One of the most common questions people have with regard to making a claim is “How long is the process for a personal injury claim?” and most people aren’t really satisfied with the most truthful answer, which is – because all claims and cases vary, it’s impossible to give you an estimate of how long your process for a personal injury claim will take.
However, it is possible to provide some general information about the personal injury claims process to help you better understand why a claim may take a while.
The strength of your case
How strong your claim is will determine how long your process for a personal injury claim will take. The clearer cut your claim is, the easier it will be for your solicitor to put forward a claim and the higher the chances of your claim being a success first time around. If your case is not strong, such as if it lacks certain evidence, then the claim may be contested by the other party. This, of course, is going to make the personal injury claim process longer.
The circumstances of your case
By circumstances, we mean what type of accident you had and who you will be making a claim against. Most claims are made against insurance companies – motor policy insurers for road traffic accidents, employee liability insurers for workplace accidents, etc. and these companies are notoriously slow at processing claims. In fact, a solicitor may not get a response for a number of months. And this may only be acknowledgement of claim receipt.
Who have you chosen to act on your behalf?
The solicitor you choose to act on your behalf is very important. Choosing an experienced solicitor with a high success rate will ensure that your claim is processed properly and as quickly as possible. A law firm like accidentadvicehelpline.co.uk can help you to find a solicitor who is right for your case and will help you to better understand the personal injury claims process. Call them on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993 today.
General estimates – what to expect
It is incredibly rare for any claim to be processed inside 6 months. You can realistically expect your claim to be processed within 8-12 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the factors mentioned above. If liability or claim value is contested by the other party, it is not uncommon for claims to stretch beyond 12 months. Hence, the importance of choosing a good solicitor or lawyer who will build for you a strong case for compensation cannot be overstated. A good lawyer will try to ensure you get a timely payout.
