FAQ

If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, you shouldn’t have to struggle to get fair compensation. That’s where we come in. We can help with:

• Building a strong case: We’ll gather evidence, deal with the insurers, and make sure they know you’re serious about your claim.
• Valuing your losses: It’s not just about obvious costs like medical bills. We help factor in things like lost earnings and the impact on your life.
• Getting the maximum payout: Insurers often try to lowball you initially. We’ll negotiate hard for the best possible outcome.
• Less stress for you: We’ll manage the paperwork and keep you updated, so you can focus on getting better.

Why choose “it happens”?

• Experience in all types of accidents: Car crashes, work injuries, slips and falls – we know how to win these claims.
• We fight for you: We’re on your side and won’t back down until you’re happy with the settlement.
• No win, no fee in most cases: So you don’t have to worry about upfront costs.

The standard time limit for most personal injury claims in the UK is three years from the date of your accident. But there’s more to it than that:

• Don’t leave it too late: The longer you wait, the harder it might be to gather strong evidence, and the less insurers will want to offer in settlement.
• Exceptions exist: Certain types of accidents have different time limits. For example, those involving children might have longer. Get advice to be sure.
• Three years doesn’t mean your claim will take that long: Many cases are settled well within that timeframe.
• The sooner you start, the easier it is: It allows time to collect evidence and fully understand the value of your claim before you agree to a settlement.

What if I miss the deadline?

There are rare situations where a court might allow you to make a claim out of time, but it’s a gamble you don’t want to be taking.

How “it happens” can help you stay on track:

• Free initial advice: We’ll explain your specific time limits and what needs to be done.
• We don’t drag our feet: We work efficiently to build a strong case on your behalf.

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. Car accident compensation in the UK is based on several factors, including:

• Severity of your injuries: The worse your injuries, the higher the potential payout. This covers physical injuries and any psychological impact.
• Other losses: This includes lost earnings (both now and if it affects your future career), costs for care, vehicle damage, and other expenses directly caused by the accident.
• Who’s to blame: If the other driver admits full fault, your claim value should be higher than if the blame is shared.

To get a realistic idea of what your claim could be worth, you need two things:

• An understanding of how severe your injuries are: A medical assessment will help determine this, and if you may have long-term needs.
• An idea of your total financial losses: Keep receipts and records of everything the accident has cost you.

How “it happens” can help maximize your claim:

• We build a strong case: This includes getting the right expert reports supporting your claim.
• We don’t let insurers undervalue your claim: We know their tactics and will push for the maximum you deserve.

Being on the receiving end of an accident claim is stressful, especially if you believe it’s unfair. Here’s what to do:

• Don’t admit fault: Even if you feel a bit responsible, don’t say so. This could be used against you.
• Gather your own evidence: Photos of the scene, witness statements, dashcam footage – anything that supports your version of events.
• Contact your insurance company immediately: They’ll handle the claim on your behalf and have legal resources to fight your corner.
• Don’t agree to anything without advice: The other party might try to pressure you. Get legal advice before agreeing to any settlement.
• Consider specialist help: If the claim is complex or the potential payout is high, a claims management company can help build your defence.

How “it happens” can help

• We assess your case fairly: We’ll give you an honest opinion on whether the claim against you has merit.
• We gather evidence to support you: Our experience helps us know what evidence could make a difference.
• We fight for a fair outcome: We’ll negotiate with the other side and their insurers to protect your interests.

Being in a car accident is stressful enough, and figuring out how to claim compensation can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to do:

• Gather evidence at the scene: If possible, take photos, get witness details, and exchange information with the other driver (name, insurance details, etc.)
• Seek medical attention (even for minor injuries): This creates a record important for your claim.
• Report the accident to your insurer: Do this promptly, even if you’re not sure about making a claim.
• Consider getting expert help: A claims company like “it happens” can handle everything on your behalf, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurers.
• Don’t rush to accept any offers: The first offer is often low. Get advice before agreeing to a settlement.

How can “it happens” make the process easier?

• We build a strong case for you: This maximises your chances of getting fair compensation.
• We deal with the insurers: So you don’t have to worry about complex paperwork and legal jargon.
• We fight for the best outcome: We won’t let you be pressured into an unfair settlement.

Important: There are typically time limits for making a claim, so don’t delay in getting started.

With so many claims’ companies out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to look for:

• Regulation: Make sure they’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check this on the FCA register.
• Experience: Do they specialise in your type of accident (e.g., work accidents, car crashes)? A company with relevant experience is more likely to get you a good result.
• Track record: Look for testimonials or reviews from past clients. Do they have a history of winning fair settlements?
• No win, no fee: Reputable companies usually work on this basis. It means you don’t risk upfront costs if your claim is unsuccessful.
• Transparency: Are they clear about their fees and any potential deductions from your compensation? Avoid companies with hidden charges.

What makes “it happens” a good choice?

• We put you first: Our focus is on getting you the maximum compensation, with support throughout the process.
• Proven expertise: We have years of experience in handling all types of personal injury claims.
• We fight for you: We know insurers’ tactics and we won’t let you be pressured into a low settlement.

Important: Get advice before signing anything. A good claims company will offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

There’s no easy answer, as every case is different. Here’s what typically influences how long your claim takes:

• Agreeing on fault: If the other party admits liability quickly, things move faster. If they dispute it, this can add months, or even years.
• Severity of your injuries: Minor injuries are often settled within a few months. Serious injuries, or those with long-term impacts, need more time to assess the full value of your claim.
• How quickly you get started: Seeking advice early on can prevent unnecessary delays.
• Court cases: Most claims settle without going to court. However, if a fair agreement can’t be reached, court proceedings can add years.
• Simple cases might be resolved within a few months. More complex claims, especially those with serious injuries, can take years.

How “it happens” can help things move faster:

• We gather strong evidence: This puts insurers under pressure to settle quickly.
• We keep your claim moving: We know the tactics insurers use to drag things out, and we fight back.
• We may be able to get you interim payments: This can provide some financial support while your full compensation is being worked out.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on the specifics of your case. However, here’s what usually influences the timeframe:

• Who’s at fault: If the other side admits fault quickly, things tend to move faster. Disputes can drag things out.
• How severe your injuries are: Minor injuries often settle quicker. Serious injuries, or those with long-term effects, take longer to assess.
• How quickly you start the process: Getting advice early means unnecessary delays can be avoided.
• Whether it goes to court: Most cases settle out of court. But, if you can’t agree on a fair settlement, court proceedings can add years.
• Simpler cases might be sorted within a few months. More complex claims, especially those with serious injuries, can take years to settle.

How “it happens” can help speed things up:

• We build a strong case: This puts pressure on insurers to act quickly.
• We fight to keep things moving: We know the tactics insurers use to delay, and we won’t let them get away with it.
• We might be able to get you interim payments: This can offer some financial relief while you await your full compensation.

Unfortunately, having an accident claim on your record can lead to higher insurance premiums, even if you weren’t at fault. Here’s the lowdown:

• Insurers ask about claims history: Typically, they’ll want to know about any claims in the last 5 years.
• It’s not forever: The impact on your premiums lessens over time.
• Being at fault matters: If you were to blame for the accident, it’ll likely have a bigger impact on your insurance costs.
• “No win, no fee” can help: If your claim is unsuccessful, it might not need to be declared to insurers in the future.

What can I do to minimize the impact of a claim on my insurance?

• Shop around: Don’t just renew with your existing insurer. Get quotes from several companies.
• Increase your voluntary excess: This means you pay more if you do claim, but your overall premium may come down.
• Build up a no claims bonus: Driving claim-free reduces your premiums over time.

Important: You must always be honest when asked about past claims. Failing to disclose them could invalidate your insurance.

There’s no easy answer, as it depends on your individual case. Here’s what influences the timeframe:

• Agreeing on who’s at fault: If the other driver admits liability, things tend to move quicker. If they dispute it, this can drag things out.
• Severity of your injuries: Minor injuries are often settled faster. If your injuries are serious or there’s a question of long-term impact, it will take longer to assess the full value of your claim.
• How quickly you start the claim: Getting advice early helps avoid unnecessary delays.
• Whether it goes to court: Most cases settle out of court. However, if a fair agreement can’t be reached, court proceedings can add years.
• Simple cases might be sorted within a few months. More complex claims, especially those with serious injuries, can take years.

How “it happens” can speed things up:

• We gather strong evidence: This puts pressure on insurers to resolve things quickly.
• We don’t let insurers drag their feet: We know their tactics and fight to keep your claim moving.
• We get you interim payments (sometimes): This can provide some financial relief while your full compensation is being worked out.