Accident Claims-an Alternative?

Accident Claims-an Alternative?

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/22/09 -- Have you been involved in an accident through no fault of your own? This happens to thousands of people every year in the UK, with many left unable to go to work or carry on their life as they did before. Regardless of whether an accident ultimately prevents you from working or not, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may be able to make a claim for lost earnings, your pain and suffering or other losses. This is known as a personal injury or accident claim and in simple terms refers to an accident which occurs when a third party is responsible for the harm suffered, whether through failure to take reasonable preventative steps or by negligence in some other way.

According to Michael Jefferies of First Personal Injury a firm of accident claims solicitors, the non fault accident claims market is growing year on year but he also believes that there is still more to be done in educating the public about the alternatives available to them in the claims process.

He says: "Many members of the public do not understand all the options open to them when they have been involved in a non fault accident claim. Most opt for putting their accident claim through their own insurance company and whilst this is effective it can affect their no claims bonus or affect their renewal premium. Most don't realise that they can by-pass their insurance company and use an accident claims solicitor like First Personal Injury to claim for compensation. It's estimated that 69% of people who suffer an injury in a non fault car accident also don't put in an accident claim for what is rightfully theirs."

The Solicitors at First Personal Injury have been working in the accident claims field for over 15 years and act as an intermediary for the non fault accident claimant, repairer, insurer and hire car company. Their role is to secure what that claimant is entitled to whether that's compensation for injuries, damage to their vehicles and other property, vehicle recovery and repair and replacement cars including like for like cars.

Accidents can occur in many places; at work, on the road or in a public space but a car accident is the most common type of accident. Everyday because of disobeying traffic rules, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding or jumping traffic signals these types of accidents occur.

There are around a quarter of a million recorded each year in the UK. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian you may be entitled to make an accident claim for your injuries. A few stipulations exist.

Firstly, there is a limitation period for claims to be made within; in general you must file for compensation within three years of the accident date. If the claimant is under the age of 18, this three-year period starts when the claimant reaches the age of 18. There are other odd exceptions, for example in aviation the period is limited to 2 years.

Secondly, there are two elements to compensation awards made in personal injury claims. The first is called general damage and covers the pain and suffering you may have experienced along with any loss of amenity, for example not being able to take your children to school.

The second element is called special damages and aims to put you back in a financial position akin to if the accident had never occurred. This may include an amount for loss of earnings and costs of any required treatments, therefore it is vital to keep any related receipts so full amounts can be reclaimed.

The best place to start if you're thinking of making a personal injury claim is by contacting an accident claims solicitor and enlisting the help of a professional. If you have a case for compensation you can then begin the claim process and ascertain how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Telephone us on 0800 014 1629 or complete one of our online claim forms at http://www.firstpersonalinjury.co.uk/.

About First Personal Injury

First Personal Injury is a trading name of Jefferies LLP one of the UK's leading personal injury law firms. Jefferies LLP has over 16 years experience in personal injury accident claims. They have won justice and personal injury compensation for tens of thousands of people all over the country from its base in Altrincham, South Manchester. The firm deals with all levels of personal injury claims - from minor to catastrophic.

Contacts: FM Marketing Stephanie Freeman 9 Thomas Close, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 2YR 01270 883782 01270 883782 (FAX) [email protected]  

10/22/09 -- Have you been involved in an accident through no fault of your own? According to Michael Jefferies of First Personal Injury a firm of accident claims solicitors, the non fault accident claims market is growing year on year but he also believes that there is still more to be done in educating the public about the alternatives available to them in the claims process.