Can I claim compensation without a solicitor?

It’s a question that many people ask – can they claim compensation without a solicitor? Well, the answer is yes, you can, but you may not get the payout that you were rightly due, and it may take much longer than when you have professional legal representation.

Specialist legal knowledge is needed to make a successful compensation claim, and if you try to go it alone, you’re likely to lose out. Solicitors such as those at Claims Action are experts in the field of accident and injury law, and they know exactly what needs to be done to get you the very best result.

What are the benefits of using a solicitor?

There are a few things that you need to take into account before deciding whether or not to use a solicitor when making a compensation claim:

1. The legal system is complex, and unless you have specialist knowledge, it’s very difficult to know where to start
2. The amount of money you could potentially win – a solicitor will know how to negotiate the best settlement for you, which could be significantly more than if you were to try and claim compensation yourself;
3. The time it would take you to do everything yourself – dealing with the legal system can be time-consuming, and you could quickly end up taking far longer than if you had a solicitor doing it all for you;
4. Avoid making mistakes. When you're not familiar with the paperwork, the legal terms, and the procedures, it's very easy to make a mistake. Compare that to a trained solicitor who spends every day finding the best legal solutions for their clients, and it becomes pretty clear that it's money well spent.
5. And finally, the chance of winning your case – a solicitor will have a much better chance of getting you the compensation that you deserve than if you were to go it alone.

What is the process of claiming compensation?

The process of claiming compensation is not as straightforward as some people may think. There are a number of steps that need to be taken, and it’s essential to make sure that everything is done correctly.

If you decide to use a solicitor, they will deal with all the paperwork for you and ensure that everything is done in the correct order. If you do choose to go it alone, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Gather evidence – this includes witness statements, medical reports, and photos of the scene of the accident;

2. Contact an insurance company – you may be able to claim compensation from the other party’s insurance company;

3. Make a claim – you will need to complete a compensation claim form and send it to the insurance company;

4. Wait for a response – the insurance company will review your claim and let you know if they are going to offer you a settlement;

5. Negotiate a settlement – if you’re not happy with the offer made by the insurance company, you can negotiate for a better deal;

6. Take legal action – if a settlement cannot be reached, you may have to take legal action against the other party.

Making a claim without the assistance of a solicitor is not recommended. Few of us have the time, knowledge, or expertise to navigate our way through the legal system.

How much sill a solicitor cost?

One of the concerns for many people relates to the cost of taking on the services of a legal team. All solicitors will charge differently, but most will work on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any fees unless your case is successful, and then the costs will be taken from the compensation payment.

No matter the basis on which you hire a solicitor, you should always ask about the costs before signing a contract. Don't forget to ensure that you are clear on what is included in the fee and anything that may result in additional charges.

Our final thoughts

When making a compensation claim, it's important to remember that you don't need to use a solicitor to succeed. However, having legal representation can increase your chances of winning and will ensure that everything is done correctly. With the option of a no-win, no-fee basis, there is no financial risk involved in using their services.