Had an Accident - Need some Advice Please

yus786

I had an accident back in April. Didn't slow down on a slip road and hit the car in fromt of me on the round about junction.

Not a scratch on my car and a little dent on his.

Anyway - told the insurance blah blah blha and everything was going smoothly. Any correspondance i was getting was passing to my insurer.

Last week i got a letter from a county court saying they are starting procedings etc. Spoke to my insurer who assured me not to worry and send the letter off to them.

Today i got a another letter from the county court saying as they haven't heard from me i need to turn up in court who will decide what damages i need to pay.

Am now getting a bit worried and really need to know what to do.

maclean2

Time to get heavy with your insurance company and to send them a copy of the latest letter from the court without delay.Ask for written confirmation that they have accepted responsibility for your accident and have appointed solicitors to deal with it for you.If what you say is right they have been dragging their heels.Don't take any crap as youpay premiums to save you this kind of hassle.

yus786

thanks matey

nadnad

phone your insurance company - they musn't be dealing with this properly - it probably shouldn't have gotten to court - they should be in contact with the third parties solicitors and should be sorting it out with them. It is worrying that the court has said they haven't heard from you - as any legal proceedings should be dealt with by your insurer - who should in turn appoint a solicitor to represent you if things go that far. Ring your insurer tomorrow and demand to know whats happening - they have a duty by the FSA regulations to keep you informed of what they are doing - you shouldn't have to worry about court etc. As the accident was your fault liability should have been admitted and things taken from there i.e. third party injury claim or whatever.

ioscorpio

My son received a proceeding notice a few weeks ago for an accident 3 years ago, as he is now in South Africa he could not deal with it in time with the 14 days to respond. I faxed and sent a copy to his insurance co and took the proceeding notice back to the court who recorded it as not served and sent it back to the issuing solicitors. Apparently the ins co was dragging out the liability, that was why the third party's sol issued proceedings. Since this my son's sol has counterclaimed over the liability.

Quasar

Do not delay but see solicitors. A little search will show which ones do a first consultation for free. A solicitors letter may cost you a little, but will do wonders to get your insurers' attention.

And remember, if you have to go to court because your insurers are dragging their feet, legal advice will be essential.

nadnad

i wouldn't advise going to a solicitor - go straight to your insurance company - it is their job to deal with this - I work in claims, and this should be sorted out for you - this is why you pay the premium - it could be that there has been a mix-up or the third party's solicitor is getting ahead of themselves. You getting a solicitor will not get the insurance company to take notice - in order for your insurance company to indmnify you they have to look after this on your behalf. I can't see a solicitor helping in this situation - phone the insurance company tell them you are worried and ask what is being done. Ask why they haven't responded or what exactly is happening, it is their obligation to sort this out - you getting a solicitor only puts more of the onus on you and makes things slightly complicated.

yus786

An Update

Spoke to the insurers the following day and guess what? -They deny receiving the 'proceeding letter'. It's a good thing I sent it recorded and have proof of delivery.

Anyway told them about the latest letter I received - i.e. the court date and then had a right go at them. The girl on the phone was right rude but I did manage to get the fax number and direct number of my 'claims handler'

So faxed everything off and called the claims handler to ask if receive etc. She was OK and said she would call me back within an hour after speaking to their solicitors - which she did. She said the solicitors would contact me directly to let me know what was happening.

I got a letter from the solicitors on Saturday which was a little bit confusing. Something about there MAYBE a possibility that I may have to pay or something along those lines!!! Anyway will call them tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help and advises.