Why you should keep an injury diary after an accident…

The small claims track limit for non-RTA PI claims has increased from £1,000 to £1,500 where the accident date or date of knowledge is on or after 6 April 2022. The effect of these increases is that for accidents that occur after the date the limit has been increased, legal costs will only be recoverable if the injury claim is worth over £1500 in employer liability and public liability claims or £5000 in road traffic accident claims where a driver or a passenger suffered injuries in an accident after 31^st May 2021. Cyclists, Motorcyclists, Horse riders and Pedestrian claims still have a small claims limit of £1000 and are not affected by the increases. The effect of this new increase in public liability and employer liability claims where a full recovery from minor soft tissue injuries takes place within four weeks is that they are unlikely to be assessed at over £1500 and therefore will not attract legal costs. It is therefore essential that you record all details of the injury you have suffered including bruising, scrapes and cuts and if possible take photographs.  It is also useful to keep a diary of how your accident has affected you physically and mentally as all of these factors are taken into account when assessing the value of a claim and can make the difference as to whether a solicitor is able to take non your claim.   If you have suffered an injury and are unsure whether you have a claim please contact our friendly Personal Injury team who have over 30 years’ experience of helping people recover compensation on 01270 762325 or PI@poolealcock.co.uk. We are happy to help.  There is no charge for an initial telephone call.