How do I go about making a claim ?

Depends entirely on the circumstances and is awarded case by case on an individual basis, so each claim is different.

Personal injury compensation claims will normally be split into two parts.

General Damages: : to compensate for the pain and suffering of your injury, both the initial injury and any ongoing suffering or disability; loss of amenity or enjoyment of life; and for any disadvantage in the labour market caused by permanent injury. The figure awarded can vary dependent on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your gender and age. It is not an exact science, hence the term 'general', and will either be agreed by negotiation or awarded by a judge.

Special Damages: to compensate for all other losses, where an exact figure is known and can be supported by documentation to prove the loss. These losses may include:
Loss of past and future earnings
Damage to property and possessions
Vehicle damage
Prescriptions, medical fees and therapy
Care and assistance for household chores
Special care aids and equipment
Adapted accommodation and transport
Traveling expenses
Out of pocket expenses

Its self explanatory really, (BTE) before the event, meaning you had the policy when the accident or injury happened.

(ATE) After the event meaning the accident happened and you can now be covered.

The 'no win, no fee' claim scheme, also known as the 'conditional fee' scheme, came fully into effect in 1998 when Legal Aid was withdrawn for most personal injury claims. As Legal Aid is funded by central government, the decision was made to reduce the burden on the public purse and pass the financial risk of accident claims to the legal profession.

A 'no win, no fee' agreement means that if you proceed with a claim but lose the case, you will not have to pay your own or your opponent's legal costs. The solicitor acting in the claim is only entitled to be paid a fee if the case is successful, and the losers or their insurance company usually makes that payment. If the case is lost, then the solicitor will lose their legal fees.

Your Solicitor will pursue your personal injury claim to ensure that it is at absolutely no cost to you. You will receive 100% of your compensation.

Claims for compensation must be made within certain time limits and these depend on what caused the injury. Most cases must be brought within three years from the date of the accident or injury but certain exceptions apply:

When a child has been injured, the three years start to run from their 18th birthday.
In industrial disease cases, the normal three-year time limit will only start to run from when you first became aware of the problem - called 'the date of knowledge’.
Criminal injury matters have a time limit of two years.
Claims involving accidents abroad may have different limitation periods.