Personal Injury Claims — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I can claim compensation?

You can typically claim compensation if:

• You were injured in an accident within the last 3 years
• The accident was caused wholly or partly by someone else
• You suffered an injury — physical or psychological

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How much is my claim worth?

The amount depends on the type and severity of your injury, your recovery time, and any financial losses you’ve suffered. Typical ranges:

You can also claim for lost earnings, medical costs, and other expenses.

What does “No Win No Fee” mean?

It means you pay nothing if your claim loses. If you win, your solicitor’s fees are usually paid by the losing party’s insurer. Your solicitor may charge a success fee of up to 25% of your compensation. You keep 100% of the compensation awarded — the success fee is an additional charge.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are some exceptions:

• Children — The 3-year limit starts from their 18th birthday
• Mental capacity — No time limit if the person lacks capacity
• Industrial disease — 3 years from when you became aware of the cause
• Fatal accidents — 3 years from the date of death or knowledge of negligence

Do I need to have seen a doctor?

Medical evidence is essential for any personal injury claim. If you haven’t yet seen a doctor or visited a hospital, you should do so as soon as possible — even for minor injuries. Your medical records provide the evidence that links your injury to the accident.

How long does a claim take?

The duration depends on the complexity of your case:

• Straightforward claims (e.g. minor whiplash): 3 — 6 months
• Standard claims (moderate injuries): 6 — 12 months
• Complex claims (serious injuries, liability disputed): 12 — 24 months
• Medical negligence claims: 18 — 36 months

Your solicitor will give you a realistic timeline once they’ve assessed your case.

Will I have to go to court?

Most personal injury claims settle without going to court. Over 95% of cases are resolved through negotiation. Court is only necessary if the other party denies liability or the parties can’t agree on the compensation amount.

What if the accident was partly my fault?

You can still claim. Under the principle of contributory negligence, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to reflect your share of responsibility. For example, if you’re found to be 25% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 25%.

Can I claim for an accident abroad?

Yes, in many cases. If your accident occurred on a package holiday booked in the UK, you can often claim against the tour operator under the Package Travel Regulations. For other accidents abroad, the process depends on the country’s laws — speak to a specialist for guidance.

What if the other driver was uninsured or drove off?

You can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers. The process is different from a standard claim but you can still receive compensation.

Is there any free advice available?

Yes. Free, independent advice is available from:

• Citizens Advice consumer service — citizensadvice.org.uk — 03454 04 05 06
• Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
• Personal Injuries Assessment Board (NI) — piab.ie (for Northern Ireland)

Ready to find out if you can claim? Check your eligibility → — our 60-second assessment is free and carries no obligation.