Car Accident

madkatz

Hello Guys

I wondered if anyone can help (please be nice i'm new)

I had a car accident in Feb of this year.
I was travelling to work. Going right around a roundabout (signalling correctly) when a car entered the roundabout without giving way or slowing down (from a 50 mph zone) He claimed he didn't see me!!!!
I suspect that he only braked for the roundabout when he did see me...but couldn't stop in time

He damaged the entire passenger side of my vehicle (£4000 worth of repairs) Initially i felt ok. Minor bump to forehead...a little shaken. I reported the accident to the police. A friend made me go to local hospital because i had a very nice 'egg' sized lump on my forehead. By the time i was seen at the hospital the back right hand side of my neck was starting to burn.

This resulted in what they and my gp have called whiplash type injury; pain to neck/shoulder & lower back. Numbness alternating with pins and needles. I couldn't even wash my own hair!!!

I am now having physio...and progressing to recovery. I had 5 weeks off work...so only sick pay. I have had to persue a claim (though i have always been skeptical about whiplash claims). This has all been extremely distressing as I am a mature student...the loss of time at work/workplacement could have cost my qualification - I NEEDED to be back at work asap.
Questions:

1) I have protected no claims - and he has admitted liability - no afault claim. BUT won't this still affect my future insurance premimums?

2) surely my car is now worth less - was previously in mint condition?

3) My solicitors have advised me to turn down the first offer - £3070 including loss of earnings of £1300. Surely i don't want to settle now anyway as i still have pain and restricted use. I am still in pain daily. The Medical expert gave an expected recovery date of 8 months post crash.

Would you wait til all symptoms have ceased?
How does one know what is fair and reasonable when it come to compensation?

Volcano

madkatz wrote: »

Would you wait til all symptoms have ceased?
How does one know what is fair and reasonable when it come to compensation?

Everything seems to be on course....he's admitted liability (so your car will be repaired) and you have a solicitor helping you so you know what is a 'fair' offer. You could phone a no win/no fee solicitor, they'll be experts at injury claims, for a second opinion. Your insurance shouldn't be affected.

I'm sure your situation has been pretty stressful, but you can't turn back time or make things exactly how they were previous to the accident. All things considered, it seems to be going ok.

madkatz

Thank you

I agree that all is on track...and most importantly I am back to my studies..phew!

The solicitors have not given me any clues as to what is reasonable...just said that they advised me decline the first offer???

KonkyWonky

madkatz wrote: »

Thank you

I agree that all is on track...and most importantly I am back to my studies..phew!

The solicitors have not given me any clues as to what is reasonable...just said that they advised me decline the first offer???

Have you asked your solicitor what they feel would be a figure they would advise you to settle on? I would get a second opinion as well.

mattymoo

madkatz wrote: »

1) I have protected no claims - and he has admitted liability - no afault claim. BUT won't this still affect my future insurance premimums?

2) surely my car is now worth less - was previously in mint condition?

3) My solicitors have advised me to turn down the first offer - £3070 including loss of earnings of £1300. Surely i don't want to settle now anyway as i still have pain and restricted use. I am still in pain daily. The Medical expert gave an expected recovery date of 8 months post crash.

Would you wait til all symptoms have ceased?
How does one know what is fair and reasonable when it come to compensation?

1 - Yes, future premiums will rise. You could experiment with the quote engines (use false name but same address) and see what difference a non-fault accident will make to future premiums. Ask solicitors to include this in claim although I suspect it will be resisted by the other side.

2 - Google "diminution in market value" for answers to this.

3 - With whiplash the courts have a band of awards depending on severity and length of suffering. However, it does not double up each year or follow any sort of scale. For example (and I suspect my figures are out of date) 1 month suffering = £1k, 6 months £1500 and 1 year = £2000. Two years might be £3,000. As I say, these figures are out of date but it shows that the award is front end loaded so to speak.

Recovery is due in October according to your doc. You might want to wait till Nov/Dec time to see if this pans out and it also gives you a bit of a christmas treat money wise. It may not increase the award much but since you have only one bite at the cherry you may wish to check the prognosis.

One bite at the cherry - any settlement made will be in full and final settlement and you cannot go back for more later if you develop long term problems from this.