PIAB, Solicitor or Both?

themissymoo

I've tried searching the forum but can't find an answer to this so apologies in advance if it's been answered!

I'm looking to make a claim against a public transport company. I was a passenger and got injured in a road traffic accident.

I wouldn't be making the claim if I wasn't sure this was down to the driver. I've an A&E report to confirm that I was injured.

I'm just completely clueless as to what's best when making the claim. Should I go directly to the PIAB myself or get a solicitor? I've read that you don't need a solicitor to go to the PIAB.

I can't tell what's best and nobody I know has any clue either. It's completely new to everyone. I'm close to ringing the public transport company themselves and asking what they'd rather I do!

robarmstrong

I went to a solicitor when the bus I was on was involved in a pretty bad RTA and I ended up with a moderate concussion, hurt neck and back (all the way back in Feb 2016 - I'm more than healed now though no soft tissue whinger here) and they handled every aspect of it for me, if you want to save yourself the hassle of it all - go with a solicitor.

angel eyes 2012

Op if you are in anyway competent about filling in forms and don't mind investing a little time in going through an administrative process then I would save yourself the cost and go it alone via the piab process, which is mandatory anyway whether you are represented or not.

The piab can't offer legal advice but they can guide you through their process and it is not as complex as the legal profession would have you believe. The insurer may reject the piab process, if you then want to pursue the matter through the courts you will need a solicitor then. It is still not mandatory to be represented at this stage either, although matters do get a lot more complex.

Mr. Incognito

There are a lot of threads here on this.

If you dont get a solicitor the insurance company will low ball you and you wont know any better.

Get a solicitor. You are paying for their experience.

angel eyes 2012

Op, the piab is a public body and is entirely independent and, of course, you are paying for their experience. I suggest you look at their website which explains the process very clearly.

There are indeed lots of threads about this, pity there are not more threads about regulating the legal profession.

You can always get a solicitor if you have to issue proceedings (after the piab process has been exhausted), while the court process is not rocket science either, the use of archaic language and terminology makes it seem more challenging than it really is.

_Brian

Having been in a protracted personal injury case I would say definitely get a solicitor.

The insurance company will have a team of solicitors working on their case including the response to PIAB, you will be at a disadvantage not doing the same.