Got knocked off bike by Van

[Bathroom_Security]

kiethton said:

Were they insured at the time of the accident?

Even if that provider has gone, their liability hasn't...

Dont know. I don't know why they decided to pursue him as an individual in the end, I think they thought it would be easier.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Bathroom_Security said:

So, solicitors I think went after the wrong insurance company for some reason. The actual company no longer exists of course given they have taken so long. Now going via (small claims?) court against the individual.

Is that actually a thing?

Anyway, on my 5th (I think) solicitor now who is actually proactive.

Should have gone with LD like many suggested! Glad to say I'm about 99% ok after that accident.

Thanks

So through lack of competence they haven't handled your case correctly?

Then they went after the employee (driver?)

Can you make a official complaint, find details for their ombudsman?

[IJWS15]

Insurance actions are always between the parties involved, the insurance company didn’t knock the OP off his bike.

Insurer’s just pick up the bill, and the don’t avoid the bill by folding - something about guarantees provided when they are authorised to sell insurance.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Somethings not right (no not about you OP). Even if someone folds their is industry protection, a kitty or something of sorts.

My own experience on accident (big multi service/long established) solicitors is poor. So bad that I went it alone and "won".

I was told it was pointless the council will fight and win, they'll elect to go to court. Then another sent me a no win no fee contract that when I read the T&Cs had some high fees for no win..

I used my common sense evidence gathering skills, put it to the council and liability was accepted.

I know solicitors use trained staff but no doubt low experienced to do the actual work and low paid - in your case could this have been the case and they've missed many aspects out?

Sorry defendant with business insurance negligent but you get nothing because they've cocked up?

[Bathroom_Security]

Thanks for the responses, basically yes. The solicitors have taken so long, and there have been I think 4 different individuals handling the claim in this time, that the insurance company has now gone bust.

The latest individual handling the claim has been far more proactive than any others.

I don't know what to do if I'm honest, or how I would even go looking for an ombudsman, or what to say.

Wife is a solicitor (although totally different field) and her friends in the industry have suggested trying to sue the solicitors for negligence, or something. Fact is they left it so long that they have had to go after the individual and I guarantee given his employment he won't be able to come up with the £17k he supposedly owes. A problem for many people I'm sure, but for those that simply don't give a st they can just ignore it.