Frequently Asked Questions

What does No Win No Fee actually mean?
It's simple: If you don't succeed in your claim, you pay nothing. For more information read our no win no fee section.

Will I have to pay a fee if I win my claim?
If your accident claim is successful and you're awarded damages, the other side's insurance company will normally pay all your solicitor's costs in addition to the damages, which means that you pay nothing. There are some exceptions but your solicitor will be able to explain this fully to you before your claim starts. You will receive 100% of any compensation awarded to you unless there are any exceptions.

How does National Accident Helpline get paid?
National Accident Helpline is not a claims management company. We are paid by specialist personal injury solicitors to advertise their compensation claims services to accident victims. This service from National Accident Helpline costs you nothing, and your solicitor does not pass on this cost to you.

Can I claim 100% Compensation if my accident happened some time ago?
If you are over 18 and your accident happened in the UK you have three years in which to lodge your compensation claim in court. If you are under 18, the three year period starts from your 18th birthday (16th birthday in Scotland). But it is better not to delay seeking advice after an accident.

If my accident happened at work and I make a claim against them, can they dismiss me?
It is not legally justifiable for your employer to dismiss you for making an accident claim. It could amount to unfair dismissal. Also it's important to remember that your employer is required by law to take out insurance cover against staff accidents. This means that your employer's insurance company will pay your compensation, and not your employer.

How do I know if I am eligible to make a compensation claim?
You will be eligible if you have suffered an injury - physical or psychological - which was caused by someone who should have been taking reasonable care for your safety but failed to - for example your employer, a fellow workmate or another driver.

Can I still claim if my accident happened abroad?
Yes, although different rules often apply. In particular, some countries allow less than three years in which to start a claim. We offer further information about holiday accidents and accidents abroad

How much compensation will I get for certain injuries?
Compensation amounts vary a great deal because injuries affect people in different ways. Some recover quickly, others don't. Injuries are valued by making comparisons with awards in similar cases, and adjusting them as required. There is no fixed tariff because that could work unfairly. Once we have put you in touch with a local personal injury solicitor, they will be able to give you some guidelines about what you might expect to receive if you win your claim.

See our Compensation Guide for example amounts. The amount in this guide is only for your injuries, pain and suffering. Other losses, for example loss of earnings or treatment costs, will be paid in addition.

Will you put me in touch with a local solicitor?
We will usually put you in touch with one of our solicitors nearest to where you live. Occasionally, where there is a shortage of specialist solicitors we will suggest a firm outside your local area which we believe will deliver an excellent service.

How long will a personal injury claim take?
Our specialist compensation solicitors are well aware that it is in everyone's interest to process your claim without delay. Many lower value claims can be settled in a matter of months. Severe injury cases generally take longer. But every case is different. Your solicitor will tell you the average time for your type of case.

Will I have to fill out loads of paperwork?
No. Your solicitor should be able to do most of the necessary paperwork for you. You will have to check the details of your claim before it is put forward, but your solicitor can help you with this.

Will I have to go to court?
The vast majority of cases are settled without any need for court attendance.

Isn't the law frightening?
Not when you have a good lawyer explaining things to you properly and looking after your best interests. That is why NAH has been successfully using specialist solicitors for many years and has helped thousands of injured people win their claims.

Will people think less of me for claiming?
It's important to remember that accident victims legally deserve to receive proper compensation when they have suffered injury. You are not claiming something for nothing. Modern health and safety regulations exist because over the years ordinary people have been prepared to claim.

Claims succeed because someone else has been careless, or has been in breach of a duty. Most insurance companies already charge premiums to cover such incidents. So there is no reason why anyone should expect you to suffer in silence.