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1st September 2009

Teenager's compensation trebled by Thompsons

Injured in Car Crash

A student badly injured in a car crash and who was advised by an insurance company that his injuries were worth just £5,000 in accident compensation has received almost three times the amount in damages after help from Thompsons Solicitors.

The 18-year-old from near Bradford, had to have partial amputation of his little finger and ring finger on his left hand following the accident in May 2008.

He was a passenger in a car which flipped over when it hit an embankment near his home. His fingers were broken and he suffered a serious cut to his head. He later needed surgery to remove part of his fingers.

He said he has now come to terms with his injuries and has adapted well to the disability. He has passed three A-Levels in English, History and Business and hopes to go on to study at university in Leeds or Liverpool.

Thompsons Solicitors achieved settlement of £13,000

Straight after the accident the driver’s insurance company rang the teenager and offered him an interim payment of £5,000 as compensation for his injuries if he was prepared to settle direct with them. He had no idea how much he should expect to get for his injuries but thought it was a good offer. Only after he consulted Thompsons Solicitors did he realise it was significantly less than the loss of his fingers was worth.

Thompsons Solicitors are the UK’s most experienced personal injury lawyers and were able to achieve a settlement of £13,000.

He said: “When I was contacted by the insurers I was still in shock and I had no idea what kind of compensation I should expect to receive for my injuries. A friend recommended Thompsons Solicitors and I am glad that I took the extra step of gaining independent legal advice otherwise I would have accepted what I now realise was an attempt by the insurance company to buy me off.

“Fortunately I have learnt to cope with my injuries. But the loss of my fingers will be with me forever.”

Nikki Sharpe from Thompsons Solicitors said: “It is our experience that insurance companies try to go for quick settlements in cases like these. They often approach clients when they are still in shock and may have not had an opportunity to think about how their injuries will impact on their lives. It is, frankly, an attempt to stop vulnerable injured people from getting independent legal advice and maximum compensation.

“Victims of road accidents are not obliged to settle direct with an insurance company or to instruct their insurance company’s solicitors.”

Personal Injury Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury as 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 including claims originating from road accidents. 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 personal injury compensation claim forms.