top of page
.png)
FREE CONSULTATION
CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON LEGAL QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Legal matters can feel complex and overwhelming. We have put together straightforward answers to the questions our clients ask most often — from time limits and compensation to evidence and the claims process.
HOW IT WORKS
FOUR STEPS TO YOUR SETTLEMENT
1
FREE ASSESMENT
Tell us what happened online or by phone. Takes minutes, no obligation whatsoever.
2
MATCHED TO A SOLICITOR
We connect you with the right solicitor for your exact claim type and circumstances.
3
WE BUILD YOUR CASE
Medical reports, evidence gathering and insurer negotiations all handled for you.
4
YOU RECIEVE COMPENSATION
Settlement paid directly to you. No win, no fee - zero financial risk to you.
JUMP TO SECTION
NO WIN, NO FEE
How conditional fee agreements work
"No win, no fee" — formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) — means you will not pay us anything upfront and you will pay nothing if your case is unsuccessful. If we win your case, an agreed success fee is deducted from your compensation. This arrangement makes accessing justice financially risk-free.
Before signing anything, we explain exactly how the success fee is calculated and what it means for your final award. There are no hidden costs.
No. Under a no win, no fee agreement, you pay absolutely nothing in legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. We also arrange After the Event (ATE) insurance at the start of your case which protects you against having to pay the other side's costs if the claim fails.
None. There is no retainer, no hourly rate, and no disbursements charged to you while your case is progressing. All costs are handled within the no win, no fee framework and explained to you clearly before your case begins.
We strongly recommend going directly to an SRA-regulated solicitor rather than a claims management company. Claims management companies are not solicitors — they pass your case on to a law firm and take a referral fee in the process, which directly reduces the compensation you receive.
Injuries Direct is SRA regulated (No. 8006550), meaning your interests are protected at every stage under the Solicitors Code of Conduct.
CLAIM TYPES
What kinds of cases we handle.
We handle the full range of personal injury and negligence claims across England and Wales, including:
Personal injury — accidents at work, slips and trips, public liability, supermarket accidents, pavement accidents, and animal injuries
Road traffic accidents — car, motorcycle, cycling, pedestrian, passenger, and public transport claims
Serious injury — brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, multiple injuries, and fatal accident claims
Criminal injuries — claims through the CICA scheme for victims of violent crime, including sexual abuse and domestic violence
Clinical negligence — medical, dental, cosmetic, birth injury, GP, and NHS negligence claims
Housing disrepair — claims against landlords and housing associations for damp, mould, structural issues, and heating failures
Yes. Under the legal principle of contributory negligence, you can still make a claim even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault — for example, if you were found 25% responsible, you would typically receive 75% of the full award.
A solicitor will assess your individual circumstances and advise you on the likely impact before you decide whether to proceed.
Yes. As a passenger you are rarely at fault in a road accident. You can claim against the at-fault driver's insurance — even if that driver is a friend or family member. The claim is made against their insurer, not against them personally, so it does not affect your relationship with them directly.
Yes. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be traced — for example in a hit-and-run — you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Our solicitors have extensive experience with MIB claims and will guide you through the specific requirements of the scheme.
Yes. Diagnosed psychological conditions — including PTSD, anxiety, and depression — caused by an accident or incident are fully compensable. Psychological injuries can be claimed alongside physical injuries or on their own. We work with medical and psychiatric experts to ensure the full extent of your suffering is properly evidenced and valued in your claim.
Yes. If the injured person is under 18, lacks mental capacity due to their injuries, or has sadly passed away, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf as a litigation friend or legal representative. Our solicitors will explain the specific requirements and guide you through the process.
TIME LIMITS
How long you have to make a claim
Time limits vary depending on the type of claim:
Always seek advice as early as possible. Missing a deadline can bar your claim entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.
The three-year time limit does not always start from the date of the accident. In some cases — particularly industrial disease and clinical negligence — it starts from your "date of knowledge": the date on which you first became aware, or reasonably should have become aware, that your injury was caused by someone else's negligence. Contact us as soon as possible and we will confirm when your time limit runs from.
You can still make a claim if you were injured abroad, but different time limits apply and they can be significantly shorter — in some countries as little as one year from the date of the accident. We handle cross-border injury claims and will advise you urgently on the applicable deadline for your specific circumstances.
COMPENSATION
How awards are calculated and what they cover
Compensation is split into two categories:
General damages— for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (the impact on your quality of life). These are valued using the Judicial College Guidelines.
Special damages— for specific financial losses including lost earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, care provided by family members, travel costs, and home adaptations.
The total amount depends on the severity of your injury, how it affects your daily life and work, and the financial losses you have suffered. We calculate both categories to maximise your overall award. We will provide a realistic estimate once we have reviewed your case.
Yes. Lost earnings — both past and future — form part of your special damages claim. This covers income lost while you were unable to work due to your injury, and where your earning capacity has been permanently reduced, a claim for future loss of earnings can be substantial. We work with employment and financial experts to calculate and evidence this accurately.
Yes. Where a family member has given up work or reduced their hours to care for you following your injury, those care costs can be claimed as part of your compensation — even if the care was provided free of charge. The value is assessed by reference to the commercial rate for the equivalent professional care.
Yes. In cases where liability is admitted or clearly established — particularly serious injury claims — we can apply to the court for interim payments. These are sums paid on account of your final settlement and can be used to fund immediate care needs, rehabilitation, accommodation adaptations, or other urgent expenses while the case is being finalised.
EVIDENCE
What you need to support your claim
Strong evidence significantly improves the prospects of a successful claim. Useful evidence includes:
Medical records and GP or hospital reports documenting your injuries
Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any defects or hazards
CCTV footage — request preservation as soon as possible as footage is often overwritten quickly
Accident reports (for workplace or road accidents)
Witness names and contact details
Receipts and records of any financial losses — prescriptions, travel to appointments, lost wages
Do not worry if you do not have all of this. We will help you identify and gather everything needed to build the strongest possible case.
If the other party disputes that they were responsible, we gather and present the strongest possible evidence on your behalf — including CCTV, accident investigation reports, witness statements, and independent expert opinions. Most disputed claims are still resolved through negotiation without court proceedings. If a hearing becomes necessary, our solicitors will represent you fully throughout.
In most cases, yes. An independent medical report from an appropriate specialist is a key piece of evidence in valuing your claim. We arrange this on your behalf, usually at a convenient local clinic. The cost is covered within the no win, no fee framework and is not charged to you. Your solicitor will explain what the examination will involve and prepare you for what to expect.
THE CLAIMS PROCESS
What happens and how long it takes
The process typically follows these stages:
Free assessment— we confirm whether you have a valid claim, advise on likely value, and explain your funding options at no cost.
Funding agreement— we set up your no win, no fee CFA and arrange ATE insurance.
Evidence gathering— medical records, accident reports, witness statements, CCTV, and expert reports are obtained.
Letter of claim— a formal letter is sent to the responsible party, who has up to three months to respond under the Pre-Action Protocol.
Negotiation and settlement— the vast majority of claims settle without court proceedings through negotiation with the other side's insurer.
Timescales vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and whether liability is disputed:
Simple road traffic accident claims — typically 9–18 months
Employer and public liability claims — typically 12–24 months
Clinical negligence claims — typically 2–4 years
Serious and catastrophic injury claims — typically 2–5 years
We aim to progress your case as efficiently as possible and will keep you updated throughout. Where liability is admitted early, we may be able to resolve your claim more quickly.
No. You do not need to use a solicitor near you. We represent clients across the whole of England and Wales. The vast majority of claims are handled by phone, email, and video call, with documents shared securely online. What matters most is choosing the right specialist for your type of claim — not the nearest firm.
GOING TO COURT
What happens if your case is disputed
The vast majority of personal injury claims — over 95% — are settled through negotiation without going to court. We work hard to resolve your claim at the earliest opportunity. If your case does require a court hearing, your solicitor will prepare and support you fully throughout the process. Most clients never need to step inside a courtroom.
If court proceedings become necessary, your solicitor will issue a claim and manage the litigation on your behalf. You will be kept fully informed at every stage. Where required, we instruct specialist barristers with expertise in the relevant area of law. Many cases settle even after proceedings have been issued — a court hearing is genuinely a last resort.
WORKING WITH US
What to expect when you instruct Injuries Direct
Simply call us on 0330 818 1202 or complete the contact form on this page. A specialist will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free, no-obligation consultation — usually within 24 hours. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will explain the next steps clearly before you decide whether to proceed.
No. Making a legal claim has no impact whatsoever on your right to NHS treatment or any ongoing medical care. Claims against NHS bodies are handled by NHS Resolution — not individual healthcare professionals — and your care is entirely separate from the legal process. You should not experience any change in how you are treated as a result of making a claim.
Employers are legally required to hold employers' liability insurance for exactly this purpose. Your claim will be handled by their insurer — not paid directly by your employer out of their own funds. You are also protected by law against being dismissed or treated detrimentally for making a legitimate workplace injury claim. If you experience any retaliation, this may give rise to a separate employment law claim.
No. It is unlawful for a landlord to evict you as a result of you making a legitimate housing disrepair claim. Any retaliatory eviction can be challenged in court, and you are fully protected when exercising your legal rights as a tenant.
Please get in touch directly — our team will be happy to help. You can call us free on 0330 818 1202 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) or complete the contact form below. There is no obligation and your enquiry is completely confidential.
NO WIN NO FEE
CLAIM TYPES
TIME LIMITS
COMPENSATION
EVIDENCE
THE CLAIMS PROCESS
GOING TO COURT
WORKING WITH US
READY TO MAKE YOUR CLAIM?
IT COSTS NOTHING TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU STAND
GET IN TOUCH
START YOUR FREE ASSESMENT
No commitment required. A specialist will review your enquiry within 24 hours.
OTHER WAYS TO REACH US
FREE PHONE LINE
0330 818 1202 - Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm
EMAIL US
RESPONSE TIME
We aim to respond within 24 hours on all enquiries
bottom of page