Insurance com wants to pay for a solicitor for me to sue

[johnb]

to sue them.
Okay that may be an exaggeration. Annoyed with motorist's insurance company for not sorting out dental problem (2 years). So rung them, as you can guess the person dealing with my case had left. The new person said she would get back to me.....didn't, Rung up a week later different person said my case was being sent to a Solictors as my injuries turned out to be worse than expected and they only dealt with minor injuries. THEY will be paying for the Solicitor to act for me? Is this normal? And what can I expect from a solicitor paid for by the sued party? I have checked the recording of the conversation and I am accurate in what "they" are saying?

[rich.mike]

Is this a motorists company that may pay out for damages from another driver or your own insurance?

[ianfitz]

It’s probably cheaper for them to pay for legal stuff up front. If their insured was at fault for the accident then they will be paying anyway! If they are commissioning lots of legal work they will get a better rate. Should be impartial though, but I’ve no experience of this personally.

Did you have insurance or BC/CTC membership? They would be able to advise. Possibly even if you are not a member.

You may we’ll be able to instruct your own solicitor. Plenty of cycling injury specialist firms around. Usually will provide a free screening call to see if they can help.

[johnb]

Is this a motorists company that may pay out for damages from another driver or your own insurance?

The drivers insurance company who ran into me on my bike. His insurance company accepted responsibility. They are the ones who want to get me a solicitor and pay for him?

[johnb]

It’s probably cheaper for them to pay for legal stuff up front. If their insured was at fault for the accident then they will be paying anyway! If they are commissioning lots of legal work they will get a better rate. Should be impartial though, but I’ve no experience of this personally.

Did you have insurance or BC/CTC membership? They would be able to advise. Possibly even if you are not a member.

You may we’ll be able to instruct your own solicitor. Plenty of cycling injury specialist firms around. Usually will provide a free screening call to see if they can help.

It is normal for a solicitor to take 25% of whatever the insurance company offers you assuming it doesn't go to court. Either way a solicitor gets paid by the insurance company but a set amount based on how much you are paid/win. Because of the latter solicitor now also charge 25% of your compensation. I have no insurance I was cycling home when a motor cyclist hit me. His insurance company contacted him and came back a couple of days later and accepted responsibility.

[johnb]

Still waiting for the insurance appointed solicitor to contact me. Still think it odd that they think they should sort me out a solicitor ...and pay for him?

[Wotsits]

The claim will have to be delt with, using their own solictor just probably makes things easy for them..
You'd have to dig a bit deeper to make your own opinion if there's a conflict of interest, although by the sound of your claim it may be relatively small, no major injuries??

There's probably no reason why you can't go & get your own solicitor. If you have some other kind of insurance- home/contents?, it may cover you & worth ringing them to check.

Otherwise there's loads a specialist cycle claims companies that'll be more than happy to take your case on if the other party has admitted liabilty.. Use your Google-Fu!
https://www.cycleclaims.co.uk/
https://www.cycle-sos.co.uk/
www.cycle-legal.co.uk/
https://www.emsleys.co.uk/services-for- ... ycle-claim
www.cycleaidsolicitors.co.uk/
https://www.slatergordon.co.uk

To name but a few!!

[johnb]

The claim will have to be delt with, using their own solictor just probably makes things easy for them..
You'd have to dig a bit deeper to make your own opinion if there's a conflict of interest, although by the sound of your claim it may be relatively small, no major injuries??

There's probably no reason why you can't go & get your own solicitor. If you have some other kind of insurance- home/contents?, it may cover you & worth ringing them to check.

Otherwise there's loads a specialist cycle claims companies that'll be more than happy to take your case on if the other party has admitted liabilty.. Use your Google-Fu!
https://www.cycleclaims.co.uk/
https://www.cycle-sos.co.uk/
http://www.cycle-legal.co.uk/
https://www.emsleys.co.uk/services-for- ... ycle-claim
http://www.cycleaidsolicitors.co.uk/
https://www.slatergordon.co.uk

To name but a few!!

They decided I need a solicitor because they believe my injury's are not minor as they assumed originally. At least that's what they said. I certainly appreciate that list of specialist cycle solicitors and will use one if necessary. I don't think house insurance covers you for Solictors cost unless I was being sued. Again thanks for the list of solicitors.

[Wotsits]

No problem for the list, there seems to be loads calling themselves 'cycle specialists'.
No idea which ones are any good! Just had a search & it looks like CTC may use Slater & Gordon-
https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/unions-f ... ities/ctc/

But it looks like if your personal injury claim is less than £1k, then they put it through small claims-
https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/unions-f ... /ctc/faqs/

I don't cycle commute, but if i did, i'd definitely sign-up to the CTC or BC, just for their legal cover.

When i've previously been a CTC member the cover has included Europe, but just had a look & it's not obvious if it's covered now..

Good luck, hope you have a positive outcome..

[ianfitz]

I’d also add https://www.leighday.co.uk/Personal-Inj ... se/Cycling
to the list. They are big supporters of the adventure syndicate and seem like good folks.

[johnb]

Thanks all.