Yorks Leading Personal Injury Lawyers

Your first priority is to rest and recover from your injuries. After which you may wish to consider making a compensation claim for pain and suffering, any loss of earnings, travel expenses and other expenses to help you get your life back to normal.

Corries Solicitors outline the steps you can take:

1. Stop

Pull over, turn off your engine and switch your hazard lights on. It is against the law to drive off after an accident, no matter how minor the bump was.

2. Seek medical attention

If anyone has been injured in the crash, this includes the driver, passengers and pedestrians. It may be necessary to call an ambulance and the police may also be required to attend the scene of the accident if people have been injured.

3.  Exchange details with the other driver

Exchange insurance details with the other motorist. You will need to take down their telephone number, vehicle registration number, and contact details.

4.  Take Photos

Take photos of the scene of the accident and of the vehicle damage.It is also advisable to take photos of any of the physical injuries that you have suffered

5.  Get Witness's Details

If anyone witnessed the accident take down their contact details so that they can be contacted by the police, your insurance company or solicitor if you decide to make a personal injury claim.

6.  Report the accident

Road traffic accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours of the time of their occurrence. If the police attend the scene of the accident it is likely that they will complete an accident report, and ask for the reference number for this report.

7.  Notify your insurer

It is also important to notify your insurer that you have been involved in an accident, failure to do so may invalidate your claim.

What should I do if I have been injured?

You may decide that you would like to pursue an injury compensation claim, which would compensate you for pain and suffering, your lost earnings, and expenses incurred.

What can I claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could claim compensation. At Corries Solicitors we deal with hundreds  of road traffic accident claims every year, the most common injury claims include:

• Whiplash
• Back and spinal injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Organ damage and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures

Should I pursue a claim through my insurer?

Instructing a solicitor to handle your claim ensures you will be properly represented and you are likely to end up with a higher settlement amount.  At  Corries Solicitors we are experienced in handling road accidents and we will act in your best interests.

Can I make a claim that I was partly at fault?

You may still be eligible to make a claim if you were partly to blame for causing the accident – this is known as split liability. Examples of split liability include accidents on roundabouts or when collisions happen due to changing lanes, some liability can be attributed to each party. If split liability is accepted on a 50/50 basis,  you would receive half of the value of your claim.

Can I make a claim if the other driver didn’t have insurance?

Yes, at Corries Solicitors we can submit a claim to the Motor Insurers Bureau. You can still be compensated for your injuries under the ‘Uninsured Drivers Agreement’.

Who can make a claim?

Anyone can make a claim, in most circumstances you have up to three years from the date of the accident to start the claims process. There are however exceptions for children under the age of 18 to make a claim themselves. If children are involved we can arrange for their parent or guardian to submit a claim on their behalf at any time before they are eighteen.

How much compensation will I receive?

This will depend on a number of different factors :

• Your pain and suffering
• The severity of your accident
• Loss of earnings- current and future losses
• Medical expenses
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments

Will I need to pay anything to make a claim?

Corries  Solicitors handle all injury claims on a No Win- No Fee basis.

How do I instruct a solicitor?

It’s quick and easy just call us on 01904 527430 or submit an online enquiry form.