No Gimmicks, no free iPads, no annoying texts, just great legal advice – regulated solicitors winning the battle against those annoying claims companies
As ‘cash for crash’ claims companies now face thousands of pounds in fines should they try and make money by pestering the public or processing fraudulent claims at the public’s expense, Freeclaim Solicitors are urging those looking to claim compensation to approach reputable solicitors only.
We’ve all had them – text messages stating that we’re entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation if we text a certain number, and annoying cold calls to people who haven’t even had an accident! But with the announcement that new powers are to be handed down to the Ministry of Justice’s Claims Management Regulation Unit (CMRU), this could be set to change very soon.
Complaints about nuisance text messages and cold calling by claims companies (for both PPI and accident claims) have been growing at an alarming rate. Freeclaim Solicitors have campaigned for many years to bring a halt to the random text messaging and cold calling practices of many claims companies.
Finally the government is taking notice and under new legislation, the CMRU will be able to impose substantial fines on those claims companies who mislead clients. These firms could now be charged up to 20% of their yearly turnover under the new rules.
The regulator is looking to ensure innocent accident victims are not mislead and ensure that these companies do not encourage ‘spurious’ or ‘unsubstantiated’ claims.
The government is also planning to introduce a ban on cash incentives – whether £250 for your claim or free iPads, they are promising to crack down on these schemes, many of which often then deny the money or benefits promised due to stringent “terms and conditions”.
Unfortunately, over the past few years, these practices by many companies have given the industry a bad name. Freeclaim Solicitors welcome the new rules and the banning of cash incentives will hopefully ensure accident victims will not be misled or short changed. Unscrupulous companies who thrive off the misfortune of others and make money by acting as a middle man may be a thing of the past.
Alastair Fernie, Managing Director of Freeclaim Solicitors comments,
“Before many of the changes, there were many companies who quite unashamedly were maximising as much profit as they could from the personal injury sector. Many operated with poorly trained call centre staff. Their business models relied on processing high volumes of claims and minimum contact with clients. This approach meant that many cases were mishandled and clients were left completely under compensated for their injuries.
The forthcoming changes should help, but we are still seeing many firms operating like ‘sausage factories’, dealing with high volumes of claims at the lowest cost possible.
We would always strongly recommend that anyone who has been injured in an accident seeks advice from a firm of specialist solicitors who can prove a track record of success in handling injury claims and can demonstrate high levels of client care.”
Freeclaim Solicitors have over 25 years’ experience in personal injury and come recommended by the Legal 500 as leading personal injury solicitors. They are also on Headway’s Approved Solicitors List, the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and have membership of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) and APIL, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
When you decide to make a claim with Freeclaim Solicitors, you can be confident that you are choosing an independent and experienced legal firm that has your best interests at heart. For more information visit www.freeclaim.co.uk or call 24 hr Freephone on 0800 612 7340 and speak to an expert about your claim.