Stockport, UK -- Claimssolicitors.co.uk have released a case study warning against direct negotiation between claimants and insurance companies in personal injury claims. because of the dangers of claimants being left out of pocket.
The case study describes the events following a road traffic accident involving a Mrs Lampard. Mrs Lampard was involved in a collision when her car was struck by a vehicle that overshot a junction. As well as vehicle damage Mrs Lampard suffered multiple bruising, deep cuts, and anxiety.
The responsible driver’s insurance company SAGA dealt with repairs and conceded liability for the accident. SAGA approached Mrs Lampard and it was agreed that they would deal with her personal injury claim direct, without the involvement of solicitors. SAGA arranged a medical examination, a report was prepared and they offered £1500 compensation. Mrs Lampard felt the offer was too low and advised the insurance company that she would seek legal advice. Without any further evidence SAGA increased their offer from £1500 to £2500.
Mrs Lampard then consulted Nigel Barrowcliff of Davies & Company, whose online presence is www.claimssolicitors.co.uk, and instructed him to negotiate on her behalf. Professional photographs were prepared of scar tissue and a new medical report was commissioned. A rehabilitation programme was set up and funded by SAGA to aid Mrs Lampard’s recovery. A settlement figure was agreed at £7000 – over 4 times higher than the original offer and due to the Davies & Company no win no fee scheme, secured at no cost to Mrs Lampard.
ClaimsSolicitors believe that the process of direct negotiation with insurers is a perilous one for claimants, and even in cases where the insurance company recommends a solicitor the claimant, is deprived the opportunity of independent legal advice from a solicitor of their choice.
“This case provides a perfect illustration of how direct negotiation with an insurer after a road accident works against the claimant. Unless the right information is brought to the table, the negotiation process is no more scientific than a game of “deal or no deal” with the claimant left to second guess whether the insurance company offer is a genuine valuation or part of a bartering process to test the claimant’s resolve. Once we presented Mrs Lampard’s accident claim, the insurer broadly accepted our analysis, co operated and a fair settlement was agreed." Commented Nigel Barrowcliff of ClaimsSolicitors. "It is too much to expect an insurance company to argue against the interest of their own shareholders. If an insurance company offers to pay a claimant’s case direct the answer should always be “no deal” – and instead consult a reputable personal injury solicitor at no cost.”
For more information about ClaimsSolicitors, visit www.claimssolicitors.co.uk or call free on 0800 731 7923.
About ClaimsSolicitors:
claimssolicitors.co.uk is the online presence of Davies and Company is specialist firm of personal injury solicitors. The firm is a member of APIL (Association of Personal Injury Solicitors), MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society), and PEOPIL (Pan-European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers), and has two solicitors on the Solicitors Regulation Authority Personal Injury Panel.
Press Contact:
Susie Hood
Click Consult
Neston, Cheshire, CH64 9XF
P: 0845 205 0292
F: 0845 205 0283
susie.hood@clickconsult.com
http://www.claimssolicitors.co.uk
