Quote:
Originally Posted by Heorot
There is a set scale for the different types of injuries that is the bible for insurers but they will offer less in the hope that you will accept a lower amount. I would wait for their offer and then go to see your solicitor if you think it's too low. You should be able to get a no compensation/no pay deal with him.
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It would be good to get a copy of that scale
The problem with no-win no-fee these days is that the lawyers take 50% of the claim value. They will say things like "if the value of the claim is lower than £500 then we will take nothing." and "if the work undertaken on the claim is less than 50% then we will only charge you for the work done + a bonus for success".
The reality if you read the fine print is that they will always over lawyer it to get past the £500 value, and the success bonus is 50%. Therefore they will always take 50% of the claim no matter what happens. The 50% includes any money they have claimed for you. So for example if you use them to claim for your vehicle write-off or for damaged clothing/helmet then they take 50% of that value.
In a case like mine where the insurers are not disputing liability and the injury is fairly straight forward it is better to go with a straight fee based approach. However you can guarantee that the lawyers will still over charge.
Therefore, so long as the offer made for the claim is greater than 50% of what I should get, I am better off. Equally I can use the threat of lawyers with them as the third party has to pay the first £500 so it will definitely cost them more than dealing with me directly.
Messy business using lawyers!