FAQ

Unfortunately, there’s no simple calculator for car accident claims in the UK. Every case is unique, but the following factors will be considered:

• Severity of your injuries: Sadly, serious or long-term injuries result in higher compensation.
• Financial losses: This includes things like lost wages (both present and future if your earning potential is affected), medical expenses, and any costs related to needing help around the home.
• Damage to your vehicle: The cost of repairs or replacement should be covered.
• Other expenses: Might include travel to appointments, or anything else directly caused by the accident.
• Liability: If the other driver fully admits fault, it can make the process smoother.

How “it happens” can help maximize your claim:

• We assess all losses: We make sure no impact of your accident is overlooked.
• We understand the true value of injuries: Our experience means we won’t let insurers undervalue your injuries.
• Expert negotiators: We fight for every penny you’re rightfully owed.

Important to remember

• Don’t rush to accept the first offer without getting advice.
• Keep good records: Receipts, medical reports, and anything that shows the impact of the accident will strengthen your case.

Setting up a claims management company is a big undertaking. Here are the key areas to consider:

• Legal know-how: You’ll need in-depth knowledge of UK personal injury law, different types of accidents, and how compensation is calculated. Consider formal training or partnering with someone who has this expertise.
• Understanding the claims process: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, you need to know the ins and outs of how a claim works.
• Strong communication skills: You’ll be dealing with injured people, often when they’re stressed or vulnerable. Empathy and clarity are vital.
• Business acumen: Like any business, you’ll need a solid plan, marketing skills, and financial management to be successful.
• Regulation: Claims management companies in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You’ll need to be authorized and meet strict standards.

What makes a successful claims management company?

• True expertise: Clients put their trust in you. Demonstrable knowledge will set you apart.
• Focus on customer care: This is a sensitive area. People want to feel supported, not just like another case.
• Results: Getting fair compensation for your clients is the ultimate goal.

Important: Starting any business is risky. Get professional advice on the legal, financial, and regulatory requirements before you launch.

There’s no magic formula, but there are things you can do to give yourself the best shot at a successful claim:

• Gather evidence early: Get photos, witness details, any medical reports – the more, the better. Don’t delay!
• Don’t admit fault (even if you’re unsure): Anything you say can be used against you. Leave it to the insurers to figure out who’s to blame.
• Be realistic about your injuries: Exaggerating will harm your credibility if it’s discovered.
• Keep good records: Receipts, lost earnings records – these strengthen your case.
• Don’t rush to accept the first offer: It’s likely to be low. Get advice before agreeing to anything.
• Consider professional help: A claims company like “it happens” handles the whole process for you and knows how to get insurers to take your claim seriously.

How “it happens” can increase your chances of winning:

• We build a strong case: No detail is too small, and we get the evidence to back you up.
• We deal with pushy insurers: We know their tactics and won’t let you be bullied into a low settlement.
• We fight for maximum compensation: We understand the true value of injuries and make sure you get every penny you deserve.

The process after your claim can vary, but here’s a general idea of what usually happens:

• Insurers investigate: They’ll check the evidence and figure out who’s to blame. This bit can take a while.
• Liability decision: The insurers either agree on who’s at fault or it might go to court if there’s no agreement.
• Assessing your losses: They’ll look at the extent of the damage to your car, your injuries, lost wages, and other costs.
• The first offer: Don’t expect this to be amazing – it’s often a low starting point for negotiation.
• Negotiation: This is where it can get tricky. You (or someone like “it happens”) will argue for a higher payout.
• Settlement: If you reach an agreement, the insurer pays out, and the claim is closed.

How long does it take?

Simple cases might be sorted within a few months. More complex cases, especially with serious injuries, can take years.

How “it happens” can help:

• We gather strong evidence: This puts pressure on insurers for a quicker resolution.
• We know how insurers work: We won’t let them lowball you or drag things out.
• We fight for fair compensation: We make sure you’re not short-changed.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, you might be able to make a car accident claim. This is a legal process where you seek compensation for:

• Injuries: Any physical or psychological harm you’ve suffered because of the accident.
• Lost income: If your injuries stopped you from working.
• Damage to your car: Getting it repaired or replaced.
• Other costs: May include things like medical expenses or needing help around the home due to your injuries.

How does it work?

• Gather evidence: Photos, witness details, any medical reports, etc.
• Check if you have a case: Companies like us offer a free initial chat.
• File the claim: This is often done through the other driver’s insurance company.
• Negotiation: This is where insurers might try to offer you a low settlement. A claims company like “it happens” can fight for a fair deal on your behalf.

Important:

• You usually need to claim within three years of the accident.
• “No win, no fee” options may be available so you don’t have upfront costs.

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Every claim is unique, but the following factors will influence your payout:

• Severity of your injuries: Serious injuries, or those needing long-term care, sadly result in higher compensation.
• Lost earnings: If you were unable to work, you could claim back loss of income, including future earnings, if your injuries have long-term effects.
• Other expenses: Things like medical costs, travel to appointments, or even the cost of help around the house can be included.
• Damage to your car: The cost of repairs or replacement should be covered.
• Who’s at fault: If the other driver admits liability, it makes the process smoother.

How “it happens” can help maximise your claim:

• We assess all losses: We leave no stone unturned, ensuring every impact of your accident is considered.
• We understand the true value of injuries: Our experience means we won’t let insurers undervalue your claim.
• We’re expert negotiators: We fight to get you every penny you’re entitled to.

Things to remember:

• Don’t accept the first offer without getting advice.
• Keep records: Receipts, medical reports, and anything that shows the impact of your injuries will strengthen your case.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your circumstances. However, here’s what to think about:

• Are your injuries fully assessed? Don’t rush to settle if you’re still in recovery. Future medical costs or lost earnings might not be clear yet.
• Is liability agreed upon? If the other driver’s insurer is disputing fault, settling early could mean accepting a lower payout.
• Is the first offer any good? Insurers often start low. Be prepared to negotiate, or get someone like “it happens” to do it for you.
• Are you under time pressure? While there are time limits for making a claim, there’s no need to rush a settlement if it means getting less than you deserve.

Reasons to get help to settle your claim:

• We understand the true value of your injuries: We make sure your claim takes long-term needs into account.
• We know how to play hard ball: Insurers are less likely to lowball you if they know you’ve got an expert on your side.
• We fight for the best deal: We won’t pressure you to settle for less than you deserve.

Important: Even with minor accidents, there are time limits for making a claim, so get advice quickly!

With loads of accident claims companies out there, choosing the right one can feel like a minefield. Here’s what to look out for:

• Check their track record: Do they have good reviews and a history of winning decent payouts for clients? Look for testimonials and case studies.
• Ask about fees: Most reputable companies work on a “no win, no fee” basis. But watch out for hidden costs or hefty percentages if you do win.
• Specialisms matter: Some companies deal with everything, others are experts in specific areas, like serious injuries or work accidents. Choose one that suits your needs.
• Does it feel right? You should feel comfortable with the company. Can you speak to someone easily? Do they explain things in a way you understand?
• Regulation: Make sure any company you consider is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Why “it happens” could be the right fit:

• Proven results: We have a strong track record of getting fair compensation for our clients.
• Clear fees: We’re upfront about costs, and often work on a “no win, no fee” basis.
• Experts in our field: We specialise in a range of personal injury claims.
• We put you first: Our focus is on making the process easy and stress-free for you.

Important: Don’t rush into anything. Compare companies and get free consultations to find a good fit.

Yes, you absolutely can. However, it’s not always the right option. Here’s what to consider:

When going solo might work

• Minor accident: If it’s a clear-cut fender bender, and nobody’s hurt, insurers often settle these quickly.
• You’re confident: If you’re happy to negotiate and understand the process, you could save on legal fees.

Reasons to get help

• Serious injuries: Compensation gets complex, and you don’t want to be underpaid.
• The insurer plays hard ball: If they deny fault or lowball you, a specialist can fight your corner.
• You want less hassle: Let’s be honest, dealing with insurers isn’t fun. A claims company handles it all for you.

How “it happens” can help (even if you start solo)

• Free initial advice: We’ll assess your case to see if you really need a solicitor.
• No win, no fee option: If we take over, there’s typically no upfront cost, so you don’t risk losing out.
• We know how to get a fair deal: Our experience means insurers are less likely to try to pull a fast one.

Important: There are strict time limits for making accident claims – get advice ASAP, even if you decide to go it alone.

Settling a car accident claim isn’t always straightforward. Here’s a general idea of what happens:

• The insurers duke it out: They’ll both review the evidence and try to figure out who’s at fault. This can take a while.
• Liability decided: The insurers will either agree on who’s to blame, or it might end up in court if they can’t reach an agreement.
• Valuation: They’ll assess the extent of the damage to your car, injuries, and other losses (lost wages, for example).
• The first offer: Don’t expect this to be amazing – it’s a starting point for negotiation.
• Negotiation: This is where things can get tricky. You (or someone like “it happens”) will argue for a higher payout. The insurer will likely push back.
  Agreement & settlement: If you reach an agreement, the insurer pays out and that’s the claim settled.

How “it happens” can help

• We gather the right evidence: A strong case puts pressure on the insurers to settle quickly.
• We deal with pushy insurers: We know their tactics and won’t let them lowball you
• We fight for fair compensation: We won’t let you settle for less than you deserve.

Important: Even with minor bumps, there are time limits for making a claim, so get in touch quickly for advice!