Can You Make An Accident Claim If You Do Not Act Promptly?

Whilst it is true that any delay in getting a claim for personal injuries following an accident can cause problems these difficulties are rarely terminal. The main issues with time limits stem from not obtaining the correct details from all parties involved in the accident. It can then sometimes be difficult if you return later and cannot locate any of the witnesses.

However, provided that you have basic evidence such as the date and circumstances of the accident and can identify the party responsible you can still bring a claim provided that court proceedings are started no later than three years from the date of the accident. This period is actually longer still if you were under 18 at the time of the accident as you then have until your 21st birthday to start your claim for accident compensation.

There are, indeed, circumstances in which you might be allowed to proceed even if you don't start your court claim by the third anniversary of the accident.

Therefore if you have had an accident with in the last three years you should protect your position by going to see a specialist personal injury solicitor. This will ensure that early action is taken to advise you as to whether you have a claim and to gather together such eyewitness evidence as may be available before your and the witnesses memories fade.

If you see your solicitor early he or she may be able to establish liability in your favour and get you treatment and rehabilitation at the other party's expense rather than leaving you to wait for a place on a National Health Service treatment list. He may also negotiate interim payments from the other side so any losses incurred early on will be paid immediately so that you are not left having to struggle to pay your mortgage and other living expenses. The longer you leave it on the less likely this is to occur.

If you get to see your solicitor early then the three year "limitation period" becomes his problem not yours!

Whatever your situation, if you are injured as a result of an accident you should urgently seek legal advice from an expert accident claim solicitor as soon bearing in mind the above time limits. You do not want to miss your chance to make a valid compensation claim simply because you did not take action fast enough. Protect your accident claim early by seeking expert legal advice.


Copyright (c) 2010 Robert Gray