Hi all

well i have posted on the above back in Feb, but today we has the shock of or lives, sorry this is long, but i have to explain. Well back in oct 06 we had an accident on a local roundabout a nice lady hit the driver back sides of lovley clio, and made a mess of it, she was in the wrong lane, well months have gone on and we saw a medical doctor due to the injuries we substained in the accident, and tesco are her insurer, they are not having any of it. Anyway NU who are our company sent an investigator last week to the rondabout to have a look, well this rondabout is nutorious it had 16 accidents last year where we had ours, and she came to the conclsion that de to her not being able to stop on the rondabout due to it being too deangerous, she came to the conclusion that it was 50/50 . I rang my solicitor this morning at misnster law and he is a well not very approtchible, and he said my only chocies were 1) accept 50% liability, or go to court and have to accept about 80% liability, cos the judge wold say i was wasting theor time, i should just accept 50% liability. WELL WE ARE NOT ANUSED AND TAMPING, that stupid B***h hit us and we have to accept that it was 50% our fault, so what do you think please help, i am in bits over this and don't know what to say, also in Jan 07 we had a letter from our solicitor saying that tesco had offered us a money figure regarding compo, when i just asked him about it he did not know what i was on about? this is worrying me anyone else been with NU and minster law:-? :-?

It's a bit difficult to understand the circumstances of what happened, but am I right in thinking that you were hit in the rear by another vehicle and now the third party insurer is trying to say it should be a 50/50 settlement?

Can you explain the circumstances of the accident more clearly so that we can advise you as best we can?

Hi Rob here's what happened, myself and Dh were going arond the roundabout taking the 3rd exit, while on the rouundabout a woman appeard from nowhere and hit us on the far back driver side of thre car span us around and we were facing oncoming traffic, the whole driverside (back) was a mess, we think that she was trying to take the 2nd exit and missed it so got in our lane to go back around the roundabout, but she said we just came from nowhere in the wrong lane. Anyway Minster law are usless and yesterday we had to agree 50/50 as my solicitor said we did not have a chance in hell in court as the judge would say we are waisting his time and we should just accept 50/50, so we have lost 2 1/2 years no claim and 50% of any comp and excess we paid, were gutted, that stupid b***h got away with it basically i just hope she had years and years of noclaim and she loses half of what ever she had, got any advice

I'm amazed that with you having been hit from behind by the third party that it has been settled as a 50/50. Has the solicitor advised you that the next stage would be court proceedings? What is your insurers view on this suggested settlement by the solicitor?

Hi again rob, my solicitor advosed we accept the 50/50 which is a shock to us as well, he's a bit of a pig to be honest, as we fell like we are at a loss with him, what wold you do?

I would seek a second opinion to be honest. You don't seem to have any confidence in him and I get the impression he is taking the path of least resistance.

hiya i know its a while since you posted your info on minster law but i was wondering how u got on with them in the end i had an accident in march 2009 i wa pulling out of a car park and there was nothing i n sight a 4x4 was coming the wrong wAy down the 1 way system he accepted that he was at fault for going down the 1way the wrong way but he said his argument was that i should of seen him because he was a 4x4 i had a witness tht said he was speeding and didnt give me a chance in stopping minster law which is suppose to be on my side keep sayin that i should accept 50-50 because he was big enough to be seen it feels like they are takin the other partys side when he was at fault not methey also said if i dont accept 50-50 and my insurance arnt prepared to assist m in court then i get nothing so basically i have no chance what would you advise thanks karen

Hi Kazzi, I've also recently had a case going through with Minster Law, they've had it for a year and a half and have done bugger all apart from trying to talk me into taking a miniscule immediate settlement even though I've repeatedly told them I want to be back to full health and then take it to court. After speaking to some friends in the legal profession who have had dealings with Minster Law none of them have a good word to say for Minster Law or how they treat customers I've now taken my case to someone who will actually do what's in my interests and not just their own interests. The general word about Minster Law is that they urge you take an immediate settlement as it's a quick money maker for them and they don't have to do any work. My case is clear cut, other party has no defense and my injuries have been long lasting but I was still urged to take a low figure immediate settlement.

Dump Minster Law and get someone who will actually work for you rather than against you.

Was Minster your choice or was that part of the policies that you guys got through the insurance broker, that you may or may not have known you were paying for until you had to make a claim?

Could it be that Minster has a good relationship with the insurance companies and insurance brokers and act more to protect the insurance companies' interests than to protect its clients? This is my suspicion. They seem to use scare tactics such as telling clients that "they might not get much" or "might have to pay big another solicitor large fees" in order to get unsuspecting or weary clients [and potential clients] to go with them or accept what they're offering.

All the so called 'claims assistance' or 'legal help' services are there for the insurers, not for the customer. Its the same with Albany Assistance that 'handle' no fault claims for the Admiral group of insurers. Mostly useless; don't do anything; they even told me they were not allowed to make outgoing calls to the TP insurer ! You are best off handling it yourself with the third party insurer or using the small claims court if necessary.

In response to the OP, it makes threads difficult when other people post their problems on someone elses, (please start your own thread so the results can be tailored to you).

Anyhoo for the OP, i think what the insurance are saying is you were 'undertaking' on a roundabout. You are allowed to undertake in certain circumstances, at traffic lights and in queues of traffic or where your instructed to by signs, M25 in rush hour springs to mind.

This has been bugging me since i read it, thats the only thing i can come up with as i dont think undertaking on a roundabout is allowed.

Interesting read about Minster Law. They have been fobbing with off with rubbish for 9 months over my case. Also clear cut, guy drives into the back of me. Minster Law clearly have no interest in my car or the case, Only injury claims. I accidently told them the other day my elbow still twinges when i called them to find out what was happening and they told me they will have to persure the injury claim despite me telling them after i dont care about my elbow which is fine! I just want my car sorted! Anyway, they said because i said it twinges they have to carry on with injury even though i said i don`t want to.

How can i get them to chase the 3rd party to admit liability so i can go ahead and get my car repaired? I was only TPF&F. So fed up with it. Minster Law are rubbish and after reading this, makes me realise i`m not alone.

Will I ever get anything out of this case which was not my fault, yet having to hang on meaninglessly with a knackered car!

A

Hi, I can tell you that Minster Law make money from settling cases in the interest of their client and not from fobbing off or holding onto the case. In the case of the OP 98% of all accidents that happen on a roundabout are settled 50/50 due to the nature of a roundabout. As you said its the drivers side that she hit then she was also on the roundabout and as you said you dont know were she came from, I would ask if you were paying enough attention to were you where driving.

Minster Law are a joke of a company 16 months to settle a case that I should have won, only to have to settle for a 50/50. Now, 8 weeks after the other side accepted a 50/50 settlement, I am STILL waiting for my cheque!

In the course of the case, I have had at least 6 different claim handlers, paperwork has been lost, they rarely respond to emails, phone calls go unanswered, they did not receive a copy of the 3rd party damage report, or her driving license (Polish Immigrant - unsure of length of time in UK or license driving on), told me in August we would win, december they were not persuing a case, and then after pursuading them to settle on a 50/50, take MONTHS to process it all. Do Not Use This Company.

Apologies as this might seem off subject, but being quite unlucky both my wife and I have both had accidents in the last 12 months neither of which were our faults, Minster Law have ended up dealing with both and My wife's was 1st and she after nearly a year took the 50/50 just to settle and put an end to things, I am not happy as they are now advising me to settle 50/50 but I really do not want to lose my no claims, exess payment etc when I was not at fault. I did have concerns when I knew it was Minster Law and did express that I would not be happy at a 50/50 before I was even advised to take it. The way I see it they act more in the interest of the insurance companies, get everyone to settle 50/50 that way everyone loses no claims, everyone's premiums go up and they still get their cut.

You have added your post to a thread that was started in 2007. Normally you add a new thread, so that you can then just receive replies about your own situation.

Many claims are settled 50/50, as the Insurers have to weigh up whether it is worth arguing or not. You really have to persuade them of your case that the other driver was 100% at fault. This will require you to do your homework. e.g pictures of road layout, diagram of accident, helpful quotes from the highway code, any witness statements, any inconsistencies in the 3rd parties record of the accident compared to your own.

You also need to check with you own insurance company to see if they have settled 50/50 or agreed any liability with the TP - just in case ML and your insurers have not kept in close contact.

Apologies as this might seem off subject, but being quite unlucky both my wife and I have both had accidents in the last 12 months neither of which were our faults, Minster Law have ended up dealing with both and My wife's was 1st and she after nearly a year took the 50/50 just to settle and put an end to things, I am not happy as they are now advising me to settle 50/50 but I really do not want to lose my no claims, exess payment etc when I was not at fault. I did have concerns when I knew it was Minster Law and did express that I would not be happy at a 50/50 before I was even advised to take it. The way I see it they act more in the interest of the insurance companies, get everyone to settle 50/50 that way everyone loses no claims, everyone's premiums go up and they still get their cut.

Hi,

Can you let us know the accident circumstances?

My apologies but this is complex!!! Minster Law, whom you phoned are in effect an extension of a big broking outfit called BGL Group. They are not owned by BGL but deal exclusively with similar shareholders (new laws mean they might merge soon). What I guess this means for you is that you insure with a brand such as Budget, Dial, Ibuyeco, HSBC, Post Office, Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Yes or even COOP as brands administered by BGL. Minster operate a "first notification" service for BGL and therefore they will take basic details and if the accident is not your fault they will offer a free hire car etc which they will claim off the person who caused the accident. I guess, if it is a 50/50 or knock for knock type claim, Minster could not care less and will hand you over to Aviva, your actual insurer.

If, as I read, you were hit in the rear and it was not your fault (this happened to me a few years ago), then I suggest writing to your insurance provider (particularly if it is one listed above eg Post Office) and complaining about how you have been treated. BGL do take such complaints seriously as it is shaky legal ground. Unfortunately, there are literally hundreds of fraudulent people who deliberately wait to crash into you from behind as the way insurers view it is that a car in front that brakes is likely to be to blame. I can provide more advise on this and would appreciate knowing ...

a) exact location of crash - these bastards don't travel far

b) how many people were in that car to your knowledge at the time?

c) was it a "banger", if I intend to crash a car, I am not going to use a good one!

d) did they mention "blame" at the point of the accident?

If all or most of the above - my view is you are a victim of a [problem] off your insurance!

S

wow, i know this was a few years back, but just wow, all this about minister law made me worried, but in fact, they have amazing with my claim!

i was on a roundabout, in the 'fast lane' and this roundabout has 6 junctions, a lady pulled out right into the side of me, and well she was not taking liability, i sent off my report, and she then accepted, (accident was in oct) im now on my final physio session, where from here i will get my BACS of compensation, they have really worked fast to get the claim settled, and also have been chasing herself and myself for paperwork, they have not lost anything, they email me back within days and also if i call, my adviser, Shona will get back to me within the hour!

i was offered a car, and also my no claims was not affected, however, i would say do not go with drive assisst! they a night mare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-x:-x

i may have just been one lucky girl!

HI ALL,

WELL I HAVE HAD DEALINGS WITH MINSTER LAW SINCE JUNE 2011 AND I WOULDNT USE THEM AGAIN, THEY NEVER KEPT ME UP TO DATE WITH THINGS I HAD TO CHASE THEM ALL THE TIME, ALSO MY CASE HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO 3 PEOPLE IN THAT COMPANY, THEY EVEN SAID "GO 50/50" WHICH I DIDNT AGREE WITH AT FIRST BUT ENDED UP DOING SO. I HAVE FELT FOR THE PAST 14 MONTHS THAT THEY HAVE SIDED WITH THE OTHER PARTY AND NOT MYSELF, BUT THE OTHER WEEK I ENDED UP AGREEING WITH AN AMOUNT, THE LADY SAID TO ME YOU WILL HAVE THIS SUCH AMOUNT, WELL TODAY WAS THE DAY THAT THE CHEQUE CLEARED AND LOW AND BEHOLD I DIDNT GET THE AMOUNT THAT SHE SAID I WOULD HAVE AND SURPRISE SURPRISE WHEN I RUNG UP TO HAVE IT OUT WITH THE SOLICITORS THE LADY WHO WAS DEALING WITH MY CLAIM WASNT IN UNTIL FRIDAY.

I HAD TOLD THE SOLICITOR "ALL PAYMENTS TO BE MADE TO MYSELF" BUT SHE HAS PAID A PAYMENT TO PHYSIO WHEN SHE NEVER MENTIONED ABOUT PAYING PHYSIO TO ME, ALSO SHE NEVER SENT A LETTER TO CONFIRM THIS WITH ME. I HAVE HAD SO MUCH STRESS THESE PAST 14 MONTHS USING THESE BUNCH OF MONKEYS. JUST BE AWARE EVERYONE DO NOT USE THESE SOLICITORS THEY WILL MESS YOU AROUND AND FOB YOU OFF WITH STORYS AND EVEN TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR PAYOUT.

BEST THING FOR THIS COMPANY TO DO IS TO CLOSE DOWN.

HI ALL,

 

WELL I HAVE HAD DEALINGS WITH MINSTER LAW SINCE JUNE 2011 AND I WOULDNT USE THEM AGAIN, THEY NEVER KEPT ME UP TO DATE WITH THINGS I HAD TO CHASE THEM ALL THE TIME, ALSO MY CASE HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO 3 PEOPLE IN THAT COMPANY, THEY EVEN SAID "GO 50/50" WHICH I DIDNT AGREE WITH AT FIRST BUT ENDED UP DOING SO. I HAVE FELT FOR THE PAST 14 MONTHS THAT THEY HAVE SIDED WITH THE OTHER PARTY AND NOT MYSELF, BUT THE OTHER WEEK I ENDED UP AGREEING WITH AN AMOUNT, THE LADY SAID TO ME YOU WILL HAVE THIS SUCH AMOUNT, WELL TODAY WAS THE DAY THAT THE CHEQUE CLEARED AND LOW AND BEHOLD I DIDNT GET THE AMOUNT THAT SHE SAID I WOULD HAVE AND SURPRISE SURPRISE WHEN I RUNG UP TO HAVE IT OUT WITH THE SOLICITORS THE LADY WHO WAS DEALING WITH MY CLAIM WASNT IN UNTIL FRIDAY.

 

I HAD TOLD THE SOLICITOR "ALL PAYMENTS TO BE MADE TO MYSELF" BUT SHE HAS PAID A PAYMENT TO PHYSIO WHEN SHE NEVER MENTIONED ABOUT PAYING PHYSIO TO ME, ALSO SHE NEVER SENT A LETTER TO CONFIRM THIS WITH ME. I HAVE HAD SO MUCH STRESS THESE PAST 14 MONTHS USING THESE BUNCH OF MONKEYS. JUST BE AWARE EVERYONE DO NOT USE THESE SOLICITORS THEY WILL MESS YOU AROUND AND FOB YOU OFF WITH STORYS AND EVEN TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR PAYOUT.

 

BEST THING FOR THIS COMPANY TO DO IS TO CLOSE DOWN.

No need to shout.

How much did you receive for your injuries then? Was it exactly half of what you were expecting by any chance?

In relation to your physio, was this a service provided on credit and arranged by Minster Law? If so this is a special damage and your owed the physiotherapist and si Minster Law were discharging your liability to them on your behalf. this would probably be in their T&Cs.

No need to shout.

 

How much did you receive for your injuries then? Was it exactly half of what you were expecting by any chance?

 

In relation to your physio, was this a service provided on credit and arranged by Minster Law? If so this is a special damage and your owed the physiotherapist and si Minster Law were discharging your liability to them on your behalf. this would probably be in their T&Cs.

hi yes it was exactly half of what i was expecting, and the solicitor told us the set sum of what we would be getting, but took money out of it when she shouldnt of. she has made us feel like she never wanted to side with us when she was our solicitor. they were only happy to talk to us when we agreed with 50/50. bet they had a nice pay out themselves for working on our behalf.

Ok I see. The reason you payment was half of what was agreed is to reflect the 50/50 split in liability. The affect of your split is that all of you compensation is reduced by 50%.

Did they "take" anything else out of your compensation other than the physiotherapy costs?

Ok I see. The reason you payment was half of what was agreed is to reflect the 50/50 split in liability. The affect of your split is that all of you compensation is reduced by 50%.

 

Did they "take" anything else out of your compensation other than the physiotherapy costs?

yes you are correct about the 50/50 will affect my compensation which what we got estimated got halved, also she claimed back my excess i paid and taxi reciepts ect.. but these have not been paid to me when she clearly said they would be.

no when i rung them up today they said only payment has been made to physiotherapy when we said to her under no circumstances not to pay anyone except ourselves.