The Whiplash Claims Process Explained
Every day on our roads, thousands of people sustain a whiplash injury because another road user has failed to display due care and attention. All of these individuals are victims of personal injury, meaning they are entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering and financial loss they have incurred as a direct result of their accident.
Many, however, are deterred from doing so because they feel daunted by the thought of taking legal action. This is completely understandable, and it is likely you would simply like to put the accident behind you. Nevertheless, if you have an expert whiplash solicitor the claims process need not be difficult; in fact, with the right legal team on your side your claim will quickly proceed through the different stages without complication.
What does a whiplash claim involve? But what exactly are the different stages of a whiplash claim? Below we have provided a general overview of the claims process, helping you to understand what to expect:-
1. Contact a solicitor: when you contact us at The Whiplash Experts, we will offer you a free, no obligation consultation. During this phone conversation one of our specialist solicitors will ask you about the circumstances of the accident and the injuries you sustained. After obtaining the necessary information, you will be advised upon whether or not you have a claim.
2. Witness statements: if you do have a claim, your solicitor will need to collate enough evidence to prove that someone else was responsible for your accident. The first step will be to take statements from you and any other witnesses to the accident, as well as family and friends who can verify the effect your injury has had on your life.
3. Medical records and police report: in addition to witness statements, your solicitor will obtain your medical records to substantiate the existence of your whiplash injury. If there was one, your solicitor will also get a copy of the police report to the accident.
4. Medical report: an independent medical expert will be asked to examine you in person. He or she will then write a report offering their professional opinion as to how your injury was sustained, the extent of your injuries, the effect it has had (and will continue to have) on your life.
5. Letter of claim: if your solicitor has not already done so, it will at this stage be necessary to send the defendant's insurance company a letter of claim asserting your intention to take legal action. The defendant must respond stating their wish to offer a settlement, or their wish to defend the claim.
6. Compensation settlement: a period of negotiation between your solicitor and the defendant's solicitor will then ensue. Even if the other side have chosen to defend the claim, whiplash cases are very rarely brought to court. Instead, the two legal teams will converse and decide upon a settlement that reflects the extent of your damages. Once agreed, you will receive your compensation in full, without any deductions.
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How Do I Make A Whiplash Claim? http://www.thewhiplashexperts.co.uk/guide-to-whiplash-claims.html Contact the Whiplash Experts for help with your whiplash claim. http://www.thewhiplashexperts.co.uk/
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