Your Accident Claim: Claims Assessors, Management Companies or Solicitors
It’s a complex set of laws which you’re up against when it comes to making an accident claim. First of all you must decide if making an accident claim is even the right step for you to take. After all, it is a lengthy and often stressful process and for some people, monetary compensation may not be the answer. For some, an acceptance of liability and an apology is enough. For others, some kind of assurance that the same accident will not befall another innocent victim is the answer.
If you do decide to make an accident claim, you will then face the decision of choosing someone to handle your claim. This is where you will be bombarded with decisions. Should you choose a claims assessor, a claims management company or go direct to a solicitor?
A claims assessor will normally handle your accident claim on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they will take a cut of whatever compensation you are awarded. Normally, you will not pay at all if your accident claim is not successful, but you must read the terms of their service carefully to avoid nasty surprises.
Unfortunately, some claims assessors do not use solicitors and merely negotiate with the liable party on your behalf. They cannot begin court proceedings for you and cannot represent you in court. In cases where liability is denied or a settlement cannot be reached, you are then left having to instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf. In short, using claims assessors can lead to lengthy delays and may even force your case to become statue barred if the three year period in which you must claim comes to an end.
Accident claim solicitors are the better choice. They are governed by law society rules and carry their own insurance for negligence, so you know you are in safe hands.
