Earlier this year, a new fast track car accident claims process came into force which limited the amount law firms can make off the backs of injured drivers. Anyone who drives will have noticed the increase in “no win no fee” type advertisements claiming to be able to win you unspecified amounts of money if you have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault. These lawyers are the bane of the legal industry and cost us as policy holders every time they win a claim.
Fortunately, in April this year, a new system was introduced to limit the money these firms can earn. This new fast track car accident claims system is designed to make the whole process quicker, cheaper limits the amount of money law firms can make from these types of practices.
One of the stated aims of the new fast track car accident claims system is to reduce the payments to the lawyers and claims handlers. The other is to ensure that the injured party doesn’t have to wait too long to receive their dues. There is even a clause which allows for an advance payment of £1,000 in the right circumstances.
As you would expect, to qualify for fast track car accident claims, there is a set of criteria you have to meet:
• You must be free from fault in the incident. No blame must be held against you to be able to use the fast track car accident claim system.
• The accident must have occurred after April 30th 2010
• The total claim must not exceed £10,000, except the cost of the vehicle damage or replacement.
• The personal injury aspect must exceed £1000
• All claimants must have valid car insurance to use fast track car accident claims.
• There must be no fatalities.
• No party involved can be bankrupt
• The solicitor you use must file everything correctly otherwise the claim will be referred back to the standard system.
The system is referred in legal circles to the Road Traffic Accident Protocol. To make sure your fast track car accident claim goes through without issue, make sure your solicitor is familiar with it. Most should be as it has been in force for a few months now, but it’s worth checking.
We haven’t seen the last of ambulance chasing solicitors, but only the really determined will continue now the financial motivation has been tempered. There is still a living to be made in the “where there’s a blame, there’s a claim” business, but nothing like there once was.
For once a change in the rules works in the favour of the claimant. If you’re injured in a car accident and you meet the criteria above, make sure you talk to your insurance company or solicitor about fast track car accident claims. It might save you some time and money.
