Anyone recommend any injury solicitors?

[CopperCyclist]

For my father in law who was doored a couple of days ago. Luckily injuries not too bad, badly bruised and sore shoulder, and he's still struggling to put weight on his wrist. Bike is bumped and scratched but otherwise seems ok, but is getting the once over as its a carbon.

He's not in CTC or anything similar. I've mentioned RJW but he's had dealings with them before and wasn't overly impressed. He asked me to raise a question about whether anyone else has had dealings with any other firms, e.g. the many ones advertising in the back of cycle mags, and whether people suggest any to use or avoid?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'm not 100% sure of this one but I have read that you can join CTC and get legal help for an earlier accident. Obviously, this isn't ideal for CTC but they must find they get their money back in subs.

Oh, hope the FiL mends quickly.

 

[G-Zero]

RJW have a good rep at work and I used them once without any issues many years ago after being dragged off the bike by a hidden road defect, but their standards may have slipped since then.

Fentons claim to be cycle friendly and are currently involved in safer cycling campaigning.

They are also involved with road safety charities such as BRAKE and heavily involved in FLO training, as are another firm, Irwin Mitchell.

I don't know how far south IM cover, but both may be worth consideration, although I've got no personal experience of using either of their services.

 

[classic33]

Avoid Becks in Harrogate like the plague. You end up doing more work than them. And you're paying them.

 

[Arjimlad]

My firm's personal injury lawyers have successful experience in cycling claims. We are Bristol based but do accept instructions all over England & Wales. No win no fee is the standard way of operating these cases nowadays. http://wards.uk.com/service/accident-injury/

 

[subaqua]

can the Federation not advise?

 

[CopperCyclist]

He's not a police officer (any more, retired).

There's an update re the bike though, it's not 'scratched but ok' it's written off! He had a look at it for the first time properly today, and there's a massive split near the bottle cage - apparently he can flex the whole frame between two fingers because of it. So that his Isaac Pascal road bike gone...

He was hoping someone would just go 'Oh yes, use these, they were great for me'. Either way I think any will do the job for him, but is nice to see advice of other experiences!

 

[rusky]

RJW are used by the CTC, I've heard lots of good feedback about them.

 

[jay clock]

http://www.cycleassist.co.uk/ came high up on Google. No idea what they are like though

 

[classic33]

I've used RJW myself, following a t-boning by a drink driver. In my opinion the manner in which they handled the case was excellent.

Took the matter to them after giving the ones mentioned earlier clear instructions not to do anything further in my name. Similar advice you are now seeking was followed.

 

[fimm]

Alison France (I think I have this right, but am not certain) is another name I have seen mentioned on forums in a positive manner in this area. I have no personal experience, though.

 

[Arjimlad]

One thing I would say is go straight to a solicitor, not a claims management company. It's not always easy to spot.

Look out for who they are regulated by.

If the Ministry of Justice, then they are a claims management company, who sell the case to the highest bidder solicitor, regardless of whether the solicitor is any good. Solicitors who have to rely upon buying work at auction ? The CMC will also look to take a cut from anyone else they deal with.

If regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority then they are a Solicitor.

Also look for APIL accreditation - the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers - and make sure your case is being handled (rather than "overseen") by an APIL accredited Solicitor him or herself, and not by an unqualified "case handler" with a computer programme.

I've seen a few busted cycle helmets in the office (I am sure you will have seen them too in your line of work) retained as evidence. Not nice.

 

[downfader]

Alison France (I think I have this right, but am not certain) is another name I have seen mentioned on forums in a positive manner in this area. I have no personal experience, though.

Two of the riders I used to chat to on Bikeradar used her Bikeline service iirc.

And as far as I'm aware the CTC wont usually help unless you're a member. They are affiliated with the Cyclists Defence Fund but they tend to help people like in the Cadden case... RJW will sometimes take on a case independent and no-win-no-fee

 

[MontyVeda]

One thing I would say is go straight to a solicitor, not a claims management company. It's not always easy to spot.

Look out for who they are regulated by.

If the Ministry of Justice, then they are a claims management company, who sell the case to the highest bidder solicitor, regardless of whether the solicitor is any good. Solicitors who have to rely upon buying work at auction ? The CMC will also look to take a cut from anyone else they deal with.

If regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority then they are a Solicitor.

Also look for APIL accreditation - the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers - and make sure your case is being handled (rather than "overseen") by an APIL accredited Solicitor him or herself, and not by an unqualified "case handler" with a computer programme.

I've seen a few busted cycle helmets in the office (I am sure you will have seen them too in your line of work) retained as evidence. Not nice.

having just taken on a claims client at work and have done a bit of reading about the industry... I'd plus one Arjimlad's advice.

it appears to be a war out there with claims being sold left right and centre.

 

[subaqua]

He's not a police officer (any more, retired).

There's an update re the bike though, it's not 'scratched but ok' it's written off! He had a look at it for the first time properly today, and there's a massive split near the bottle cage - apparently he can flex the whole frame between two fingers because of it. So that his Isaac Pascal road bike gone...

He was hoping someone would just go 'Oh yes, use these, they were great for me'. Either way I think any will do the job for him, but is nice to see advice of other experiences!

no, what i meant was can they advise you of a good firm for him to use.