A step-by-step guide to bringing a claim for compensation after a car accident for those living in NI.
Car accidents are neither rare nor easy to deal with. Every year in Northern Ireland the Police Service reports around 5,000 collisions, with casualties in 2023 alone reaching 7,985 people[i]. These high numbers reflect an ongoing problem with road safety – a problem which could impact you if you have a road traffic accident.
RTAs leave you in physical and emotional pain. Understanding the steps you can take to make a car accident claim for compensation can help you recover some of the losses you experienced due to your accident. Whether you were injured in a collision in Newry, had a fender bender in Lisburn, or became injured as a pedestrian in Armagh, let Lacey Solicitors firm guide you through the trauma of claiming compensation after your accident.
What is a Car Accident Claim?
If you become injured in a car accident and it was not your fault, then you could claim compensation against the at-fault party. Speeding, lack of care, dangerous driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol are all common causes of car accidents. No matter the cause, though, car accidents are costly both in terms of health and recovery.
How to Make a Claim for Compensation After a Car Accident?
There are simple steps to making a claim for compensation after your accident. Follow the advice outlined below for the best chance at receiving the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
At the Time of the Accident
Immediately after the accident has happened, follow these steps:
- Make yourself safe
- Get medical attention
- Speak to the police
- Gather witness statements and driver contact details
- Take photos
This will give you the best evidence to support your claim.
Following the Accident
After your accident has occurred, make sure that you get in touch with a qualified car accident solicitors near you. Lacey Solicitors are Belfast based and able to guide you safely through the legal quagmire of motor accident compensation claims.
Once you have a solicitor in place, proceed with the following:
- Act quickly – you have three years to make your claim
- Establish who was at fault and gather evidence with your solicitor
- Submit to a medical examination and carefully document your injuries and recovery time
- Your solicitor will bring your claim on your behalf
When your solicitor makes your car accident compensation claim, they will try for three different areas of expense. Your compensation will be based upon the lost income you may have had, the medical expenses you may have incurred, and the pain and suffering the accident caused you.
The Settlement Process
Finally, your solicitor will negotiate a settlement from the insurance company on your behalf. All you must do is trust them to perform. If your claim needs to go to court then your car accident solicitor in NI will help you with the process. Most claims are settled outside of the courtroom.
Trusted Car Accident Solicitors in Northern Ireland
Lacey Solicitors are a trusted law firm operating across Northern Ireland. Contact us today to discuss the details of your car accident so that we may begin working on your compensation claim together.
[i] https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2024-03/2023%20Key%20Statistics%20report.pdf
