Londoner asked:
I need some unbiased/good advice with regards to an insurance claim, what happened is that I got hit by a fire engine back in September 2007, after the accident happened, the fire engine driver did not dispute liability with me and I reported the matter to my insurance company then for chasing up, during the time I only had 3rd party insurance cover, after months of ramblings they other party has decided to pay me off for the damaged caused to my car, but they are disputing liability, at the moment I change insurance companies every year in order to get the cheapest quote, during my last quote the accident was declared as my own fault, as they matter had not been settled at the time.At the moment, the matter has been referred to a barrister with the hope of taking it to court; hopefully this may get the 3rd party to accept liability. All I really want to do is clear my name, and avoid expensive premiums, earliest court date is June 2008. What are my options now, advice will be good
I need some unbiased/good advice with regards to an insurance claim, what happened is that I got hit by a fire engine back in September 2007, after the accident happened, the fire engine driver did not dispute liability with me and I reported the matter to my insurance company then for chasing up, during the time I only had 3rd party insurance cover, after months of ramblings they other party has decided to pay me off for the damaged caused to my car, but they are disputing liability, at the moment I change insurance companies every year in order to get the cheapest quote, during my last quote the accident was declared as my own fault, as they matter had not been settled at the time.At the moment, the matter has been referred to a barrister with the hope of taking it to court; hopefully this may get the 3rd party to accept liability. All I really want to do is clear my name, and avoid expensive premiums, earliest court date is June 2008. What are my options now, advice will be good
I would ask a specialist solicitor for advice or if an affidavit swearing that you were not responsible would have any impact
Speak to a solicitor!
I think you need to check your facts. You say that the other side has decided to pay you off for the damage caused to your car, but at the same time you say they are disputing liability. Those two statements are mutually exclusive unless you’re saying they are making you an ex-gratia offer, which I doubt. If they are denying liability, why are they paying you off?
bit confusing this, if they pay your for damage to your car they have in fact admitted liability in paying you, if they were not admitting liabilty they would not have paid.
are you trying to say they accept the damage to the car but are questioning any personal injury claim.
if this is he case you have a no fault accident.
the other party is questioning the amount of damages not the actual claim.
so you are in the clear with your insurance company
I know it’s a bit late to suggest it now, but this is exactly the situation you’d be glad to have the £20 legal cover option on your insurance. I was glad I had it when I had trouble with my insurance company.
do not try to change insurance when a claim is stil ongoing as they class it as at fault … and put your premium up ..the fireman driver admitting the blame means nothing to insurance company… they tell you to admit nothing at the scene … if they have paid you for your car damage then you have won the case … everything else will come together in time