Car Accident while Passenger in a Taxi

bob04

Hi guys

I was in a taxi last week that stopped at the side of the road, while we were stopping we got rear ended by a VAN

Thankfully and most importantly everyone had seatbelts on and there was no injuries

My back is quite sore, I have since been at the Doctor and Physio etc

The VAN driver had admitted full responsibility and his insurance companies solicitor is now ringing me, telling me NOT to contact my Soliciotor and that they want to settle out of court

What the hell is going on ???

I had no intention of anything like this, i was just happy that no one is injured

What should I do ?

I didnt say anything to him on the phone, as now im afraid to say anything in case i say the wrong thing

What should i do ??????

Get in touch with my solicitor i presume is the next step ?????

cooperla

A solicitor telling you not to ring a solicitor???? The first thing I would do is contact a solicitor. And tell him the name of the guy who told you not to contact him.

It doesn't sound good mate and I would automatically be suspicious of someone trying to take advantage of me.

Quaver

Go see a Solicitor straight away. If the Insurance Companies solicitor contacts you again, tell him to contact your Solicitor.

servicecharge

They are trying to get you to agree on a figure for damages. They will probably offer you a low figure and tell you that you have 10 days to answer or they will withdraw it and reject any piab figure.

You should: either contact a solicitor - a solicitor will charge around 2000 euro to take the claim in PIAB or between 300-600 just to deal with the insurance company.

I would suggest in such a situation that a person not take the money as they could have a serious back problem that could last years and might not be obvious at this point.

If I was in your boat I would say 'I'm waiting on my medical report' go away.

McCrack

Yes absolutely as servicecharge said. I'd also say that dont be put off by those figures such as the €2k for PIAB as that wont come out of your pocket but the other party responsible will be liable.

Liability isnt an issue on this, there's no Q of who was to blame and also the fact that you had your belt on will help you in recovering damages (money) as there will be no Q of contributory negligence on your part ie if you didnt have your belt on the other side can have damages reduced.

servicecharge

Actually the 2k will come out of your pocket. Only if you proceed to court after piab will your legal costs be recoverable.

The PIAB booklet of quantum puts back injuries up to 16,300 if you are significanly recovered after six months.

McCrack

Yes I should of said that but only if both parties agree to the Assessment, then the PIAB costs come out of the Claimants award. It's a big sting in the tail and it's one of the reasons I said in another thread why PIAB is unfair.

It seems in cases like this where liability isnt an issue that Claimants will reject the PIAB award and proceed to litigation where they can recover their costs.

NUTLEY BOY

You better be sure that the accident was reported to the Gardai. Ring the station local to where the accident happened and ask if they have a record of the accident. If not, you report it. Hopefully, you have details like identities, registration numbers and so on.

People who try to steer potential claimants are always to be regarded as suspicious as they often don't have insurance, a licence or they may want to avoid contact with the Gardai and so on.

How do you know that the person who contacted you is a solicitor or that that they act for the insurance company ?

Simplest solution : keep it all up front and don't so personal deals with other parties to an accident as they usually turn sour.

Also, contact PIAB yourself.

Victor

NUTLEY BOY wrote: »

How do you know that the person who contacted you is a solicitor or that that they act for the insurance company ?

Indeed.

Tom Young

We know the rules! Legal advice is not to be given.

OP: Solicitor. None of the above comments are to be relied upon.