Don't slip up on your snow-related personal injury claim says Law Society

7 January 2010

According to several reports, personal injury claims are expected to increase as the freezing weather conditions persist across the country, but many consumers remain confused as to their legal options.

Icy roads and treacherous pavements at this time of year usually lead to more accidents- and more claims.

Responding to this news, the Law Society reminds consumers they can go straight to a specialist solicitor if they want advice on whether they should claim. The Society's website is a useful source of information- www.lawsociety.org.uk

Some claims management companies will offer to take on a compensation claim, arranging after-the-event insurance, eventual referrals to a solicitor, investigating a claim or handling the claim themselves.

Such services have to be paid for but in most cases, claims management companies will have limited if any legal expertise and are not qualified to assist.

The Law Society recommends if you are thinking of making a claim following an accident caused by weather conditions, you should make a solicitor your first port of call.

Many solicitors will offer a free initial consultation and if you decide to pursue a claim may offer a no-win no-fee agreement.

Cooling Off

Law Society President Robert Heslett says:

"Solicitors are very approachable and many offer free first interviews for personal injury claims so there is no need for consumers to use a claims management company to make a claim."

Consumers should always approach a solicitor directly when they want advice about a personal injury claim. Going through a claims management company could delay your case and will introduce a middle man who offers no benefit."

Even if a consumer has signed a contract with one of these companies, by law there is a 14-day cooling off period in which to cancel.

In addition, the Law Society reminds people to be extremely wary of anyone who calls at your door uninvited, cold calls by telephone or visits you in hospital to talk about making a claim- these methods are all banned under government regulation.