The second phase of testing for the Litigation in Person (LiP) portal is due to start later this month, according to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
The introduction of the portal forms part of wider whiplash reforms under the Civil Liability Act. The LiP is being designed to allow personal injury claimants to manage small claims online without the need for a solicitor. From April this year, the small claims limit is set to increase from £1,000 to include claims valued up to £5,000.
The MIB is operating under a government mandate to build and implement a portal for lawyers and unrepresented claimants to pursue RTA claims.
The first stage of testing completed in November last year with the MIB stating consumer feedback so far was “very positive” and is helping to identify improvements ahead of the Government’s planned launch in April this year.
In response to news of the second phase of testing, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has again called for a delay to the April start date, stating that accident victims will be denied access to justice by having to deal with a complex system in order to bring a small RTA claim.
Concerns also remain about the unspecified tariff levels for compensation and the unresolved civil procedure rule changes.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
