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Top 5 Most Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims: Debunked

April 20, 2021/in /by

Top 5 Most Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims

 

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we understand that you might feel hesitant to file a personal injury claim, even if you are entitled to compensation. Sadly, many people decide not to make a claim because of the many misconceptions that are fuelled by the so-called ‘compensation culture.

In fact, in a recent study commissioned by the National Accident Helpline, it was found that almost a third of British people would be reluctant to file a personal injury claim for compensation, after an accident that wasn’t their fault. Even though an overwhelming 85% felt it would be fair to do so.

In this blog, we have debunked five of the most common myths with an aim to highlight the realities of making a genuine personal injury claim.

 

  1. If I make a claim against my employer, I could lose my job

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, don’t be afraid to make a claim. Employers by law, have to have insurance that covers employees making a claim following an accident at work so it will be an insurance company that you are likely to be dealing with. Additionally, it is actually illegal for your employer to fire you purely on the basis that you made a claim for an injury at work. If this were to happen, you may then have a further case against your employer for unfair dismissal and could pursue legal action against them.

 

  1. I’ll have to go to court to settle my claim

The vast majority of personal injury claims will never see the inside of a courtroom. If your insurance company rejects your claim, if liability is genuinely in the dispute or if the value of the settlement claim cannot be agreed upon, then at that point court proceedings could be raised. We understand this may seem daunting however, your appointed solicitor will be on hand every step of the way.

 

  1. I can’t afford to make a claim

Many people worry that if their claim isn’t successful, they’ll be left with extortionate solicitor fees. We can assure you that is absolutely not the case, and as the name suggests, we work on a No Win No Fee basis which means we cover all the upfront costs associated with your case, giving your claim the best chance of success. Should we lose, you don’t have to pay a penny.

 

  1. Personal injury claims are complicated and can take years to settle

The process to claim for compensation is relatively straightforward and if we take on your case you can be assured that our solicitors have the expertise and experience to guide you through the claims process step by step. In some cases, if your claim does go to court or for claims involving serious injuries, the process can take longer however, this is so your solicitor can ensure that you receive the maximum level of compensation possible.

 

  1. Most people who claim are just making it up for the money

It’s unfortunate that within the UK there is a ‘claims culture’ that perpetuates this idea that people who claim for compensation are doing so as an easy way to make money. Regrettably, this can create the impression that it’s wrong to seek compensation and can make people with genuine cases feel guilty about making a claim. At Bonnar Accident Law, we don’t believe this to be true and the vast majority of people who contact us have genuine claims. Just remember, that compensation is there to help people who’ve been in an accident that wasn’t their fault, to put them back in the position they were in, prior to the accident. Compensation can help cover the costs of bills, lost savings, treatment, care and medical equipment.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

 

 

Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

March 25, 2021/in /by
Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

Making a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers

 

It is estimated that every year there are over 1 million uninsured drivers on the roads in the UK. Even more shocking, is the fact that uninsured drivers are involved in more than 25,000 road traffic accidents each year.

Car insurance is there to protect people who are involved in road traffic accidents, as insurance makes sure that the driver at fault is able (through their insurance company) to cover the cost of any damage, loss or injury and help put the victims back in the position they were in, prior to the accident.

Valid car insurance is a mandatory requirement for motorists in the UK, it is illegal to drive without it. Yet sadly, thousands of drivers continue to take to the roads each year without insurance, putting others and themselves at risk.

It’s important to know that regardless of whether or not the driver at fault has insurance, you may still be eligible for compensation. Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims and can help you every step of the way.

How do I know if I’ve been hit by an uninsured driver?

It may happen that the other driver is upfront and honest with you. However, as driving without insurance is illegal, it’s, unfortunately, more likely that they will be reluctant or outright refuse to pass on their insurance information.

If the other party does refuse to give you any information, or you’re sceptical about the insurance information they have provided, you can check for yourself at the time of the accident by using the Motor Insurance Database (MID). There’s a small charge for a one-off search, but all you need from the other driver is their registration number and the MID will tell you instantly whether a vehicle is insured or not.

What should I do if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s vitally important that you gather as much information and evidence as possible at the time. This includes

  • The registration, make and model of the vehicle
  • The date, time and location of the accident
  • The other driver’s name, address, contact details
  • Videos or photographs of the scene if possible, to back up your claim

We understand that, regrettably, uninsured drivers are less likely than most to stick around in the event of a road traffic accident. In this case, still take as much information as you can as this will help your case.

If you discover the other driver is uninsured, or if they refuse to give you their details or leave straight after the accident, you must notify the police. Refusing to give insurance information is as much of an offence as driving uninsured is.

Can I claim against an uninsured driver?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can claim through your insurance company only if you have fully comprehensive cover. Unfortunately, this means that if you only have a Third Party, Fire or Theft policy, you won’t be covered for claims against an uninsured driver regardless of whether it was your fault or not. Not to worry though, in this case, you can make a claim through The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

MIB was set up to help drivers in the event they’re involved in a road traffic accident with an uninsured driver. MIB will carry out investigations, like an insurer, to establish the facts and may access police reports and witness statements, before they issue their response. There are certain criteria you have to meet, such as how quickly after the accident you file a claim, but they can assist you and may be able to compensate you in the absence of an insurance company.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we can make a claim on your behalf via MIB and are well versed in dealing with claims against uninsured drivers.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.