Advice-Personal Injury Claim

Topaz83

I was involved in a car accident two weeks ago, the other driver has accepted full liability. I've decided to put a Personal injury claim in.

I contacted a solicitor who has advised he will take 25% of the settlement. My insurance is with Admiral so Admiral Law called me to ask about a personal injury claim, I told them I was about to appoint a solicitor and he told me that if I go with Admiral Law I will get 100% compensation and legal expenses cover however if I go with the solicitor I've contacted then I'll have to take out an after the event insurance policy.

I'm now not sure which is the best option, please help!

Quentin

Assuming both firms have similar reputations it's a no brainer isn't it,??

Topaz83

It seems that way to me but wondered if it could be too good to be true. I wondered if anyone had had any dealings with Admiral Law and are there any hidden fees. The solicitor I contacted said they can get a better settlement for me because they will maximise my settlement whereas Admiral Law will just award me the bear minimum.

OnanTheBarbarian

Admiral Law are a joint venture between Admiral insurance and 2 law firms Lyons Davidson & Cordner Lewis.

Admiral give away legal cover so that they have a better chance of sending their injured policyholders to solicitor firms they have a financial arrangement with as they share the profits. Most personal injury claims made from motor accidents are dealt with by the "factory firms" within the bosom of the insurance industry. contrary to the bile you see reported in the press about no win no fee lawyers putting everyone's premiums up.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2315772/Car-insurers-sidestep-ban-taking-fees-lawyers--turning-law-firms-themselves.html

No deductions are taken from your compo if you use their solicitors under the legal cover. Whereas if you instruct an independent firm under a no win no fee arrangement, they can deduct upto 25% from your settlement.

Because Admiral Law get paid the same fees if they do 1 hour or 20 hours of work on your claim and if makes no real difference to them if they go all out to secure the best possible settlement.

There is an element of truth to what the other solicitor is saying, i.e they share an interest in getting you as much as possible as it means they get 25% of whatever they get you, it is difficult however to say they will get you 25% more in damages than Admiral Law, especially on a pretty straight-forward whiplash type claim.

Topaz83

Thanks Onan, that's cleared that up for me.