Hallam-Peel & Co

The claim procedure involves three stages :-

1. Gathering evidence to show who is to blame for the accident. This is called establishing liability
2. Gathering evidence to show the appropriate level of compensation. This is called establishing quantum
3. Negotiating a settlement or, if this is not possible, taking the case to a Court hearing to determine

It is very important that all appropriate evidence is gathered as soon as possible after the accident. This will involve taking a statement from you and other witnesses and also obtaining all relevant documents from you and the opponent. We then notify the claim to the opponent (or his insurers) in a Protocol Letter of Claim. The opponent (or his insurers) then has 3 months to investigate and respond as to whether liability is to be admitted. This investigation period is set by Court Rules.

Where liability is not disputed we will obtain copies of all relevant medical records and arrange for you to be seen by an appropriate doctor who will prepare a report on the injuries suffered and the longer term recovery position. This is a crucial stage of the claim since this report will be used to determine the appropriate compensation for the injury element of the claim. It is therefore very important that this doctor is told of all your symptoms and their duration. At the same time we will collect details of any other expenditure and losses to ensure that full compensation is obtained.

Where liability is disputed we shall advise you on whether the claim would still have reasonable prospects of success if it were taken further to a Court trial and on further matters which will need to be dealt with.