I took a call yesterday from another victim of third part capture
by an insurance company.
The lady concerned had been involved in a road traffic accident 6 weeks ago. The other driver’s insurance company had telephoned her later the same day. They asked her how she was and she told them that she was “aching and feeling very shaken”. She said they sounded very sympathetic and offered her £1,000 to settle any claim immediately. Sadly, she accepted.
That night she had difficulty sleeping and by the following morning her back and neck were in considerable discomfort. She has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy and this alone has cost her nearly £300 so far. Unfortunately, as she has already settled her claim with the other driver’s insurance company, she cannot seek any more compensation from them.
Sadly, this is becoming an all too common tale, particularly after road traffic accidents. Remember, to the insurance company you are no more than a damage limitation exercise. They know they have to compensate you and they want to pay you as little as possible.
The golden rule is NEVER to accept an offer from another party’s insurance company without first taking independent legal advice. And “independent” is the key word. Insurance company’s will often offer to refer you to one of their “independent” panel solicitors for advice, at no cost to you. Ask yourself, how “independent” will the advice really be when the solicitor (and the chances are you won’t actually be dealing with a qualified solicitor) is recommended by the other driver’s insurance company?
Always speak to a specialist and truly independent personal injury solicitor. The chances are it won’t cost you a penny.