How Do I Make a Personal Injury Claim?
Posted on: June 10th, 2025
Accidents happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a slip in a shop, a car crash on the way to work, or an injury at your workplace, these events can leave you feeling confused and unsure about what to do next. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Personal injury claims exist to help you recover both physically and financially from your injuries - and we’re here to guide you through it, from start to finish.
If you're asking yourself, “How do I make a personal injury claim?” or wondering about “How long does a personal injury claim take?” - don’t worry. We’re here to help explain the process in simple, clear terms.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Claims
Before we dive into the specifics, it's important to know that personal injury claims can be made in several different situations. The most common types of claims are:
Accidents at Work Claims: If you’ve been injured while doing your job, you may be entitled to compensation under an employer liability claim. This could include anything from a slip and fall to injuries caused by faulty equipment or unsafe working conditions.
Public Liability Claims: If you’ve been injured in a public place, like a shop, on the street, or in a park, you could make a claim under public liability. This could involve anything from tripping on an uneven pavement to being injured by an item falling from a shelf.
Road Traffic Accident Claims: Whether you're the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, accidents on the road can lead to injuries. In these cases, you’d make a personal injury claim against the party at fault.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should always do after an accident is to seek medical attention, no matter how minor the injury may seem. It’s important to get checked by a professional who can assess your condition, document your injuries, and recommend treatment. Not only is your health the most important priority, but a clear medical record will also strengthen your case if you decide to make a personal injury claim.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
When you’re involved in an accident, gathering as much evidence as possible is crucial. Here are some things you can do:
Take Photos: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property.
Get Witness Details: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details. Their statements can provide valuable evidence if the case goes to court.
Report the Incident: If it’s an accident at work, make sure to report it to your employer right away. In the case of public liability claims, you should inform the relevant authorities, such as the business owner or local council.
Step 4: Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor
At this point, you’ll want to contact us, a personal injury solicitor, who can guide you through the process. The good news is that along with other personal injury solicitors, we offer a No Win, No Fee arrangement, which means there’s no financial risk to you. We’ll take care of all the legal aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, leaving you free to focus on your recovery.
A good solicitor will take the time to understand your unique situation and provide tailored advice. We’re not just looking at you as another number on a spreadsheet - we genuinely care about your wellbeing and want to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Step 5: Make Your Claim
Once a solicitor has all the necessary information and evidence, we will begin the formal process of making your claim. This will involve:
Sending a Letter of Claim: The first step in any personal injury claim is a letter of claim to the responsible party or their insurer. This outlines the details of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the claim amount being sought.
Negotiating Settlement: In most cases, we will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the other party’s insurance company. If they offer an amount that adequately covers your medical costs, lost wages, and any pain and suffering, your claim may be resolved quickly.
Court Action: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we may advise taking your case to court. However, the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled without the need for a court appearance.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?
“How long does a personal injury claim take?” is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer is: it depends.
While many claims are settled within a few months, more complex cases, especially involving serious injuries or disputes over liability, may take longer - sometimes up to a year or more. We would keep you updated on the progress of your case and work hard to resolve it as efficiently as possible.
Step 6: Receive Compensation
If your claim is successful, you’ll receive compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your accident.
To conclude, making a personal injury claim doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re dealing with an accident at work claim, employer liability claim, or public liability claim, the process can be straightforward when you have the right support. We’re here to help you navigate each step with ease and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’re wondering how to get started, or if you have any questions about the claims process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help you take the first step toward getting the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today! Your recovery matters, and we’re here to help. Choose the one you know.