Being involved in a car accident can be life-altering. Beyond the physical and emotional impact, there’s the stress of dealing with insurers, medical bills, and legal procedures. This guide walks you through what you need to do — and how Berwicks Solicitors supports you.
1. Immediately After the Accident
- Ensure safety first. If needed, get medical help.
- Call the police if there’s injury or significant damage.
- Gather evidence: photos of vehicles, road layout, skid marks, injuries, and registration plates.
- Get contact and insurance details from the other parties and any witnesses.
- Report the accident to your insurer (even if not at fault).
2. Seek Medical Attention & Document Injuries
Even if injuries seem mild, it’s vital to get checked. Some injuries (e.g. whiplash) may manifest later. Keep records:
- Medical reports and invoices
- Prescriptions and treatments
- Sick days or lost earnings documentation
These form the backbone of your compensation claim.
3. Consult a Qualified Solicitor Early
The sooner your solicitor becomes involved, the stronger your position:
- We can preserve evidence (CCTV, dashcam footage, witness statements)
- Help with “Interim Payment” requests (advance funds before final settlement)
- Advise you what medical examinations you need
Delayed action can weaken your claim.
4. Establishing Liability & Damages
Your solicitor will prove:
- Someone else was at fault (i.e. breach of duty)
- You suffered injury or financial loss as a direct result
- The extent of damages (medical, property, pain & suffering, lost income)
We often work with medical experts to quantify injury impacts.
5. Negotiation or Litigation
Most claims settle out of court. Your solicitor drafts a legal “Letter of Claim,” exchanges documents with the insurer, and negotiates. If insurers don’t offer a fair settlement, we proceed to court.
We always assess risk vs reward, and keep you in control of decisions.
6. How Berwicks Solicitors Adds Value
- No Win No Fee basis — meaning no upfront legal fees
- Transparent explanation of deductions and how much you’ll receive
- Experience in dealing with insurers, negotiating robustly
- Handling minor and serious claims — from whiplash to catastrophic injuries
- Ongoing support, from filing to settlement
7. Timeline & What to Expect
Realistically, a full settlement takes 6 to 24 months, depending on injury severity. Some interim payments may be possible earlier.
You’ll get clear updates at every step — no legal jargon, no surprises.
