Whiplash Fact or Myth Number 1 Whiplash fact: Yes you can! How can it be that a solicitor will act for you free of charge and let you keep all of your compensation? Well he doesn't.
He will charge for his time, and in theory you are responsible for his time spent working on your whiplash claim.
However, the reality of the situation in the UK is that if he wins your claim for you, the insurance company for the other driver will pay your solicitor's costs.
In theory your solicitor could charge you the difference between what the insurer pays and the actual amount of time spent on your case but they do not as they want you to be happy with their service and tell your friends.
Whiplash Fact or Myth Number 2 Whiplash Fact: False This is one of the biggest misconceptions about whiplash claims.
If you are injured in an accident you are completely free to choose your solicitor, and what's more you really should select a solicitor that you are completely happy with.
Legal Expense Insurers would prefer you to use their solicitor as the solicitor will pay them for each new client they introduce to the solicitor.
This can add up to several hundred pounds for every single client they introduce, so they really do not want you choosing your own solicitor as then they will miss out on their "referral fee".
They will often use very strong terminology to try and persuade (or force) you to use their solicitor, but it is your choice, and your right to choose your own solicitor.
Whiplash Fact or Myth Number 3 Whiplash Fact: False You can go direct to a solicitor or through a claims company (subject to Myth Number 5 below.
The important point is that you should be happy with the person who is going to be dealing with your claim and that is all that matters.
As long as you will keep 100% of your compensation and there are no hidden administration charges you choose.
However, often a claims company is helpful as they will hand select the solicitors that they will do the best job for their clients.
Whiplash Fact or Myth Number 4 Whiplash Fact: False Some companies, including ones promoted by celebrities, will charge you an administration charge often of £300 to £400 from your compensation at the end of a claim.
Most claims companies will charge you nothing, so be careful when you are choosing your claims company and ensure that they will make no charge to you for the introduction to a specialist whiplash solicitor -All Claims Companies Provide A Free Claims Service -You Have To Go Through A Claims Company To Make A Claim -If You Have Legal Expenses Insurance, You Must Use The Solicitor They Tell You To -You Really Can Receive All Of Your Whiplash Claim Compensation And Pay Nothing