Is it Worth Claiming Compensation after an Accident?

Accidents are an unavoidable part of everyday life. Each day, hundreds of accidents occur – from at-home accidents that claim 6,000 lives a year to road casualties that take place once every 20 minutes. In many cases, these accidents are not the fault of the victim; however, many people may feel apprehensive about making a claim for compensation.

There are various ways in which a victim might be reticent to make a compensation claim – but what are they? And how might these concerns be circumvented for the betterment of you as a victim?

Have You Been in an Accident?

Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and in any place. They are, by their nature, difficult to pre-empt, and can lead to significant disruption to daily life after their occurrence. Whether a road traffic accident, a slip, trip or fall, or an injury caused by a defective product, the results can be devastating – from physical injury to emotional and financial stress. 

The latter point is a crucial one, particularly against the backdrop of worsening financial crisis in the UK. Accidents can often have unavoidable and significant impacts on one’s ability to work and earn a living, the result being unnecessary financial hardship. Crucially, though, where an accident was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation via a civil claim.

Why You Might Feel Apprehensive to Make a Claim

But many people feel somewhat apprehensive at the prospect of making such a compensation claim. There are two common reasons that crop up in this regard, each of which have their own counter-arguments:

Worries About Cost

Any legal process is a complex one from the outset, and civil claims are no different. Specialist solicitors are required to navigate the claim process in order to achieve the best results, and solicitors famously command high prices. However, many law firms offer a no-win, no-fee service, minimizing cost to victims if their claim makes its way to the courts. In the first place, many claims are settled before court – avoiding additional costs altogether.

Time-Wasting

Some people may also worry that making a claim will make them appear to be a time-waster, or that they are making a fuss about nothing. However, if the accident was not your fault, you have a legal right to seek compensation – and seeking that compensation is by no means wasting anyone’s time.

Using a Claim Calculator

If you are still apprehensive about going down the compensation route, there are handy ways to gain a ballpark estimate of the money to which you could be entitled. A claim calculator is a tool that estimates how much compensation you could receive, based on the specifics of your accident and injury. 

With some key pieces on information regarding where and how you were injured, and the extent to which your recovery has impacted your life, a calculator can provide you with an estimated figure for which you could be eligible. Many law firms offer free claim calculators on their own websites, making it easy for you to understand the strength of your potential claim.