Personal Injury
If you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s fault, whether at work or on the road, you are entitled to be compensated for those injuries. You are also entitled to recover any other losses you may have incurred, such as loss of earnings or private medical fees.
Some third-party insurance companies may attempt to settle a claim for compensation directly with you. You should never settle a claim without the benefit of a medical report and independent legal advice.
Increasingly injured parties are being approached by Claims Management Companies who offer to arrange for a replacement car, the repair of your vehicle and to nominate a solicitor to act on your behalf. In the immediate aftermath of an accident such assistance may be welcomed. However, by availing of such services you may expose yourself to significant and unnecessary costs and liabilities.
If you wish to avail of a replacement vehicle, the Claims Management Company will require you to enter into a credit hire agreement under which you will have potential personal liabilities. If your claim is unsuccessful, these may be significant. Even if you are successful, you may be unable to recover all of the charges for the car hire from the at fault party, as some Claims Management Companies charge a hire fee higher than ‘the going rate’ for car hire. In these circumstances you may be personally liable for these charges. Similar problems may also arise with regard to car repair costs.
The Claims Management Company may refer you to a firm of solicitors to handle your claim. They may even insist that you instruct a firm from their panel of solicitors rather than your own solicitors.
You should be aware that:
• You are under no obligation to accept their choice of solicitor.
• You are free at all times to instruct your own solicitors.
Your first call after a car accident should always be to your own solicitor.
Bogue & Co will ensure that your injuries are fully assessed by a medical professional. Then, with the benefit of all necessary medical reports, we will ensure your claim is settled for its full value. If liability is disputed, or where insurers are not prepared to settle a claim at a fair level, we will advise you about issuing appropriate Court proceedings.
