The Personal Injury Claims Process: What to Expect
The personal injury claims process can vary greatly depending on the accident circumstances, who was involved, and the type of injury sustained. At Stonehewer Moss, our personal injury claims team helps you navigate this process with confidence from start to finish.
When you instruct a solicitor, they’ll handle the legal aspects of your case, ensuring all deadlines are met and no evidence is missed. Most claims are dealt with on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees if your case is unsuccessful.
Many people wonder: “How long will my claim take?” The truth is, there’s no fixed timeline. Simple claims may resolve in a few months, while complex ones — particularly those involving serious injuries or contested liability — can take longer. Don’t let that stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve.
Here, we break down the process into six straightforward stages to give you a clear understanding of what to expect.
- Initial Consultation
- Claim Submission
- Quantifying Losses
- Gathering Evidence
- Negotiation
- Settlement
Initial Consultation
We’ll speak with you to understand your accident and advise on the strength of your claim. If you decide to proceed, we’ll send a welcome pack. Once returned, a dedicated case manager will be assigned to guide you through the process and stay in touch using your preferred method — whether that’s by phone, email, WhatsApp, Zoom, or in person.
Claim Submission
We’ll notify the party we believe to be responsible by sending a Letter of Claim outlining how the accident occurred, your injuries, and why we hold them liable. They then have three months to respond, usually via their insurer.
Quantifying Losses
Once liability is accepted, we calculate how much compensation you should receive. This includes:
- General Damages – for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
- Special Damages – for financial losses such as medical expenses, travel costs, loss of earnings, or damaged personal property.
If liability is denied, your case may need to be progressed to court. Your solicitor will advise you throughout.
Gathering Evidence
To support your claim, we’ll obtain:
- CCTV footage (if available)
- Photographs of your injuries or the accident scene
- Witness statements
We also request your medical records and arrange an assessment with an independent medical expert who will produce a report on your injuries. If you need physiotherapy or rehabilitation, we can arrange that for you too.
Negotiation
We’ll advise you on any settlement offers from the defendant’s insurers. If we believe the offer is too low, we’ll negotiate for a higher amount. In some cases, both parties may share fault, which could result in a split-liability settlement (e.g. 70/30).
Settlement
Most personal injury claims settle without going to court. Once compensation is agreed, your payment is processed by our accounts department and sent directly to you via bank transfer.
Why Choose Stonehewer Moss Solicitors?
We are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and committed to delivering honest, expert advice. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle most claims on a No Win No Fee basis — so there’s no financial risk to you.
We’ll take care of your claim from start to finish, while securing medical care and rehabilitation support where needed.
Watch this short video to learn more about No Win No Fee claims
Talk to a Personal Injury Specialist
Call us today on 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00. You can also start your claim online today and we’ll be in touch.