The "solicitor" actually doing the work might well be an underpaid unqualified drudge. The "independent doctor" might well be on a retainer from the legal firm. If a claim is straightforward then there are strict limits on timescale and legal costs - and, rightly, the insurance company concerned will look to keep the claim simple, as the less they pay out in aggregate the cheaper everyone's insurance is. But a good firm of solicitors will try and spot the cases which aren't simple and make sure they're dealt with properly for the claimant. A criminal conviction and a jail sentence really ought to be a sign that there's something more going on.
If you're unhappy with the progress of your claim let CTC know you're unhappy. Also make a formal complaint to the solicitors' office - the link is here:
https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/about-us/issues-and-complaints-procedure/. They're a big firm who care about their reputation.
