Can low-speed collisions still cause serious injuries?

Yes. Even vehicles travelling at a slow speed can cause serious injuries in crashes. This is especially true for accidents involving larger vehicles, especially large trucks and buses. Low-impact collisions can cause significant damage to a person, often to the individual's neck or back. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and make it difficult to continue working or enjoying normal daily activities. In these situations, it is best to seek medical attention and speak to us right away about what action to take to ensure you can get expert legal representation after your accident.

Is it ok if I sign any paperwork after my accident?

No. We cannot stress this enough. If you have a claim do not sign anything after your accident unless you clear this with your lawyer. Over the years we have encountered quite a few cases with clients signing documentation thinking that it was just for “fixing the car” or other such reasons only to find out later on they signed a waiver that the insurance company will  later rely on in order to avoid paying any compensation.

Should I accept a quick settlement from the insurance company after a crash?

No. Though many insurance adjusters and / or employees are pleasant and friendly, they work for the insurance companies and are concerned about saving their employers' money, first and foremost. They are not concerned about your best interests and fairness.

Insurance adjusters know that many injuries only reveal themselves weeks and months after an accident. The sooner you settle your claim, the less likely it is that you'll know the full extent of your injuries and medical expenses. And once you settle, there's no going back to the insurer for further compensation. The claim is considered closed.

We would strongly recommend that you do not agree to deal directly with the defendant insurance company without taking your own independent legal advice.

It is important to remember that the insurers are acting in the best interest of the insurance company and not in your best interests as the injured party. This means that there is a conflict of interest which will often result in offers to settle a claim at an amount which is much lower than the amount to which you are entitled. You should remember that you are entitled to obtain your own legal advice and that you are free to use an independent lawyer of your choice who will act in your best interests and not those of an insurer.

Accepting a quick settlement offer almost always means you're settling for a lot less than what your claim is actually worth. If you are involved in an auto accident, your best course of action is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, someone who will look after your best interests.

My own insurance company wants to appoint a lawyer to act for me. Do I have to use the lawyer appointed by my insurance company?

NO. It is not recommended to appoint any lawyer associated in any way with insurance companies. Often times your motor insurer may offer to appoint a lawyer to deal with your claim. However, it is not recommended to use the lawyer suggested by your insurance company. You are free to choose your own lawyer. Ideally your lawyer should not have any cooperation with insurance companies and / or their associated companies.

N. Rotsides & Co L.L.C. only represents accident claimant victims. We do not cooperate with any insurance company and only act against insurance companies in order to safeguard our clients’ rights.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

In Cyprus, the limitation period for most injury claims is three years from the date of the injury or loss. This is not standard however as every case is dependent on specific factors so it is best to consult a lawyer to discuss the specifics of your claim.

I have been approached by a so called Claims Management or Claims Negotiator Company and they promised to swiftly settle my claim with favourable terms. Should I go with them?

No. In recent years many of our clients advise us that they have been approached (even whilst at the hospital) by the so called “claims management companies” asking for further details and asking if they wish to make a claim with them.

In Cyprus practicing law without being a registered and licenced lawyer by the Cyprus Bar Association is a criminal offence.

Such 'so called' claim management companies inevitably need to work with lawyers in order to advise you on the merits of your claim or the monetary value of what would constitute a fair compensation in your case. This means that you will have to bear the cost of both the claim management company and of the lawyer that will work on your case. So it is much better to secure the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Such 'so called' claim management companies in Cyprus are not regulated by any governmental body. This means that essentially any person can set up such a company and make extravagant claims about their qualifications and expertise. Unlike regulated lawyers, these companies do not have professional insurance either, so if they handle your claim poorly or are negligent you may not be able to get compensation.

Inevitably such companies will in all likelihood advise you to settle your claim out of court which could mean you receive a much lower amount of compensation than you deserve. You should always obtain your lawyer's advice in writing as to the amount of compensation your lawyer believes is fair for your case.