None one starts the day expecting to be involved in a road traffic accident. Unfortunately, many of us experience one at some point during our lives. More often than not, it’s through no fault of our own. The average number of road accidents in the UK is well over 300 every single day. Road safety has never been so important, yet we can’t control the actions of others.
We don’t believe in living every day expecting the worst, but when it does happen, Innocent Driver is committed to helping minimise the stress caused and the impact that the situation has on your life and overall wellbeing. That’s why we recommend the use of a solicitor.
An accident of any severity can be traumatic. If there’s an injury of any kind, then it can be even more distressing and can lead to on-going implications in your life. Perhaps there are lasting injuries, time off work, doctors’ appointments and paperwork to consider. Whether you have been seriously hurt or experienced minor injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
In this day and age, personal injury claims and compensation can be looked at negatively, and it can be hard to know whether you can trust a personal injury claims company due to negative press. The thing is, if you choose not to use a solicitor, the process can become more complicated, increasingly time-consuming and you risk missing out on compensation rightly owed to you.
We are an accident management company, and we claim directly from the other driver’s insurer. While our business is all about getting your car back on the road, we are experts in the industry. We want the best outcome for anyone who has suffered from an injury due to their accident which is why we have prepared this article.
The Insurer Approach
If your vehicle has been damaged, or you have suffered from an injury following an accident, the other parties insurer will likely contact you to offer compensation and offer to settle the claim with you directly.
This process is referred to as third party assistance or third party capture. Although they can come across as pushy, It’s entirely legal for them to approach you to make an offer. You may even be tempted to accept the offer and get the whole thing over with as quickly as possible. Perhaps it makes sense and helps you avoid any further stress or delay, especially if you feel vulnerable after the incident; that’s perfectly natural. Don’t act hastily though, it could cost you down the line.
Things To Consider…
- It is essential to wait until you have received a full medical assessment before you accept any payment, be aware of your injuries’ full extent, and how they may affect you in the future.
- You do not have to accept the offer right away. It is important to take some time to think about it. You have three years to decide what to do, so don’t let any third party rush you.
- If you accept the offer, it is likely to be a lot less than what you get by using a solicitor.
- The insurer may offer you a solicitor to complete the agreement; you can find your own solicitor instead.
- Do not sign anything until you are sure you have read and fully understood the terms.
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Accept…
1.Conflicts of Interest
Your best interests will never be considered if you deal with the insurer directly. It is simply not possible for the insurer to have your interests at heart or even considered. At the end of the day, their responsibility lies with the other party. If their responsibility lies with the party responsible for the accident, they simply cannot act in your best interests simultaneously.
This means that you have to be very wary in your dealings with them. They are also, in plain business terms, looking to save as much money as possible. Their company balance sheet will be their next priority, over and above the impact, your injury has had on you personally.
2.Claim Value
The value of an injury claim is more complicated than you may think. Many factors come into play, including where the injury is, any resulting scars, and long-lasting pain. Other financial issues such as time off work, private treatments are also considered.
A complicated combination of these factors can impact your claim dramatically, which is hard to calculate without legal training.
This, mixed with the fact that the insurer will be looking to pay as little as possible, means that you risk receiving an unfair settlement agreement.
It is not your fault that you have been injured and negatively impacted, so there’s no reason why you should be sold short or financially impacted as well.
Using A Solicitor
Using a solicitor means that you have an educated and independent party in your corner, acting in your best interest at all times. The insurer can work in their and their client’s best interest while your solicitor puts you first. This approach will help guarantee the best possible outcome for you.
Not only that, but your solicitor will be able to tell if your compensation offer is fair and reasonable based on the law. If the offer is unfair, they can advise you of such and work with the insurer to reach a more suitable agreement.
There is no reason why using a solicitor should be more stressful or difficult than dealing with the insurer; in fact, quite the opposite.
Please note that in the improbable event that the claim goes to court, this is a simple process in front of the judge only.
Did You Know?
Research carried out byThe English Law Society showed that not using a solicitor could result in receiving 2-3 times less compensation.
More Help!
If you are looking for more help before you decide what to do, give us a call. Innocent driver can help you every step of the way.
While Innocent Driver takes care of your car, we can provide access to legal advice from a panel of expert solicitors who will help you recover other losses such as lost earnings and who can help if you were injured. See, we really have thought of everything.
Remember any anyone who has fallen victim to negligence on the road is entitled to fair compensation. Taking out legal advice is the best thing to do for you in this situation.
Don’t suffer undue stress. Use a solicitor to handle the matter effectively on your behalf.