Some insurers in Northern Ireland engage in a deeply deceptive practice called Third Party Capture. They have been known to put undue pressure on injury victims to settle their cases as quickly as possible, purposely undermining the medical and legal protections that they should be offered.
While the process isn’t illegal, it’s certainly wrong. We’re here to shed a spotlight on Third Party Capture, warning people across Northern Ireland that some insurers are not acting in their best interest.
What is Third Party Capture?
If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it is likely that the defendant’s insurance company will try to contact you after the accident. Third Party Capture describes a technique used by some of these insurers to persuade injured people to settle a claim before they can obtain legal advice or gather medical evidence that documents their injuries.
Why is Third Party Capture bad for you?
There are many reasons why Third Party Capture is bad for everyone (other than insurers).
Firstly, insurers are not obligated to offer you the best deal possible. Their goal is to exploit your inexperience in order to pay out the least amount possible, therefore making more money for themselves and their shareholders.
Secondly, accepting an offer from an insurer without knowing the full extent of your injuries is extremely dangerous. What if the injury that you thought was minor had a complex and long term impact? What if you start feeling symptoms weeks after you accepted their offer? Once you agree to a settlement, you usually cannot reopen your claim. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to allow an insurer to place a value on a claim without medical evidence. Insurers don’t represent you. They don’t have your interest at heart.
Lastly, Third Party Capture removes the protections offered by a solicitor. A solicitor is there to fight in your corner and provide you with the legal advice you deserve. At Paschal O’Hare, our solicitors will commission medical reports that will determine the extent of your injuries. Our solicitors use their legal knowledge to ascertain the value of your claim. We are here to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
Beware of Third Party Capture in Northern Ireland
Some insurers have been targeting people in Northern Ireland so aggressively that they caught the attention of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. The Law Society has recommended that the Northern Ireland Executive take action to protect accident victims against Third Party Capture. You can read their full report that features many appalling third party capture case studies.
Paschal O’Hare have been providing exceptional legal advice to people across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. If you suffered and injury after an accident, learn more about our services or contact our solicitors today.
