What Information Will I Need To Pursue A Claim For Personal Injury?

If you have suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own and you wish to pursue a claim, there are some things that you and your solicitor need to get started.

Your Date of Limitation

Your Date of Limitation, otherwise known as your Date of Knowledge, is the date your accident happened or the date your injuries were first diagnosed (whichever is soonest). It is an important piece of information because it is from this date that you have three years to make your personal injury claim, under the Limitation Act 1980. After three years, accident claims unfortunately become statute-barred or time barred under the Act.

Details about how your accident happened

To successfully bring forward a personal injury claim, you need to know exactly how your accident happened. This is because your version of events will be put forward to the other side, who may contest your version of events if they are not right. We recommend writing down the circumstances surrounding your accident immediately if you have not already done so, so that your claims for personal injuries have an accurate statement of events.

Witness information

If you managed to capture any witness information at the scene of your accident your solicitor will need this so that they can follow up on it. For example, if you were knocked off your bicycle by another motorist, or if you were injured while travelling on a train or on a bus, then you might have taken down the name and address of a passer-by who agreed to be a witness. Family members and friends can also be witnesses.

Evidence information

If you were able to capture any evidence at the scene of your accident, this could be invaluable for proving the other side’s negligence. Evidence can include emergency services reports, dash-cam footage, photographs, video recordings, CCTV footage or anything else that shows how your accident unfolded. If you have such evidence, make your lawyer aware so that they can follow up on it and keep it safe for you throughout the claims process.

Details about your injuries

When you first make contact with a law firm, they will ask you about your injuries so that they can determine what level of compensation you could be awarded. This information is also needed to prepare your case. The best way to provide accurate information is to access your medical records and provide information about your injuries as listed and described by a medical professional. However, your lawyer will be able to access these for you should you allow them to as part of the personal injury claims process.