Third party capture is where a third party insurer settles a person’s claim for compensation against their policyholder directly with them. In other words, it is where an insurance company representing the person who caused a victim’s injuries gets in touch with the injured party who has no legal representative and settles their claim for compensation. In most instances of third party capture, the injured party, the claimant, will have been involved in a road traffic accident – however, it could also occur say where the claimant has been involved in an accident at work or some other accident.
Why is this a problem?
The worry is that the injured party will not receive a settlement that is properly representative of their injuries and need for treatment. It is likely that the insurer will under-settle your claim for compensation and not help you out sufficiently should you require any treatment for your injuries.
At The Injury Lawyers, we have come across many cases of third party capture. In almost every case the claimant, by directly agreeing compensation with the other side’s insurers, has under-settled their claim and is devastated to find out there is not much more they can do about their situation. We hate having to tell people who are still suffering with their injuries that we are unable to try and get them additional compensation because they have already finally settled their compensation claim directly.
Our advice is simply to take a step back and consider any offer you may receive in respect of compensation for your injuries – especially where this offer comes directly from the other side’s insurers. Ask yourself – do they really have your best interests at heart, or are they actually jsut trying to get away from compensating you fully? That is, trying to save money and get your claim settled as cheaply as possible. Once you agree any compensation, your claim is over. So, if your whiplash injury, for example, still persists some months later, you cannot go back and ask for more compensation – you have already settled your claim.
With a lawyer on your side you will be able to get the maximum compensation you deserve because they know how to properly value your claim. They can also advise you about treatment costs and make sure any settlement reached for your injuries is in your best interests.
The Injury Lawyers work under a genuine no win, no fee agreement which means their legal advice and representation does not cost you a penny. So by taking a short amount of time to instruct a quality injury lawyer on your claim, you are safe in the knowledge that you will not under-settle your claim for compensation, and that by doing this, this has not cost you any money. It is a great idea. Give us a call today on 0800 634 75 75.
