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Beware of insurers bearing gifts

The time after an accident can be stressful. Dealing with things like an injury, damage to a vehicle, time off work, it can all be a bit overwhelming. It’s not surprising that some people would want to resolve their issues quickly as possible in order to avoid any inconvenience. 

It’s unfortunately during this period that some organisations that will try to take advantage of your situation. In particular, if you are contacted by an insurer right after your accident, they’re likely not doing it out of the kindness of their heart. They’re usually out for themselves and we’ll explain why. 

The truth about the insurance industry

Insurance companies aren’t running a charity, they’re a for-profit business. Publicly traded insurance companies are owned by and operate for the benefit of their shareholders. The objective of the insurance company is to make them profit. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that insurers are under no obligation to offer you the best deal possible. They will make sure they come out on top, every single time. 

Why your own insurer reaching out isn’t always a good thing

You may think that your own insurer has your back, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, your own insurer can be surprisingly unhelpful when you have an accident. 

Some insurers might suggest going with their own recommended solicitors rather than allowing you to shop around. If fact, there have been situations where insurers have been so insistent about their panel solicitor that they refused people car hire services. It’s a pretty underhanded practice.

But why are some insurers so insistent on you using their recommended solicitor? Well, it’s worth noting that they are getting referral fees. It’s ultimately another way for insurers to put profits above people. 

Don’t be pressured into doing something you don’t want. Always remember that they’re motivated by profits. Do your research and go with a trusted solicitor. We provides a one stop service that will get you vehicle assessment, repairs, and a replacement vehicle at no cost to you. Our solicitors are there to make sure you receive the care and compensation you deserve.

The responsible party’s insurer is out for themselves. 

Some insurers implement a deeply deceptive practice called third-party capture. It refers to a strategy that they employ in order to persuade people who have been injured to settle a claim before they can obtain legal counsel or collect medical evidence that demonstrates their injuries. It’s a strategy typically implemented by the responsible party’s insurance company.  On the face of it, it seems like a good opportunity to quickly get money for your accident and injuries. However, it never works in your favour. 

This practice undermines your access to justice and is flat out dangerous. It’s a terrible idea to accept an offer without knowing the full extent of your injuries. What if your injury appeared minor, but became more complex months later? If you agree to a settlement, there is usually no way to reopen your case.

Accepting an offer from an insurer at such an early stage is a terrible idea. The practice is so prolific and problematic that the Law Society of Northern Ireland has asked the Northern Ireland Executive to look into its use.

Solicitors work for you, insurers against you 

If an insurer contacts you shortly after your accident, we urge you to err on the side of caution. They don’t work for you and won’t fight to give you the compensation that you deserve. 

If you’re looking for a fair settlement, then you should always seek the independent legal advice of a personal injury solicitor. They will order engineering and medical reports to determine a claim’s value, including earnings loss.

Most importantly, your solicitor will fight to safeguard your interests. They work for you and will make sure you are aware of all your options. 

Paschal O’hare Solicitors have been advising injury victims across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. We are experts that are here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured, reach out to our team, we’re here to help.

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