Car Accident Abroad

When should I contact a personal injury solicitor?

After an injury, making a claim can feel like a low priority. A survey of 4,000 people commissioned by APIL found that one in five had been injured through someone else’s negligence, yet 41% of them never made a claim. Many simply did not know they were entitled to compensation.

There are also exceptions to the standard three-year limit worth knowing about. Children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim, and different rules apply to people who lack mental capacity. If you are unsure whether a time limit applies to your situation, contact us and we will advise you.

Why do I need a specialist personal injury solicitor?

The legal field is vast with many specialities. It makes sense that you will have a better outcome with a specialist personal injury lawyer who has years of experience and a successful track record handling cases similar to yours.

A specialist personal injury solicitor has in-depth knowledge of personal injury laws and they are well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and their tactics.

They know how to evaluate the worth of your claim, taking into account all your damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering and possible future expenses. They ensure you get a fair settlement. If this cannot be achieved through negotiation, they are prepared to take your case to trial.

In fact, 88% of claims in Q1 (January to March) of 2025 involved legal representation on both sides – highlighting just how important it is to have expert legal support from the outset.

Having confidence that your solicitor is working to secure your future can provide peace of mind, knowing that your case is being handled by a competent and caring professional.

How do I choose the best personal injury law firm for me?

First, look out for a personal injury law firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). This ensures they meet high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Then, dig deeper to understand what sets the best firms apart.

Award-Winning Personal Injury experience

Osbornes Law has been fighting the corner of the injured person for over 50 years and is one of the UK’s leading personal injury litigation firms. Our award-winning department specialises in high-value and complex trial litigation involving severe brain and head injury claims, spinal cord injury claims, fatal accident claims and cycling accident claims cases. We’ve worked on thousands of different types of claims over the years and will match you with a specialist personal injury solicitor who has experience handling cases just like yours.

Recognised personal injury expertise

Our team of specialist personal injury solicitors are recognised experts in their field and have been accredited by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and APIL. We are proud partners of leading charities such as the London Cycling Campaign and Headway, the brain injury association. This means we have not only achieved superb results for clients, but also have the respect of fellow lawyers and industry professionals.

Secured millions of pounds in compensation

Our track record of winning our clients’ cases speaks for itself. We have secured millions of pounds in compensation for our clients over the years, achieving numerous multi-million-pound settlements. Browse through our case studies to see how we have helped people just like you.

Empathetic personal injury lawyers

Injuries can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Your personal welfare is just as important as winning your compensation claim. That’s why we take a whole-person approach, looking at all your needs, not just your legal ones. Our expert personal injury lawyers will guide you through the court system, but they will also signpost you to the rehabilitation, medical and charitable resources that can help you get back on your feet in every way possible. With home appointments and hospital visits, we make sure you have all the support you need during this difficult time.

Our lawyers explain everything in plain language

At our firm, communication is key. We understand that legal jargon can be confusing, so we take the time to explain everything in plain language. You will always know what is happening with your case and what your options are. Your road to recovery starts with an initial consultation with our London solicitors. We will give you a full, fair assessment of your personal injury case—and if we don’t think it is a strong one, we will tell you. There is never any obligation to proceed with us and all initial advice is free.

Initial consultation – questions to ask and how to prepare

The initial consultation is a friendly, confidential discussion about your injury and how it happened. The personal injury solicitor will assess your case, let you know whether you can make a claim, and talk you through the next steps. They will also explain how you can finance your claim and the costs involved.

You need to trust your accident lawyer and feel confident in their ability to handle your case. Here’s how to prepare and some questions you can ask to make the most of your initial consultation:

How to prepare

• Write down a timeline of events leading up to and following your injury.
• Gather any documents related to your injury and the incident, such as medical reports, police reports, receipts and photographs.
• Be prepared to discuss the impact the injury has had on your life, work and well-being.
• Have your list of questions ready.

Questions to ask

• What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
• Who will be handling my case, and how can I contact them?
• Are you prepared to visit me at home if necessary?
• What kind of support and assistance will you provide throughout the claims process?
• How long do you think my case will take, and what factors could affect the timeline?
• On average, what settlements do you achieve in cases similar to mine?
• Can I see examples of successful cases similar to mine that your firm has handled?
• What are the options for funding my case?

How much does hiring a personal injury solicitor cost?

The majority of personal injury cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees to start your claim. Instead, your solicitor’s fees will be deducted from the compensation awarded if the case is successful.

It’s important that you understand the terms and conditions of the no-win, no-fee agreement before signing. The percentage should be explicitly stated in your agreement, and you should check whether there are other costs and deductions, such as for any shortfall in the recovery of their basic charges or for After The Event insurance.

Your personal injury solicitor should explain these potential costs to you upfront, offering you a clear picture of the financial aspect of your claim.

Insurance policies and your right to choose

Road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, slips and falls, and other types of accidents that result in personal injuries tend to have an insurance element involved. In road traffic accidents, for example, both you and the at-fault driver will have insurance cover, and your respective insurers will be involved in negotiating the claim.

Insurance companies often have their own set of tactics aimed at protecting their bottom line, which can leave injured parties feeling pressured and unsure about their rights.

If your car or home insurer is covering your legal claim, they might assign you a solicitor from their panel. The panel solicitor may not be an expert in your type of injury, or the best person to handle your claim. If you are unhappy, know that you don’t have to accept your insurer’s choice of solicitor. Choosing your own solicitor is often a better option, as you can be sure that your solicitor will be acting in your best interests.

We are experienced in handling claims covered by legal expenses insurance. Our solicitors will guide you on how to negotiate with your insurance company, and navigate these tactics on your behalf and ensure that you are not taken advantage of.

Contact us today for an initial consultation

Call us today on 020 7485 8811 or fill out the form below to discuss your case in confidence. Our dedicated team is here to support you.