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3rd August 2006
BECTU member Dave Williams has secured £4,000 in compensation following a road traffic accident on the M40. The studio rigger from High Wycombe secured the compensation with the support of BECTU’s free legal assistance scheme and union lawyers Thompsons.
The accident took place at junction 2 of the M40 in August 2005. Mr Williams was stationary at the roundabout exiting eastbound from the M40 when another driver drove into the rear of his vehicle. Mr Williams suffered a whiplash injury and was off work for 3 weeks following the accident. A claim was made against the other driver’s insurance.
The claim demonstrates the importance of union members using their union’s legal service for non-work related accidents. Motor insurance companies are increasingly referring claimants to their own panel solicitors, who may not provide the same independent legal advice as trade union solicitors.
Dave Williams explains: “Before the accident I was unaware that my union membership covered road traffic accidents as well as accidents at work. The specialist support provided by BECTU and their solicitors Thompsons was excellent. I doubt I would have had such good legal representation and secured so much compensation if I’d simply used the solicitors offered by my insurer.”
Gerry Morrissey, BECTU Assistant General Secretary comments: "We are increasingly concerned at the way in which insurers organise legal representation for members without asking them if they are union members and then pointing out that they are entitled to legal representation through their union. We hope that cases such as Dave Williams’ will help to raise awareness that BECTU provides high quality legal advice and representation for work and non-work related accidents and injuries, and that family members are also covered for non-work related accidents including road traffic accidents.“
Angela Smart from Thompsons Solicitors in London comments: “Whiplash is probably the most common type of injury sustained following a road traffic accident. In Mr Williams’ case, the medical evidence obtained led to a swift and satisfactory settlement with the insurers.”
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury as a result of a road traffic accident, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.