Car Accident claim help required

doddawidd

Hi everyone.

I had an accident last night, which was completely the other drivers fault. He immediately admiited liability to myself and to the Police. I've never had a claim before in 25 years of driving.

Both airbags on my car went off in my car and the car is, I presume, a write-off. I was a bit shaken up at the time, but today have a tender right shoulder and a sore neck. I went to my GP ( to cover myself) and he has signed me off for a week, saying its probably muscular. I'm on full pay so doesn't really make a difference in that respect.

I was contacted by a solicitor this morning, asking about my injuries. I asked where they got my details from and they said my insurance company. They took my details and said they will get back to me tomorrow.

I was then contacted by the other drivers' insurance company this afternoon, saying they have accepted full responsibility for the accident. The car will be assessed in the next couple of days by an assessor. I will receive a courtesy car from them until the claim is settled. They also asked about my injuries and asked if I would be making a claim. I replied that I wasn't sure, as I've never been in this position before.

He then made me an offer of £1650, for compensation of my injuries. TBH, it doesn't really feel that bad, although it is sorer tonight than it was yesterday.

My dilemma is, should I accept this offer from the Insurance co? The solicitors would probably tell me I shouldn't, but since I'm not that badly injured, it seems like extra money to me, which I could probably put towards the cost of a replacement car (they'll probably give me less than what it's worth anyway).

So just looking for some advice really, as I've never had to deal with this before

Thanks everyone

McKneff

Sort the car out first. Do you think the car will be a write off, if not they will pay for the repairs.

See how you feel physically. In all honesty, how are you feeling at this moment'


You must ring your own insurance company up and tell them you have had this bump but ensure you say its for 'Information Only' and that you are dealing directly with the third partys insurance. The TPs will sort everything out for you.

Wait for more advice on here please regarding any injury claim.

Quentin

doddawidd wrote: »

So just looking for some advice really, as I've never had to deal with this before

You need to get your own specialist legal advice over your injury/compensation. Don't rely on posts on a forum!

Sally_A

Whilst I admire these Third Party companies taking ownership and offering settlement extremely quickly. Re the injury; did your GP put you on muscle relaxant pills, or any sort of meds? You really do need to complete the course of medication before you accept a hasty decision.

Realistically, between £1500 - £2000 is about the going rate for a few after accident aches and pains, and a quick payment by the TP Ins co stops the fat cat ambulance chasers milking off more than you will receive.

I'd tell them you are grateful for their efficient offer, but would rather hang fire until the bruising, aches, meds have been given a bit of time to ensure there are no long lasting effects, and presumably this will be backed up by the GP in a weeks time.

I also like your matter of fact, non money grabbing attitude; :Tmakes a refreshing change in this day and age.

Hope you are feeling hunky dorey again in a week.

McKneff

My friend was hit at 15 miles an hour by an old man on a junction, he was turning right in front of them, she saw the accident about to happen
and instinctively turned to her children in the back, 15 months later she is still on meds, in real pain, nothing the specialist can do but send her to a pain clinic.

Terrible tha such a low impact bump can affect her for the rest of her life.

InsideInsurance

It is massively to early to settle on the injury. See how you feel in a couple of weeks and how its settling down.

You can then choose to either if all is ok to simply negotiate a little and settle for a quick and easy solution or instruct a solicitor and expect a much longer process that could result in a bigger or lower settlement - the solicitor will be the only one not to lose out

Parking_Trouble

What do you think you deserve for your injuries?

Quite clearly there has been some reasonable impact if the airbags have gone off.

Full pay whilst off sick so no loss of earnings yet.

Maybe you should wait a few months to see if there any lasting effects that really deserve some compensation. It will probably lead to a higher offer if you drag it out.

Quentin

Parking_Trouble wrote: »

Full pay whilst off sick so no loss of earnings yet....

The employer will want reimbursing, so the wages will be part of the claim.

Parking_Trouble

Quentin wrote: »

The employer will want reimbursing, so the wages will be part of the claim.

My employer ( a large corporate) would not be pursuing reimbursement for a week off.

Long term probably yes but not for a few days

Quentin

Parking_Trouble wrote: »

My employer ( a large corporate) would not be pursuing reimbursement for a week off.

Why should they be out of pocket because you are injured by some negligent driver in a RTA?

Employers are in business to make a profit, and most would want to be reimbursed if there is someone to blame!

InsideInsurance

Have to say I can count on one hand how many employers ever tried to claim for sick leave pay.

Businesses are out there to make money but clearly the OPs employers have decided to offer above the legal minimum required of only SSP after 3 days and so have taken a calculated risk. Wonder if they sue their employee's neighbour if their employee is off sick with the flu saying they caught it from the neighbour?