facts about your case, such as arranging a medical examination for you, collecting witness statements and other relevant information about the accident.

From this point, we will handle discussions with the third party on your behalf. There will be one of three outcomes at this stage:

  • the third party may make an offer of compensation which all parties agree is acceptable (some negotiation may be undertaken to reach this figure)
  • a small number of cases may proceed to court, however this happens very rarely as this increases any solicitor’s fees that the third party may be left with if your claim is successful
  • in some circumstances, further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident may show that the claim is not valid – this is infrequent, however if it does happen we will discuss the reasons for this with you

* To make a no win, no fee claim for a personal injury, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.

* No Win No Fee – except in Motor Insurers Bureau untraced driver claims, criminal injury claims and other rare situations



How long does the personal injury claim process take?

At Minster Law, we pride ourselves on having the knowledge and experience to deal with personal injury claims quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say exactly how long a claim will take. This depends on the scale of injury sustained, the willingness of the other party to admit liability for the accident, and other factors that are specific to each case.

Where fault for the accident can easily be ascertained and where court proceedings are not necessary, claims will typically take in the region of 7 – 12 months to resolve. If it is necessary for court proceedings to be issued, the court will set a timetable of events that all parties must work to. We will keep you fully informed of the dates set under this timetable.

To start the personal injury claims process, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.



Who will be responsible for handling my personal injury claim?

Here at Minster Law, we have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury claims and have dedicated teams of experienced solicitors and claims handlers who specialise in road traffic accidents, accidents at work, slipping or tripping accidents and a range of other personal injury situations.

You will be assigned to a dedicated claims handler, and given a direct telephone and email contact, rather than having to contend with a lengthy switchboard process and someone who isn’t familiar with your case. Our claims handlers work closely with our experienced legal assistants and so you should always be able to speak to your claims handler or their assistant within office hours.

To make a claim for a personal injury, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.



Will I have to go to court?

Whilst it is impossible to say for certain whether you will need to go to court, in most personal injury cases, an appropriate settlement is made out of court – this reduces the legal costs for the party who are liable for the accident. In the last 12 months, less than 1% of the personal injury cases we’ve handled at Minster Law have resulted in a court hearing.

A very small number of compensation claim cases will result in a court hearing – this can depend on the circumstances of the accident, and the other party’s view of who is liable or the settlement. If the case does proceed to court, you will receive the expert advice and support of our legal team who will ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable with the process. A court hearing is simply to allow the judge to ascertain the facts of the case – should your claim prove unsuccessful, there is no penalty imposed on you.

To make a personal injury claim, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012



Will I have to travel to see a solicitor, medical expert or other people involved in my claim?

We have links with nationwide service providers, and so any appointments you may be required to attend, such as medical appointments, will be arranged locally for your convenience. If court proceedings are necessary we will request that these are dealt with in your local court.

To make a claim for a personal injury, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.



I have concerns and am unsure about making a claim, can you help?

We understand that making a claim for personal injury can sometimes seem a bit daunting – especially if you are still suffering the after-effects of the injuries. Everybody’s accidents, injuries and personal circumstances are different, and it’s impossible to provide a list of FAQs that addresses everyone’s individual concerns. However, if you think you may be entitled to make a claim, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012. We can talk you through the personal injury process and any concerns you may have with no obligation.

At Minster Law, our promise to you is that:

  • You will not pay anything for our personal injury legal services *
  • We will do our best to recover the maximum amount of compensation for you in the minimum time
  • We will keep things as simple as possible, explaining what happens next in plain English

* No Win No Fee – except in Motor Insurers Bureau untraced driver claims, criminal injury claims and other rare situations



Is there a time limit on when I can make a claim for personal injury?

Yes, the law prescribes that people with a personal injury claim have 3 years from the date of the accident in which to make a claim. We would advise that it’s best to proceed with a claim as soon as is practical following an accident, to ensure that you are offered the very best care and support following any injury sustained.

Don’t delay: to make a claim for a personal injury, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.



If I contact Minster Law, am I obliged to pursue a personal injury claim?

No. When you contact us, we will provide a free no-obligation consultation, and will answer any questions or concerns you may have. We will work with you to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

To have a no-obligation discussion about your personal injury claim, request a call back from one of our specialist advisors or call us on 0800 030 4012.