If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a free personal injury consultation is the fastest way to find out where you stand — with no cost and no obligation to proceed. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our free consultation gives you an honest assessment of your claim, an explanation of your options, and clarity on how much compensation you might be entitled to, before you commit to anything.
This guide explains what happens during a free personal injury consultation, what to bring, how “no win, no fee” funding works alongside it, and the questions people ask us most often.
What is a free personal injury consultation?
A free personal injury consultation is an initial meeting or call with a solicitor to discuss the circumstances of your accident, assess whether you have grounds for a claim, and explain your legal options — all at no charge. It typically lasts 20–30 minutes and can take place in person, over the phone, or via video call.
The purpose isn’t to sign you up to anything on the spot. It’s to give you enough information to make an informed decision about whether to pursue a claim, and if so, how.
What happens during the consultation
You describe what happened. You’ll be asked to walk through the accident — where and when it occurred, who was involved, and any injuries you sustained. This might relate to a road traffic accident, an accident at work, a slip or fall in a public place such as a supermarket, or a case of clinical negligence.
The solicitor assesses liability. Based on what you describe, the solicitor will give an initial view on whether another party — a driver, employer, occupier, or medical professional — is likely to be found liable, and how strong the evidence appears to be.
You’re told how compensation is calculated. Personal injury compensation in England and Wales is typically made up of general damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity) and special damages (for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical costs, and travel expenses). The solicitor can give you a broad indication of what your claim might be worth, though a precise figure usually requires medical evidence.
You’re explained the funding options, most commonly a no win, no fee arrangement (a Conditional Fee Agreement), so you understand there’s no upfront cost to pursuing the claim.
You’re told about time limits. Personal injury claims in England and Wales are generally subject to a three-year limitation period from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of the injury), so the consultation will usually flag how much time you have to act.
What to bring to your consultation
Coming prepared helps the solicitor give you a more accurate initial assessment, though you don’t need everything before you get in touch. Useful documents include:
- Details of the accident (date, location, and how it happened)
- Photos of the scene, injuries, or any damage
- Contact details of witnesses, if any
- Medical records or details of treatment received
- Correspondence with insurers, employers, or the other party
- Police or incident reports, where applicable
- Records of expenses or lost earnings linked to the injury
If you don’t have all of this yet, that’s fine — the solicitor can advise you on how to gather it as part of building your case.
No win, no fee: how it works alongside the free consultation
Most personal injury claims at Adam Bernard Solicitors are handled on a no win, no fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means you don’t pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, and if it succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation, agreed in advance and capped by law.
Combined with a free initial consultation, this structure means you can explore whether you have a valid claim, and pursue it if you do, without financial risk at the outset. It’s worth confirming the specific terms — including how the success fee is calculated and what happens to any costs recovered from the other side — during your consultation.
Common mistakes to avoid before your consultation
Waiting too long to seek advice. The three-year limitation period can pass quickly, particularly if treatment and recovery take priority. Speaking to a solicitor early preserves your options even if you’re not ready to proceed immediately.
Accepting an early settlement offer from an insurer. Insurers sometimes make quick settlement offers before the full extent of an injury is known. These are often lower than a claim’s true value and can be difficult to challenge once accepted.
Not keeping records. Gaps in documentation — missed appointments logged, expenses not tracked, photos not taken — can weaken a claim later, even where liability is clear.
Assuming a claim isn’t worth pursuing. Many people underestimate what they may be entitled to, particularly where an injury has long-term effects on work or daily life. A free consultation exists precisely so you can find this out without commitment.
How a personal injury solicitor can help
Beyond the initial consultation, a personal injury solicitor manages the claim from start to finish: gathering evidence, corresponding with the other party’s insurer, instructing medical experts to assess your injuries, negotiating settlement, and, where necessary, pursuing court proceedings. Having experienced representation is particularly valuable where liability is disputed, where injuries are complex, or where the other party’s insurer is contesting the claim.
Adam Bernard Solicitors offers free consultations by phone, and via Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype for those who prefer a video call, in addition to in-person appointments at our High Holborn and Upton Park offices.
