Injury victims losing out to insurance company pressure

Insurance companies are being accused of exploiting accident victims by pressurising them into accepting reduced compensation awards before they have the chance to get independent advice.

Lawyers in Nottingham say insurers are increasingly approaching victims within days of the accident when they are often confused and vulnerable.

The high pressure tactics have become so widespread that the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has sent a dossier to the Financial Services Authority highlighting several cases where insurers have tried to settle claims at far below their true value.

Marcus Brown, of Andersons Solicitors in Nottingham, said: "The public needs to be warned about this. If you are injured because of someone's negligence and through no fault of your own then you are entitled to be compensated for what could be life and career affecting injuries.

"It is outrageous that some insurance rep should pressurise you into accepting a reduced settlement before you've had time to think.

"The problem for many injury victims is that they have no idea how much compensation is fair and the insurers exploit this. We've seen cases where offers of only £4,000 from the insurers are finally settled for as much as £35,000 once the victim gets independent legal advice and the claim is properly handled."

The Financial Services Authority is the body responsible for regulating the behaviour of insurance companies. It is currently liaising with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers to find ways of dealing with the problem.

For more information please contact Marcus Brown on 0115 947 0641.