Take Control of Your Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Solicitor

Choosing the right personal injury solicitor can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never needed legal support before. We understand that after an accident the last thing you need is more uncertainty.

Yet the firm you choose can make a real difference to your experience and the outcome of your claim. So how do you know who to trust?

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined some key factors to consider when selecting a personal injury solicitor.

How client feedback can guide you in choosing a solicitor

When you’re looking for a solicitor, recommendations are where you may start your research. Reading client reviews is the best way to get a feel for what a solicitor is really like before you get in touch. It can be reassuring to hear directly from people who’ve been in a similar situation and see how their experience went.

At Gildeas, we’ve been helping clients get the compensation they deserve for over 35 years – and we’re proud of the feedback we receive. Our testimonials reflect the care and commitment we put into every case.

You’ll find reviews on our website and social media, which can help you decide if we’re the right fit for you.

Experience matters when choosing a solicitor

Whether it’s a cycling accident or an accident in public, we know how difficult going through an accident can be. So you’ll want to know whether any potential solicitor you choose has the right expertise for your type of claim, and if they have the experience to handle more complex legal matters.

At Gildeas, we’re proud to have a team of recognised professionals, including Law Society of Scotland accredited personal injury specialists and certified trauma-informed experts.

Many of our team have a particular focus – like our dedicated bike team, who are experienced riders themselves – bringing a real understanding to motorcycle and cycling claims.

Gildeas benefits from in-house counsel, including a Solicitor Advocate, which means we can represent clients in higher courts without needing to refer you elsewhere – helping to keep your case moving efficiently and consistently, every step of the way.

We also work closely with our trusted network of vehicle hire, repair, and accident management partners to make the claims process as smooth as possible.

Choosing a solicitor near you – does it make a difference?

It can be confusing to know the differences between a larger, national firm or one closer to home. Many offer a similar service, and for those unfamiliar with the legal industry, you may be tempted to go with a more familiar name. But when it comes to legal advice, the quality of service and accessibility often matter more than the size of the firm.

Bigger doesn’t always mean better

Choosing Gildeas offers a number of advantages over a national firm. Our contact centre is in-house, allowing us to maintain a consistent level of communication throughout your case. We also have a dedicated First Response Unit for new claims, meaning your enquiries are dealt with quickly and effectively.

Being local to the area offers a multitude of advantages. We have a deeper understanding of local defence solicitors, courts, and their processes. We also benefit from longstanding relationships with nearby medical experts and engineers.

There are numerous factors that can affect how long a case will take to settle. However, choosing a larger firm could mean your solicitors are dealing with a caseload that extends into the hundreds. A local firm offers a more client-centric approach, meaning more time is dedicated to you.

Understanding costs and fees when choosing a solicitor

No one should have to go without legal representation due to financial barriers. That’s why we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you can focus on your recovery whilst we fight for your compensation.

But what does this actually mean, and how do you know you’ve chosen the right solicitor?

How does no-win, no-fee work?

First, we’ll have an initial chat about your circumstances to determine whether we’re able to pursue your claim. If we don’t think you have a case, we’ll let you know there and then – leaving you free to pursue with another solicitor should you wish to do so.

If you proceed and your case is successful, we’ll deduct a small success fee from the compensation you’re awarded. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t be charged a thing.

In our view, this approach offers a fair route to justice, ensuring your case receives the careful attention, preparation, and financial support it deserves.

Are there any hidden costs with no-win, no-fee?

A good solicitor will be upfront about any costs associated with your case. This could involve things like interim payments of compensation, referral to rehabilitation services, or specialist engineers to provide evidence.

We believe in complete transparency from the get-go.

You will never receive an unrealistic guarantee from us about the outcome of your case. And we’ll always endeavour to be clear about our fees, our process, and what you can expect.

We welcome any questions you may have regarding fee arrangements. Please give us a call or contact your file handler to discuss.

Factor in communication when choosing a solicitor

Consistent communication should be a priority for any good legal team. We understand that an accident can be a difficult experience, so regular updates can make a significant difference in bringing you peace of mind – particularly if you’re still recovering from your injuries.

At Gildeas Solicitors, we make personal injury personal. But what do we mean by this?

We tailor our communication around your needs. Whether it’s as simple as sending you digital or paper forms, if you’d prefer a home visit rather than a phone call, or whether you’d like your partner to be your main point of contact – we’ll do our best to ensure you feel prioritised from start to finish.

Everyone’s preferences are different. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to be clear about the level of communication you expect from your solicitor at the beginning of your case.

Get in touch with personal injury solicitors in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Choosing a personal injury solicitor doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Taking a little time to research about the firm will give you a better understanding of who is best to represent you.
At Gildeas, we combine decades of experience with a personal, compassionate approach, helping clients across Scotland get the support and results they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and need straightforward advice from a team you can trust, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with our personal injury solicitors in Glasgow or Edinburgh today for a no-obligation chat.