Tag: court

How much could a barrister help me claim for a motorcycle accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that was at least partially the fault of someone else, you might be wondering whether you are entitled to compensation and how much you are able to claim. This post looks at how your barrister and the court will value your claim, in order to give you an idea of how much compensation you might be entitled to for your injury.

Calculation of compensation

Most personal injury cases do not proceed to court and are settled between the parties for a fair amount of compensation. Your lawyer will look to value your claim in line with what would be awarded to you by a court, and seek to recover this amount from the other party’s insurers.

In order to make a proper evaluation, your lawyer will need to obtain information from you, as well as all of your medical reports and notes. Valuing motorcycle injury compensation can be challenging, but the right legal professional will fully consider the points below in order to get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Factors that are considered

How severe was your injury?

The extent of your injuries will have an effect on how much you could be entitled to. The injuries sustained from motorcycle accidents can vary substantially, as can the amount of compensation you could be awarded.

Minor fractures attract around £1000, whereas compensation for the most serious injuries, including paraplegia, can attract awards of up to £350,000. When making your claim, your lawyer will obtain an expert medical opinion on how your injuries might impact your life, in order to make an accurate assessment of how much compensation you are entitled to.

How have you suffered loss?

The court will also award compensation for all of the ways in which you have suffered loss financially. This includes loss of earnings and loss of future earnings. If your injuries will affect your capacity to earn in the future, your lawyer will calculate how much this could be worth. In order to do this, your lawyer will consider how old you are, your line of work and your capacity to carry out another job.

Obtaining a quote from one of our direct access barristers is completely free, so contact us at Barristers 4 U today to find out how we can help you claim compensation for your motorcycle injuries.

Resolving neighbour disputes with help from direct access barristers

Unfortunately, disputes between neighbours occur all too frequently and they can have a significant impact on the people involved. While a disagreement may arise due to a fairly minor issue, it can quickly spiral out of control. As a result, people often find that neighbour disputes have a detrimental effect on their lives as a whole.

With many people keen to extend their properties, this is often a contentious issue for neighbours. Even when planning permission has been granted, disputes can arise if the actual work deviates from the plans in any way.

If neighbours assume that they have a right of way over your land, for example, you may need to take action against them. Similarly, if neighbours continue to use your property or land when you’ve asked them not to, civil dispute barristers may need to act on your behalf in order to resolve the issue.

Although many people aim to keep relations with their neighbours amicable, this is unlikely to happen if the dispute continues for months or even years. By taking action with direct access barristers, you can ensure that the issue is settled as quickly as possible.

How can civil dispute barristers help?

Civil disputes can arise in various forms and direct access barristers may be able to help. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can ensure that they have expertise in the relevant area of law and that they’re able to help manage your case.

As well as informing you of your rights and options, public access barristers can take the matter all the way to court, if needed. While there are often alternative resolutions available, you can rely on your direct access barrister to provide you with legal representation if the matter with your neighbour is referred to court.

What about the cost?

When people have a civil dispute, they sometimes seek help from a solicitor. In many cases, however, the issue is then referred to a barrister as well and this can increase the cost. One of the main advantages of using direct access barristers is the reduced cost of accessing legal representation.

By working with one legal professional, you can reduce your expenditure whilst still accessing the assistance you need. To find out more, why not contact a civil dispute barrister today?

Photo: handshake by fofie57 licensed under Creative commons 2

Dealing with a false allegation

If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s vital that you seek legal help as quickly as possible. Whilst thorough police investigations can help to weed out false allegations, this isn’t always the case. In many instances, victims of false allegations can find themselves in court. Depending on the specific allegation, you could even be facing a custodial sentence as a result of false testimony.

Although criminal barristers are adept at dealing with these type of cases, it can be extremely stressful for the accused. As a false allegation can have an impact on your working life and your personal circumstances, it’s essential that the matter is dealt with quickly and confidentially.

Whether the alleged victim has made a genuine mistake in accusing you of a crime or if someone has intentionally misled the police, criminal barristers can help ensure the truth comes to light.

Getting help from direct access barristers

Unfortunately, people can find it difficult to access the legal help they need due to the costs involved. Often, people in need of legal assistance will approach a solicitor for advice. Following this, their solicitor will then instruct a barrister on their behalf. Whilst this can be effective, it does mean that the cost of obtaining legal representation is increased.

Rather than using a solicitor and a barrister, why not contact direct access barristers straightaway? You’ll have access to expert help, reputable legal representation and you’ll be able to reduce the costs associated with legal action as well.

Your current location needn’t be a barrier to using public access barristers either. Whilst you may want to meet your criminal barristers on a face-to-face basis, you’ll also have the opportunity to liaise with them via secure video conferencing facilities.

If you’ve been accused of conduct you didn’t commit or if you’re facing criminal charges, why not seek help today? By discussing your situation with experienced criminal barristers, you can access the help and advice you need.

With the cost of legal representation reduced, public access barristers ensure that everyone has access to the assistance they’re entitled to. To find out more, contact Barristers4U today.

Drink driving: know where you stand

When found guilty of a drink driving offence, individuals can expect to be banned from driving for at least a year, receive an unlimited fine or face up to six months in prison. When faced with these consequences, it is not uncommon to feel fearful, distraught or overwhelmed and lose sight of the reality of the situation. However, things may not be as disastrous or clear-cut as they first seem.

Required procedures

In any drink driving case, there are procedures that police must follow for a conviction to be valid. Expert drink drive barristers or speeding barristers will have experience in defending similar claims and will know which details to question, to ensure that the arrested party is not forced to accept an unreasonable punishment.

One example of a procedure that is vital to understand is the breath test. Devices used to conduct the test have been known to produce unreliable results in situations where no more than a single spirit and mixer have been consumed. A drink drive barrister can obtain calculations to determine the precise amount of alcohol in the body at the time of the test, as well as taking a careful look at the process surrounding the arrest and investigation.

Expert insight

Another example would be that there could occasionally be an unusual reason for an individual’s behaviour. Generally speaking, the court will not entertain drink driving of any kind; however, a drink driving barrister will know when a special reason can be argued. It might even be possible to demonstrate to the court why a more favourable stance should be taken.

The consequences of failing to obtain expert help demonstrate the importance of doing so: the increased cost of car insurance; the need to declare the conviction to an employer or when travelling overseas; the loss of employment where this is dependant on the ability to drive; and, of course, the penalty itself. A drink drive barrister will examine any possibility of a reduced sentence and can review an employment to determine whether there is any duty to inform an employer.

Deciding not to seek assistance may seem like an easier option, especially during stressful circumstances, but, by using a trained legal professional, individuals stand the best chance of clarifying where they stand and not having to suffer any undue consequences.

At Barristers4U, we are particularly experienced at helping you save your driving license, but we don’t stop there – we have over a thousand accredited barristers who can provide you with expert advice on all aspects of the law. To get a free quote and find out how we can help you, contact us today.

Who is cheaper – a barrister or a solicitor?

Whether you’re looking to clear up a construction issue, a family dispute or looking for someone to handle your divorce, a lot of the time the primary consideration is cost. The legal system can be notoriously expensive, especially if your case involves a lot of work and a lot of hours. That’s why it makes sense to seek out the most cost-effective solution to your problem, but which solution is cheaper, a solicitor firm or direct access barristers?

What’s the difference?

The first thing to remember is that barristers and solicitors are both lawyers, but they are different types of lawyer thanks to their training and expertise. In England and Wales, the legal system is ‘split’, meaning there is a division of labour between solicitors and lawyers.

One key difference is that solicitors are not self-employed whereas barristers are. That means a barrister is not permitted to form a company or a partnership. Instead they are sole traders, and thanks to changes in the regulations over the past decade, public access barristers with all sorts of legal expertise are available to hire by the public directly. Using a barrister means clients will have access to a specialist in a particular area of law. Whilst it’s true that solicitors sometimes do specialise in a certain area, primarily they are litigators. This involves conducting meetings with the client, working out a case, carrying out communications with the solicitors on the other side as well as sorting out any paperwork.

Barristers spend more time in court than solicitors and are the ones who deal with witnesses as well as give evidence to the judge. Whereas it’s still commonplace for a solicitor to come to court in order to support a barrister, either by having files to support a barrister’s case or by taking notes, more and more barristers are attending court without the aid of a solicitor. This is because it’s more cost-effective for the client.

Why are barristers more cost-effective?

A barrister is usually the most cost-effective way of going through the legal system because they are paid by their work. A solicitor meanwhile will charge by the hour. When you pay a barrister, you are only paying for what you need, such as their expertise and time. With a solicitor, however, you’re paying additional costs which contribute towards the running of a solicitor’s office.

It’s highly likely that the most cost-effective solution to your legal problem is direct access barristers. In order to receive quotes from highly qualified barristers who will specialise in the area of law you need help in, enter your details at Barristers4u. Remember, getting a quote is completely free and you only pay once the barrister has been directly instructed by you.

How has the recent changes to provision of legal services affected your purchase of legal services?

Accessing a lawyer or any kind of legal aid is, for many of us, a scary decision. These are the people that know The Rules. You know the ones, The Rules to living life which we are all overly cautious to avoid breaking. Sure, maybe we’ve broken one or two minor ones accidentally—just a few miles per hour over the speed limit when we’re stressed from a long day at work, or perhaps left the store having forgotten to pay for a chocolate bar, only to realise once you’re at home—but as a society in general most of Britain are rather nervous when approaching someone ‘of the law’.

Another factor preventing many people from accessing the legal aid that they deserve, is the cost. Solicitors rarely represent a client in court, so they need to hire out a Barrister to represent you, at extra cost to yourself. Between the solicitor, court fees, Barrister fees, a court case could cost you thousands of pounds. Without knowing exactly how much you will spend, it is difficult for to decide the best way to handle your own claim.

There are so many of us that don’t know what we would be entitled to. Perhaps it’s all the going backwards and forwards between lawyers and judges, or maybe that we don’t understand the language of law, but whatever the reason is, the whole legal aid process is typically seen as a hassle which has a reputation to take months, or even years, to settle a dispute.

What if I told you, that has recently changed? That you can now access legal services from the comfort of your own home? What if there was a way to combat all three of these problems with one, easy to use, simple website? Barristers4U is an online Chamber company based in Cardiff which provides a range of Barristers, from motor to civil dispute, to businesses and the public. All it takes is one online form to be able to talk to a Barrister and obtain legal advice and service. The great thing about Barristers4u is that it cuts out the middle man – the solicitor – saving you time, hassle, and cost. The Barristers will provide you with an upfront quote for their services, meaning you don’t have to worry about extra costs building up; you know what you’re getting, and how much it will cost you. Barristers can charge less than solicitors as they have a smaller overhead fee, and they don’t need to charge for offices and administration.

Barristers4u are friendly and helpful, so you don’t have to worry if seeking legal advice is something you are nervous about. Once you’ve submitted your enquiry, a Barrister will be in touch to discuss your case with you. Your quote is free, with no obligation, and there are thousands of Barristers across England and Wales so you can compare quotes and services, meaning you are able to choose a Barrister which you believe is best suited to your needs. All the Barristers are accredited and regulated by the Bar Standards Board so you won’t lose out on quality or expertise. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Barristers4u puts you in the driver’s seat, so you can have your say on your case. They can even help you set up a video conference with your Barrister to ensure secure meetings wherever you are.

All too often, if we do create a case, we hand it over to the legal team, thinking they know better than us. In doing this, we don’t fully understand the decisions being made, and are more vulnerable to a cost that is much bigger than our budget. We may end up with a decision that we aren’t fully satisfied with, and the entire case is out of our hands. You are the most important person in your case, so imagine how empowering it would feel to be able to take control of your case despite having no legal experience. The direct access Barristers make that possible for you, listening to exactly what it is you want from your case and always making sure you are consulted in every decision.

Public access Barristers have been available since 2004, but this service wasn’t as readily available in Wales; Barristers4u are the first online direct access company to operate in Wales. This is completely reinventing the way we can obtain legal services; thanks to the internet and the public access Barristers, professional legal advice is just a click of a button away, like adding a carton of milk to your online basket. Just go to Barristers4u at anytime, anywhere, for free, no obligation quotes and find the best Barrister for you. 

Go straight to an expert for your land dispute

If you are a property owner, then chances are at some point you’ve had some level of involvement in a dispute concerning land boundaries, access, right of way or encroachment. Land disputes can become intensely personal and emotional, given that, more often than not, the other party is a neighbour or family member.

Or perhaps you are dealing with issues concerning the enjoyment of your own property and use of your own land.

If either scenario is applicable to you, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice from the outset.

Property disputes can range from the erecting of a fence by a neighbour that encroaches upon your land, to an issue concerning a right of way up a lane that accesses your property. These are all disputes which can be a drain on your valuable time, emotions and your wallet.

Property disputes are often bitterly, long fought-out disputes and can ultimately be costly too.
For that reason, property law matters need to be handled in a professional and knowledgeable manner. Instructing a Barrister from the outset can assist you greatly in achieving the best outcome or compensation available, given that Barristers are specially trained in negotiation and fully versed in any applicable principles of law.

Most of the legal principles involved in property disputes call for no less than an expert in property law. Barristers are highly trained individuals who have spent many years in study and training to reach the stage of being called to the Bar. In medical terms, they would be Consultants. Therefore, when you contact a Barrister in relation to your property dispute via Barristers4U, you can be assured that you’re getting an expert in that field. A Barrister who has attended to many such proceedings and who is technically sound on all aspects of the governing law.

It’s always advisable to seek out an expert to handle your property dispute. The complexities of the law involved and Court appearances mean that it is imperative you engage an expert of the highest calibre to assist. A Barrister is the most highly qualified legal representation available to the public, and it is always worth engaging him/her from the outset in order that they are fully up to speed on all details well in advance of any Court date.

Don’t forget that most property disputes don’t make it into Court and can usually be agreed outside the doors of the Courtroom. Instructing a Barrister from the outset can assist you greatly in achieving the best outcome or compensation available.

If you’ve recently had issues concerning your property, and are unsure of how to proceed in order to have such issues rectified and to receive the correct compensation, a Barrister will immediately steer the ship for you. Contact us today to find an expert in property as well as the art of negotiation, so you can get your dispute solved sooner rather than later.

Do you need access to criminal barristers?

If you find yourself charged with a crime, you may need access to specialist legal help. Before being interviewed by the police, you should be offered the opportunity to liaise with a solicitor. Following this, however, you’ll need to arrange your own legal representation.

Although some people are able to access Legal Aid to help fund representation for criminal matters, a significant number of people don’t qualify for this type of assistance. Despite this, costly solicitor’s fees may mean that they’re unable to access the help they need.

Due to the seriousness of a criminal charge, it’s vital that you get the advice and representation you need if you’ve been accused of acting unlawfully. A criminal conviction could affect every part of your life so you’ll want to ensure that the matter is handled properly.

Using direct access barristers

Generally, people assume that you have to contact a solicitor before a barrister is instructed but this isn’t true at all. Using direct access barristers can enable you to access the legal expertise you require but can reduce the cost involved.

Rather than paying a solicitor and a barrister, for example, you can contact a criminal barrister directly and obtain the help you need. Whilst the CPS may have decided to prosecute you, a barrister could be able to help you get the charges dropped or reduced. Alternatively, if the matter goes to trial, a criminal barrister can defend you in court and will try to ensure you’re acquitted of all charges.

Getting legal advice before you go to court

Although any area of law can be complex, criminal law can be particularly complicated so it’s important to liaise with an experienced criminal barrister before attending court hearings. When working with a public access barrister, you can speak with him or her directly and determine how the situation will proceed.

You can even contact a range of direct access barristers to find out more about the help they can offer. In addition to this, a public access criminal barrister will be able to provide you with a quote before undertaking any work.

To access legal help today, why not get in touch with a direct access barrister?