Accidents happen every day. Unless you are completely to blame for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any suffering or loss incurred as a result. Between 2 & 3 million people are involved in accidents each year, yet is estimated that only 14% of these victims pursue compensation claims.

So why haven’t you considered bringing a claim?
 
You may be concerned about the costs
Yet there are lots of ways these can be covered.
 
You may be wary of going to court
But around 98% of cases are settled out of court.
 
You may think the other party cannot afford to pay compensation
It should be covered by insurance.

Our experience at Veitch Penny has led to us building a very good reputation in handling personal injury work. We pride ourselves on the specialist work we do for the victims of motorcycle accidents, and are corporate members of the BMF and MAG corporations. Our philosophy is to provide a personal, efficient and effective service covering the whole of the South West, keeping you closely informed at all times and acting only in your best interests. Because of the nature of our work we can arrange for the private treatment of your injuries from physiotherapy to chiropractic, put you in touch with councelors & rehabilitation centres, or even organise getting you back on the road.
 
 
Can you claim? Free legal consultation.
We offer a free legal consultation where we will find out whether you have a good case, discuss how to go about claiming and explain how much your claim might be worth. You can then decide whether a no win no fee agreement (backed by an insurance policy to give maximum protection) is right for you.
If you have been involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, and believe that you could be entitled to compensation, please complete the following questionnaire which will help us to understand your claim and to offer the best advice for you. We aim to respond within 1 working day.

No Win No Fee - Conditional Fees
The way this works is that we, as your solicitor, will agree not to charge you if you do not win. But, if you do win, we will be entitled to charge a success fee. Various Insurance Policies are available to protect you from paying your opponents and other fees, just in case you lose. We will help you find the best policy. The policy premium and the success fee can now be claimed from the losing party.

 
After Care Treatment & Treatment Costs
We can put you in touch with the right people and will liase with them to ensure that you receive the full course of treatment. With us behind you, the treatment fees can be deferred until your compensation arrives. If you are already having treatment make sure you put the treatment provider in touch with us.
 
 
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is no longer available for most personal injury cases. We can discuss alternatives which might still put you to little or no expense.
 
 
Time Limit on a Claim
Any claim for compensation should be made within 3 years of the date of the accident (or by the age of 21 if the victim is a child). If the claim involves someone who may be mentally impaired the period may be longer.
 
 

Things to do if an accident occurs
 
Get names and addresses of the parties, witness/colleagues who saw or knew what happened.
 
Make sure you seek treatment for your injuries.
 
If bruised or scarred try to get some clear photos.
 
If incurring expense, keep records/receipts otherwise we may not secure repayment.
 
If involved in an RTA notify the police, get insurance details from the other parties, and pass any correspondence received from the other party to your insurers or representative.

For further information please email personalinjury@veitchpenny.co.uk. Alternatively FREEPHONE 0800 358 1050 and ask to speak to Andy Harris.
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - How much will it cost me to make a claim
A - If you have legal expenses insurance it isn't likely to cost you anything. If you don't we can usually work on a no win no fee basis. Payment of insurance premiums and success fees can be postponed until the claim finishes and are likely to be payable by the loosing party.

Q - How long will this take?
A - For financial losses as quickly as possible, but we normally won't advise you to settle until you are fully recovered, have an accurate prognosis, or have medical evidence which states that your recovery has gone as far as it can.

Q - How much will I get?
A - It depends very much on the progress of your recovery. The value of injury claims are usually assessed by reference to guidelines and previously decided cases. The duration of an injury is a key factor as well as the way in which it has affected you on a day to day basis.

Q - Will I have to go to court?
A - Where liability is admitted less than 1% of personal injury claims are pursued to a final hearing. Where liability is disputed a negotiated settlement is usually achieved.

Q - What can I claim for and when will I be paid for my expenses?
A - You can claim for any expense reasonably incurred as a result of your injuries. This is not an exhaustive list but may include medication and treatment costs, loss of earnings, travel expenses, and so on. Once proved (either by receipts or medical evidence), we can normally claim interim payments to cover your expenses as the claim progresses.

Q - What if the other driver is not insured or I have been involved in a hit and run?
A - You may still be able to persue your claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau.
Download Leaflet
Further advice can be found in the following leaflet, available to download as a PDF file.
 
Personal Injury
(81k)
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