Car Accident and Injuries

nurse-money

I was in my car on Wednesday evening driving home from work when I stopped at some traffic lights in a queue, the car behind did not stop and drove straight in to the back of me. At the time I was fine and so was the the driver of the car behind, there is mainly cosmetic damage to my car (although it is going in to the garage tomorrow and im picking up hire car, arranged by my insurance) and her car was damaged also.

That evening I developed severe neck and upper back pain and did not sleep well. I did not go in to work and have been off since. I attended my local NHS WALK IN CENTRE, who diagnosed whiplash as expected. I've had to cancel plans for this weekend, and some extra work I planned too. I've been advised to have next week off to recover also. I drive as part of my job.

I don't have legal cover with my insurance, (which I actually thought I did) and my insurance advised me I should contact a no win, no fee solicitor to deal with the case for me, but would not recommend anyone to deal with.

My question is who should I deal with?

Some seem to be offering money to take on the case for me, as an incentive to use them.

geri1965_2

Which ones offer money?

nurse-money

I was really surprised they were offering cash..!

http://www.claimsquad.com/solicitor-panel.aspx

http://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/offers/freeoffer.aspx

These are just a couple of them that I have found...? Is this usual?

Quentin

It is usual for payments to take place between solicitors/claim handlers and middle men "introducers".

These inducements are less than they would normally pay (eg) an insurance company legal department for an "introduction" to a client like you, so they will be genuine offers.

nurse-money

so is it worth going with one of these, and actually missing out the middle man?

geri1965_2

It's always best to go straight to a solicitor, in my opinion. I didn't know they offered payments though - result! Simpson Millar are OK, I have had some dealings with them in the past, and can't remember anything about them, which is usually a sign that things went smoothly.

nurse-money

thanks for your help!

dacouch

Do us all a favour and don't use one of the ones from the TV, the adverts really wind me up...lol

Claim_Squad

Hi Nurse-Money,

Sorry to hear about your accident.

I work for one of the companies you mentioned in your thread, namely Claim Squad and just to answer your question, we introduced our cash back scheme last month. You are right that it is an incentive to use us but we like to think of it as a thank you for using us and a means to maximise your compensation. We share the referral fee we get with you and it is in addition to your compensation settlement.

Roger

Official MoneySavingExpert Note: Claim Squad has asked for permission to help answer questions about its services and that's fine. Please remember this does not mean MSE endorses the company or its products.

dacouch

Claim Squad / Roger please read the rules for MSE, if you wish to represent Claims Squad then you have to contact MSE and gain their permission and abide by their rules which include Claims Squad acknowledging you are posting on their behalf and accepting liability for any incorrect advice you post.

Claim_Squad

Sorry, will do...

Roger