If you have suffered a personal injury because of somebody else’s actions, and you have found yourself financially disadvantaged because of this, then making a claim for compensation could be just what you need to get your life back on track. For most people, however, the claims process is daunting and it can be tough working out where to start.
To help you become better informed, law firms sometimes operate what is called a ‘claim helpline for accidents’, or a ‘accident helpline’, that you can call to get answers to your questions. It is not mandatory to call such a helpline following an accident, however doing so can help you to become better informed about your legal rights and where you stand.
Why should I call a claims helpline?
Accident advice helplines are offered for free without obligation. You can call them to get answers to all your claims-related questions, and to find out where you stand legally following an accident. If you are concerned about your level of liability, or want to know how much compensation you could claim, then you can call a claims helpline to get quick answers to your questions that are personalised to your individual circumstances. This beats performing your own research online, since those articles will be of a general nature.
It is not mandatory to call a helpline for legal advice. Other methods of seeking legal advice include making an appointment with a lawyer. However, helplines are the most convenient way to get legal advice, since they can be called from the comfort of home.
What information does a helpline need?
To answer your questions surrounding liability and claim value, the claims advisor you speak with needs to know the following:
- When your accident happened, or the date your injuries were diagnosed
This information is needed so your date of limitation, otherwise known as your date of knowledge, can be established. It is crucial that this is established, because under the Limitation Act 1980, you only have three years from that date to bring your claim forwards, after which it will be time barred or statute-barred by the Act.
- How your accident happened
This information is needed to establish your level of liability. To be eligible for compensation, you must have a level of diminished liability.
- Details about any injuries that you sustained
This information is needed so that an estimated pay-out can be provided to you, and so that tailored advice can be offered. Without knowing what injuries you have sustained, your claims advisor will not be able to advise you on the best route to financial compensation, and your enquiry can’t be escalated to a solicitor who specialises in your kind of injuries.