Discectomy after car accident

ZakkWylde

Hi all, I am after a bit of advice on an ongoing insurance claim.
Two years ago I had a car accident, I was stationary when another driver ran into the back of my car. I was shunted forward three to five meters, and the car suffered severe rear end damage. I got out of the car, very angry, and thought all was ok. About four or five days later I began to experience pins and needles in my right arm, this quickly degenerated until both forearms and hands were going numb and experiencing pins and needles and feelings of 'electric shocks'. I also lost strength across my upper back and my right leg began to give way when walking.
I was sent for an MRI scan by my gp, the outcome of which showed three discs had prolapsed into my spinal column and we're causing damage and signal change to my spinal cord. I was advised that these discs needed removing urgently as they could potentially cause paralysis. I subsequently had these removed and the vertebrae fused into one piece. I now suffer from pins and needles constantly, and have reduced strength across my shoulders. An independant surgeon employed by the third party's insurer has assessed me and said that in his opinion the injuries, operation and subsequent loss of feelings/pins and needles are due entirely to the accident. He has asked I go back for further scans and tests in 12 months time to assess the long term prognosis.
My solicitor has said that i can now not expect a settlement for at least two years. I have asked about interim payments and potential final settlement figure but he does not seem that interested. I lost about 5 months work altogether, and still struggle, but being self employed means I have to work regardless.
Could anyone please advise on what I should be asking for and if it is worth changing solicitors.
Apologies for the long first post, and thanks in advance for any advice offered.

InsideInsurance

Have you raised a complaint with your current solicitor? Are they of your choosing or did your insurance company appoint them?

Switching solicitors may result in costs that you are liable for - its not the third parties fault you chose a bad firm to represent you. If your insurers appointed them then also put your issues to them.

[Deleted User]

You should definitely be able to get interim payments if you are off work or having to pay for treatment. InsideInsuance is right, if your solicitor is not getting them for you then you need to complain to your insurance company or perhaps to someone else at the same legal firm.