BackLatest News and Articles - October 2009
New rules on road traffic accident personal injury claims
Changes to the way in which personal injury claims caused by road traffic accidents are dealt with are being introduced next year. They will apply to all claims arising out of road traffic accidents occurring in England and Wales after 6th April 2010, where the claim has a personal injury element and a value of between £1,000 and £10,000. This will cover the vast majority of personal injury claims as road traffic accidents cover approximately 75% of all such claims in the UK. The aims of the changes are to speed up the process and lower the legal costs involved in such claims. Standardised reporting of claims and tight deadlines for insurers to respond will be introduced. Fixed costs have been adjusted and extended to cover some claims in which court proceedings are issued.
It remains to be seen if the reforms have the impact hoped, in terms of providing injured people with compensation more quickly. If they lower the cost of such claims for insurers will this be passed on to consumers in the form of lower insurance premiums?
If you have had an accident and would like advice on how to pursue a claim please contact one of our specialist solicitors, Gary Bennett or David Trood at our Uxbridge office or Michelle Everest at Ruislip.