When you’re injured unexpectedly whether in a road traffic collision, a workplace accident, a public place, or through medical negligence you’re suddenly thrown into a situation that can feel overwhelming, confusing, and incredibly stressful. And while reaching out to a personal injury lawyer may not be the first thing on your mind, it quickly becomes clear that getting the right legal help is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
At Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law, our no win no fee solicitors work with injured clients every day, and there are a few things we genuinely wish people knew before they start the claims process. Understanding these early on can save you time, reduce stress, and significantly improve the outcome of your case.
So, let’s walk through the top 10 things your personal injury solicitor, accident injury solicitor, or injury compensation lawyer wishes you knew before you file a claim.

1. Evidence Makes or Breaks Your Claim
Even the most experienced injury claim solicitor needs solid evidence to build a strong case.
This can include:
- Photos or videos at the scene
- Witness details
- Medical reports
- Accident reports (workplace or public liability)
- Dashcam footage for vehicle collisions
The more you gather early on, the easier it is for your car accident solicitor, workplace accident solicitor, or slip and fall injury solicitor to prove what happened and why you deserve compensation.
2. Medical Treatment Should Not Be Delayed
One of the biggest mistakes we see is clients waiting too long to get medical attention.
Not only is this harmful to your health, but it also weakens your claim because insurers often argue: If you were really hurt, you’d have gone sooner.
Your personal injury solicitor near me will always tell you get checked, follow your treatment plan, and keep records.
3. Not All Injuries Appear Immediately
Injuries like whiplash, soft-tissue damage, and emotional trauma often develop over hours or days.
A quick visit to a GP or hospital provides documented proof of your symptoms, which is crucial for your whiplash claim solicitor or road traffic accident lawyer.
4. No Win No Fee Really Does Protect You
Many people worry about legal costs, but with a no win no fee solicitor, you don’t pay anything upfront.
If your case isn’t successful, you owe nothing giving you complete peace of mind.
This model allows you to work with top-rated injury lawyers without financial risk, especially helpful during the already stressful recovery period.
5. Social Media Can Be Used Against You
You’d be surprised how often insurers monitor social media profiles.
A simple photo or offhand comment can be taken out of context and used to challenge your injuries.
Your personal injury attorney will always advise you to be extremely cautious online until your claim concludes.
6. Talking to Insurers Without Advice Is Risky
Insurers are skilled negotiators whose goal is to minimise payouts.
That’s why your compensation solicitor or accident claim lawyer will almost always recommend letting them handle communication on your behalf.
What you say even jokingly can be recorded and used to undermine your case.
7. Claim Value Isn’t Just About Your Injury
A professional claim assessment solicitor looks at the bigger picture, including:
- Loss of earnings
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses
- Care needs
- Long-term impact on daily life
This ensures that your compensation claim services reflect the true extent of what you’ve lost—not just immediate medical costs.
8. The Claims Process Takes Time (But for Good Reason)
Your personal injury claims process involves investigation, medical assessments, evidence gathering, and negotiations.
Rushing any of these steps can devalue your claim.
At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we keep everything moving efficiently, while making sure nothing is overlooked.
9. Choosing the Right Solicitor Matters More Than You Think
When you’re searching for the best personal injury solicitors or wondering how to choose a personal injury solicitor, it’s essential to consider:
- Experience with your type of accident
- Clear communication
- No win no fee agreements
- Client reviews
- Specialist expertise (e.g., medical malpractice lawyer, public liability claim solicitor, personal injury solicitor for car accidents)
The right solicitor won’t just handle paperwork; they’ll fight for your rights every step of the way.
10. The Sooner You Get Legal Help, the Stronger Your Case
Time limits apply to most claims, and evidence fades quickly.
Contacting a no win no fee injury lawyer early ensures that:
- Critical evidence is preserved
- Witnesses are contacted while memories are fresh
- Your injuries are properly documented
- You receive expert injury claim advice from day one
Starting early strengthens your case and increases your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Filing a personal injury claim doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing, especially when you have the right team on your side. At Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law, our experienced personal injury claim specialists work tirelessly under a no win no fee structure to protect your rights, guide you through the process, and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
