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RTA firm to launch following whiplash reforms

05 February 2021
Categories: Legal News , Personal injury , Profession
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Legal marketing collective First4Lawyers has announced the launch of its own law firm, assisting injured people involved in road traffic accident (RTA) claims
Following the upcoming introduction of the whiplash reforms in May, people who have sustained whiplash-type injuries (lasting for up to two years and worth less that £5,000) will not be able to recover the cost of appointing a lawyer from the negligent driver’s insurer, leaving many unrepresented in claims.

The dedicated new law firm, First4InjuryClaims, will solely deal with RTA cases, handling the up to 10,000 RTA-related enquiries First4Lawyers receives annually. Subject to approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the firm should be ready to commence operations in early summer, with an initial 12 staff members based in the company’s head office in Huddersfield.

Qamar Anwar, First4Lawyers’ managing director, said: ‘Some of our member firms have told us they are leaving RTA altogether, while others may offer a limited service, assisting claimants through the portal for a small fixed fee, but without offering advice and guidance. A number have still to decide. But one thing we know for sure is that post-reform RTA work will offer limited revenue opportunities and very small margins.’

‘We have never wanted to set up a law firm, but First4InjuryClaims has been born out of necessity. It ensures we are in the best possible position to utilise the First4Lawyers brand for the benefit of our panel firms, who remain at the heart of our business strategy.’

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