RTC aftermath solicitor query

[kurt535]

Hi all,

I had a car ram into the back of my one as i was stationary turning right, major to minor. I ended up collecting concussion, next shoulder back trauma plus elevated blood pressure meaning im stuck in bed for the time being and on physio.

My annoyance, or naivety, is my insurance company who rang me to discuss my injuries stated they would claim agains the other driver but their fee was 25%. This threw me a bit as I had envisaged if they worked on my behalf, anything offered by the other side was mine?

This is my first ever whack in 33 years of driving so all new to me.

Feedback welcome

[littleredrooster]

Do you mean your Car insurance company?

And where does the solicitor come into it, as per thread title?

[anniesdad]

Hi,

Yes in April 2013 the rules changed and the amount payable by insurers to solicitors was reduced for straight forward personal injury cases that run through the RTA claims portal. If the insurers at fault accept liability and deal with it in a timely manner then (your) Solicitors cost to them is £500.00 (I think). Further they are not obliged to pay for After The Event legal expenses insurance policies that can cost around £150 - £200.

However as part of the rule change lawyers were then allowed to top up their costs by charging their customers up to 25% of their financial award. Meaning no longer 100% no win no fee, more 75% no win no fee. Some lawyers work for portal costs only and/or their usual hourly rate for more complicated / non-portal claims, however they are now in the minority.

You need to decide if you want (and can find) a lawyer that is happy to work only for a fixed sum of money or one that is willing to perhaps work a bit harder for you as he/she has a financial incentive to do so....

[Gavia]

kurt535 said:

Hi all,

I had a car ram into the back of my one as i was stationary turning right, major to minor. I ended up collecting concussion, next shoulder back trauma plus elevated blood pressure meaning im stuck in bed for the time being and on physio.

My annoyance, or naivety, is my insurance company who rang me to discuss my injuries stated they would claim agains the other driver but their fee was 25%. This threw me a bit as I had envisaged if they worked on my behalf, anything offered by the other side was mine?

This is my first ever whack in 33 years of driving so all new to me.

Feedback welcome

It’s not your insurance company. They have no interest in this as an insurer, they’ve simply passed your details onto their friendly (probably jointly owned) legal firm. You should always buy legal expenses insurance nowadays, although you can buy one policy to cover any and all vehicles for c£20 a year rather than the ones sold by your insurer which only cover the vehicle they insure.

[kurt535]

ty all