The potential figure you could receive from your car accident compensation claim can vary dramatically from person to person, even for those who were in the same accident.
Why? Well, there are several factors that can impact your car accident compensation claim, bringing lawyers and insurers to the final figure that can be asked for or offered.
It is essential that you understand these factors, like the severity of your injury and personal circumstances, will impact the compensation you receive when filing a no win, no fee claim. Below, we have detailed the factors you need to consider and how they can impact your compensation claim.
Topic Summary
The severity of your injury
The severity of your injury is one of the most important factors when determining your compensation claim. Severe injuries typically come with higher compensation claims, to account for the long-term effects of your injury and any medical costs you have incurred.
To be awarded these higher settlement figures, your lawyer needs to prove the severity of your injury. Medical records can be used, along with statements from doctors that confirm your injuries and the impact the injuries will have on your quality of life and ability to work.
Less severe injuries or ones with a quicker recovery time can still be awarded their compensation claims, but you will usually get a lower payout. The figure is designed to cover any medical costs or challenges you faced while you were injured.
Your recovery process
The recovery process and how long it takes you to recover also play a role in the compensation figure. A short recovery time or injuries you are expected to fully recover from will have lower settlement figures.
You will be able to return to your normal activities after these injuries and will not be living with permanent injuries or changes after the accident, which earns you a lower payout.
However, if you have a long recovery period or will never recover from your injuries, you are entitled to more compensation. Medical proof of this is required, and the nature of your recovery process is required along with medical bills that accompany it.
Physiotherapy sessions or surgeries can increase your compensation claim, and your lawyer will consider every aspect of your recovery process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Your Personal Circumstances
Your personal circumstances will play a role in your compensation claim, too. These can include the impact the accident had on your life, your physical condition before the accident, and the long-term impact of your injury.
The greater the impact the accident has on your life and the changes it has caused, the more you can expect as your compensation claim.
Your income loss
Any income you lose as a result of your injury can be considered in your compensation claim. Lawyers don’t just consider the current income you have lost while you are recovering, but also any future predicted loss of earnings.
The larger this number is, the more compensation you will be entitled to. Your compensation claim is designed to recoup lost earnings, so if you cannot work permanently or long-term after your accident, you can expect a higher payout.
Your age
Your age also impacts the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Typically, younger claimants will receive higher settlements, as their injuries will have a longer-lasting impact on their lives.
Lawyers consider how your age plays a role in the case and will fight for larger settlements if the injury impacts your ability to work and your quality of life, which is likely to affect you for years.
How long do I have to file a no win, no fee motor vehicle injury claim?
To file a no win, no fee motor vehicle injury claim, you have anywhere from three months to three years from the date of the accident, depending on the type of accident.
There are some exceptions to this, which your lawyer can discuss with you in more detail. We have broken down the time limits and exceptions below:
- Notice of Accident Claim Form (NOAC): must be submitted within nine months from the accident or when the injury becomes apparent. If you consult a lawyer, you have one month from the consultation date to lodge your claim
- Hit and run or unregistered vehicles: your NOAC must be submitted within three months; you might get an extension for this, giving you nine months
- Legal proceedings: must be commenced within three years from the accident date
- Under 18s: the time period does not begin until their 18th birthday
Find your no win, no fee motor vehicle injury lawyer today
A no win, no fee lawyer can help you with your car accident compensation claim without having to worry about any upfront fees. They will carefully examine your case and ensure you get the right compensation for your claim.
Smith’s Lawyers is a team of expert motor vehicle injury lawyers who can walk you through the process and explain how much compensation you are entitled to. Contact Smith’s Lawyers to start your no win, no fee compensation claim today.