There has been an increase in the practice of insurance companies offering car crash victims personal injury compensation before a claim has even been made and it is not unheard of for offers to be made whilst car crash victims are still at the scene of the accident.
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) is warning that such practices are not in the best interests of crash victims and any offer made is likely to be far less than the amount the victim could claim for if they employed the services of a personal injury lawyer.
The car insurance company offering the compensation will ask victims to sign a form stating that the offer is accepted and the payment represents a final settlement of the claim.
Often the full extent of personal injuries sustained from a car accident will not become apparent until several days after the car crash. Therefore, by accepting an offer immediately after the accident, there's not only the risk of receiving less compensation than you're entitled to, but also the risk of not receiving the correct treatment required to help you make a full recovery.
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
