Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Accident Lawyers 4U claims experts have put together a selection of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the claims process and how we work:

• What is No Win, No Fee* and how does it work?
• If it is No Win, No Fee* why do I need insurance?
• Are there any circumstances in which I may be liable for costs?
• How do I get insurance?
• What are disbursements?
• If I win how much will I get?
• What happens if I lose my case?
• Will I have to attend court?
• Can any case be dealt with on a No Win, No Fee* contract?

What is No Win, No Fee* and how does it work?

It really is quite simple. If your claim is successful you can, in most cases, claim back your lawyer's bill on top of any compensation. If and when you win, the other side will pay your Solicitors costs, and you will receive the full compensation.

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If it is No Win, No Fee* why do I need insurance?

If you lose you could be ordered to pay the other side's defence Lawyers bill and your own disbursements. A suitable insurance policy will pick up the bill on your behalf if the worst should happen.

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Are there any circumstances in which I may be liable for costs?

If you decide to withdraw your claim or fail to co-operate with your solicitor or provide misleading information to the detriment of your claim you may be billed for charges incurred on your behalf. This will be fully explained by your solicitor at the consultation stage.

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How do I get insurance?

If you don't have existing insurance we can arrange what is known as an "after the event insurance". This is a one off stand-alone policy that will cover you for the specific case you are pursuing. Many people have legal expenses cover as an add-on to their house or motor insurance. Also some credit card companies provide legal expenses insurance as part of the service offered to their customers. Don't worry though, we will explain all of this in more detail at the first consultation.

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What are disbursements?

These are sums of money that we pay out, on your behalf, to other service providers whose help is needed in getting a result for you. Such sums of money include fees paid to doctors and other experts for providing reports to help prove your claim and to barristers who may be called in to advise on specific areas of law or to represent you in court.

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If I win how much will I get?

This is an impossible question to answer without firstly investigating the medical position. When assessing the value of a claim the court considers the following broad categories;

1. General damages. This is the part that CANNOT be worked out using a calculator. It is a lump sum, which the court will award for the pain, suffering and general effect the injury has had on your quality of life. The sum will range from £1000 for some minor soft tissue damage that heals within a few months to £220.000 for quadriplegia.
2. Special damages. These are to reimburse specific sums of money that you have lost as a result of your accident. These can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs and damage to property.

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What happens if I lose my case?

If you lose we will waive any charges if you have a No Win, No Fee* contract. You may be ordered to pay both the other side's costs and your own disbursements but these can be covered by the insurance. We will organise everything in such a way that ensures you don't need to pay anything win or lose.

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Will I have to attend court?

Probably not as the vast majority of cases never reach trial. If your case is one of the few that cannot be settled out of court we will make sure you are fully prepared for the trial and will ensure that an experienced barrister is there to represent you on the day.

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Can any case be dealt with on a No Win, No Fee* contract?

No, in order to be suitable for No Win, No Fee* it must be the type of case where the other side will liable to pay your lawyer's bill on top of your compensation. Most cases are suitable but the following types are not:

1. Cases where the value of your injury is less than £1000.
2. Claims made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
3. Claims against untraced motorists

In the above types of case you would have to pay your lawyer out of your compensation. We will deal with CICA cases by agreeing to take a percentage of your award if you are successful.

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