Third party insurers usually offer a sum around £1,000.00 to settle a claim before any medical evidence has been obtained, which is known as a pre-medical offer. Medical evidence is used to value your whiplash claim as it consists of a report outlining the injuries you sustained in the accident and how long you are likely to suffer for. Without this evidence it is impossible to value your claim – therefore by accepting a pre medical offer you could be settling your claim for far less than it is actually worth!
Accepting a pre-medical offer seems extremely tempting, but there are serious risks. If you accept a pre medical offer then there is no going back! Once you have accepted to settle your claim you cannot claim for any more compensation if you discover that you are still suffering from your injuries months down the line, or if you incur any more out of pocket expenses. So if your solicitor advises you not to accept a pre medical offer, they are doing this for your own good.
There is also the risk that you might have to pay for any physiotherapy treatment you are receiving for your injuries as the cost of this may not be covered in the pre medical offer.
Some people may think that accepting a pre medical offer will shorten any lengthy or complicated procedure to obtain compensation – they couldn’t be more wrong. Making a claim for whiplash compensation is very simple and efficient. Most claims can be settled within 6 months and you will receive the right amount of compensation that you deserve.
So don’t be beaten by the third party insurer. Always take your legal advice seriously and remember your claim will normally be worth more than what the third party insurer offers. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault call The Injury Lawyers on 0800 634 75 75 for free no obligatory legal advice.