Why 2026 Is a Pivotal Year for Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury law in the UK has changed significantly over the last few years. From government reforms to changing patterns of accidents and from legal process delays to rising complexity in serious injury claims, there has never been a more important time to seek specialist legal advice if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault. At Hopkins Solicitors, our Personal Injury team works with people every day to help them navigate a landscape that is increasingly difficult and nuanced yet still offers access to justice and compensation.

This article breaks down the most important changes and trends shaping personal injury claims in 2026, what they mean for you, and why having an experienced legal expert on your side matters now more than ever.

Personal injury claims numbers are at record lows

Government statistics continue to show a long-term decline in the number of personal injury claims, particularly in motor injury cases, with total claims registrations falling year on year. For instance, motor claims have dropped dramatically compared with pre-pandemic levels, reaching the lowest figures ever recorded in recent quarters. 

This trend might appear positive at first glance, but it masks a concerning reality that fewer people are pursuing claims even when they are entitled to do so. Reasons include:

• Uncertainty and confusion about the claims process.
• Misleading messaging about legal costs and recoverability.
• A perception that claims are “no longer worth it” due to reforms.

In short, the rights of injured people are still real, but many are not exercising them because the system has become harder to navigate alone. This is precisely where expert legal representation makes a difference.

Claims are taking longer

One of the most common frustrations we see from injured clients is how long claims take and how little information claimants feel they receive along the way.

Although the Official Injury Claim portal was intended to speed up the process, the average claim lifecycle has increased significantly, with claims involving solicitors taking well over a year to settle. 

At Hopkins Solicitors, we prioritise clear, regular communication, ensuring clients understand progress at every stage, from initial notification to settlement negotiations, because expert guidance isn’t just about legal strategy, it’s about peace of mind.

A shift in the type of claims

While simpler, low-value claims have declined, there is a significant increase in complex injury and public liability cases.

Data shows that public liability claims, where someone is injured in a public place or on someone else’s property, have seen a noticeable increase. 

The same trend is clear in other areas:

• Clinical negligence claims are rising as NHS pressures grow. 
• Serious and catastrophic injury cases continue to require high-level medical evidence and expert support. 

Hopkins Solicitors has a proven track record in these complex areas and is well-positioned to ensure that clients do not get lost in the system due to claimant inexperience or inadequate legal support.

Compensation values are being reassessed

Another critical development is the ongoing revision of guidance on compensation levels. The Judicial College Guidelines, which many courts use to calculate general damages for injury, are expected to show an average increase in recommended awards, in some cases significantly. Check out the Judicial College Guidelines article I wrote to find out more about these changes. 

This reflects:

• Increasing costs of living.
• Higher care and treatment costs.
• Longer recovery times for many injuries.

For injured clients, this means:

• Cases may be worth more than many people think.
• Failing to calculate full future losses can leave claimants under-compensated.
• A solicitor with up-to-date knowledge ensures accurate valuation of every aspect of the claim, including pain and suffering, loss of earnings, care needs, and future support.

The insurance landscape is changing

The insurance industry continues to evolve in response to economic pressures, including rising bodily injury costs across Europe. These changes influence how insurers respond to claims and what they are willing to offer. 

This means:

• Insurance companies may increasingly push for early settlement, often lower than what a claimant is entitled to.
• Negotiations can be tough, especially where the insurer’s legal team is experienced.
• An unrepresented claimant is at a significant disadvantage.

Having an experienced solicitor ensures you are not pressured into accepting less than fair compensation, and that all future needs are properly assessed and factored into any settlement.

The role of legal expertise in managing delays, portals, and evidence

A recurring theme has been system delays and complexity, from portal backlogs to increased medical evidence requirements and evolving statutory frameworks.

This has affected clients in several ways:

• People are choosing not to claim because they believe the process is too long or difficult.
• Others accept sub-standard offers out of frustration or confusion.
• Some claimants start the process alone and later seek advice, but struggle to regain footing.

Hopkins Solicitors understands these challenges. We help our clients by:

• Taking control of the claims process on your behalf.
• Keeping insurers and platforms accountable for timely responses.
• Ensuring all medical and financial evidence is meticulously prepared.

This is more than legal form-filling, it’s a strategic approach that maximises the chance of success and fair settlement.

Why representation still matters despite system changes

Some injured people ask whether it’s worth having a solicitor at all, given reforms like fixed tariffs and portals.

Yes it is, and perhaps now more than ever.

Here’s why:

1. The process for bringing a claim, submitting evidence, calculating losses, valuing future needs, is legally technical.
2. Experienced solicitors know how to keep insurers to deadlines and respond when they delay or dispute liability.
3. Accurate valuation. Compensation is not limited to pain and suffering; it includes future care, rehabilitation, loss of earnings and lifestyle impacts, areas easy to undervalue without expertise.
4. We try to support you through stress. Injury recovery is hard enough without the added pressure of dealing with legal technicalities.

Our team provides that support, guiding you through every step, not just managing paperwork, but advocating for your interests every step of the way.

Common misconceptions that could cost you

To help prospective clients understand the realities of personal injury claims in 2026, here are some common misconceptions that we address:

Myth: “I don’t need a solicitor for low-value claims.”

While many minor injury claims now go through portals with fixed tariffs, you may still benefit from legal advice, especially where injuries have ongoing consequences.

Myth: “Claims must settle quickly.”

Many claimants expect a claim to be resolved within months. The reality, especially with delays in portals, is that settlement often takes a year or more. Having a solicitor helps you understand realistic timelines and keeps the process moving.

Myth: “Insurance companies will treat me fairly.”

Insurers aim to protect their own financial interests. A solicitor levels the playing field, ensuring offers are properly assessed and advocating firmly for your rights.

What to do if you have been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured:

1. Seek medical attention without delay: Your health comes first and medical evidence is vital for any claim.
2. Document everything: Photos, witness details, medical records and time off work all matter.
3. Contact an experienced personal injury solicitor: Don’t wait until the portal process or delays overwhelm you.

At Hopkins Solicitors, we offer no-win, no-fee arrangements where appropriate, honest assessments of your case, and clear guidance.

How Hopkins Solicitors can help you in 2026

Hopkins Solicitors’ Personal Injury team has deep expertise in:

• Road traffic accident claims.
• Public liability and employer liability cases.
• Serious and catastrophic injury claims.
• Clinical negligence where negligence caused harm.
• Maximising compensation through meticulous evidence and valuation.

We recognise that every client’s situation is unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly, from the earliest assessment to achieving the best possible outcome. With ongoing delays and legal changes, having a trusted legal partner is crucial.

2026 may feel like a challenging time for personal injury claimants, but the right legal advice can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury is minor or life-altering, Hopkins Solicitors is here to guide you through the evolving landscape with skill, care, and determination.

If you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault, now is the time to act. Contact Hopkins Solicitors’ Personal Injury team for a free, no-obligation review of your case.