Frequently Asked Questions
I have just had an accident, what should I do first?
If you are involved in an accident you should take the following steps immediately:
1. Obtain names and addresses of all parties including witnesses.
2. Seek treatment for your injuries.
3. Have photographs taken of your injuries if you are bruised or scarred (these should be dated on the back).
4. Keep a note of any expenses incurred.
5. If involved in a road traffic accident notify the police and obtain the other driver’s insurance details. Consider taking photographs of the scene of the accident, although be very careful.
6. If involved in an accident at work, even if you do not think it is serious, you should immediately report the matter to your employer. Make sure the details are recorded in the company’s accident book.
7. If the incident is serious consider reporting it to the local authority/health and safety executive.
8. Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau/Department of Social Security regarding welfare benefits which may cover any lost earnings.
Do you have a good claim?
We offer an initial consultation free of charge. We can then advise you if you have a good case and consider the appropriate way forward.
During the initial interview we will identify the best way of funding your claim and agree this with you before going further.
Will you act on a no win, no fee agreement?
In appropriate cases we will represent you on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that we will not charge you if you do not win. If you do win, we will be entitled to charge a success fee which is recoverable from your opponents. Unlike some other organisations it is not our policy to make any deduction from damages in respect of any success fee. We can explain this in more detail but it means that you will not end up with only a small fraction of your damages. What other organisations often do not tell you when they say “no win, no fee” is that they may charge a large fee if you win which could wipe out your damages.
Other methods of funding
We will discuss with you whether or not there are alternative methods of funding available in your case at the first interview. For example, you may have the benefit of legal expenses insurance.
Will Foot Anstey do home visits?
If you are injured and are unable to come to our office, we will arrange to see you at home or in hospital at your convenience.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Claims for compensation must be made within 3 years of the date of the incident. Claims for criminal injuries compensation must be made within 2 years. If the victim is a child, the claim must be made before he or she reached the age of 21. These time periods can vary in some special cases (such as aviation or marine claims), but it is best to take action as soon as possible.
What if the other driver is uninsured or did not stop?
You may still be able to pursue a claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). We can advise you on this.
How long will it take?
We will endeavour to reclaim your out of pocket expenses as soon as possible. We will not advise you to settle your claim for pain and suffering until either you have recovered or we have an accurate prognosis from a medical expert.
Will I have to go to Court?
A very high proportion of personal injury claims settle without the need to go to Court. We hope to settle claims by negotiations or mediation.
Can you arrange rehabilitation/case management?
Yes. We have experience of organising this where appropriate and arranging funding through insurers
How much will I get?
It depends upon the severity of your injury and the prognosis. The evidence in support of your claim will be set out in the form of a report from an independent medical expert. The value of your injury claim is averred by reference to the medical report and previously decided comparable cases.
