Ambulance Chasing - How to Avoid Being Ripped Off
It's not easy being the victim of an accident these days. Where a third party is responsible for your injuries you are likely to be entitled to receive compensation so how do you go about bringing your claim and how do you select a law firm that will advance your claim to your satisfaction?
Victims of motor accidents are often directed by their own insurers to a panel firm of solicitors, appointed by the insurer, to handle the claim. The insurer may have a financial interest in your claim and will want to recover it's outlay hence the early referral to a nominated firm. The drawback here is that whilst you may be based in Reading or Newbury, the panel firm may be based in Manchester so what is the likelihood is that you will ever have any face to face meeting with your solicitor? Re you happy for all work to be undertaken by post or by telephone? And just how qualified is the individual who will be dealing with your claim? Large firms, for example, who deal with high volume road traffic claims often engage non-qualified staff and your claim may be just one of a pile sitting on that person's desk.
Legal expenses insurance is becoming an increasingly valuable addition to a standard home, motor or indeed credit card insurance policy. The trend is that such insurers are dictating the policyholder's choice of solicitor and accordingly reduces the scope of clients to choose their lawyer. You have the freedom of choice to determine which firm you engage so if face to face contact with your lawyer is important, you do not have to be forced to engage the services of a firm in Manchester if you wish to bring your claim in Reading. Even if an insurer tries to direct you, ultimately the instruction of the lawyer is yours.
And what if you have no legal expenses cover? Should that deter you from pursuing a claim? Absolutely not. Very often a law firm will offer an initial 30 or 60 minute consultation so make a call and ask whether the facility is open to you.
You may have heard of Claims Management companies. What are they? They are effectively firms which train staff to encourage victims of accidents to sign up to agreements whereby much will be taken out of the victim's hands as their agents and chosen solicitors "guide" them through the claims process. A contract may be signed, tying the accident victim to the firm, and incorporated into the contract there is often a clause stipulating that a proportion of any damages recovered will be paid from the compensation to the claims management company. Before signing any such agreement ask in no uncertain terms whether you will receive 100% of your damages and if you remain unconvinced, ask for this to be confirmed in writing.
Similarly, if you respond to a TV advert or an advert on a billboard, make sure that you know where your call is being directed. Before you know it, your claim has been processed, whisked through a personal injury system and your calls are directed miles away.
Don't be pushed into taking steps you may regret at a later date. Rowberry Morris has a dedicated team of injury lawyers who are prepared to advise and guide you in all elements of personal injury claims. For a first free interview please contact us.
