Some important points of French law

The aim of the 5^th July 1985 bill, known as the “Badinter Law” is to speed up the settlement of the plaintiff’s claim.

Compensations delays

In this way, the insurance company has an obligation to make an offer to the plaintiff within 8 months of the accident.

The 1^st August 2003 Bill relating to the financial security, enhanced the obligation of the insurance companies in that they are compelled to reply within 3 months to any indemnity claim.

When the insurance company of the responsible third party, or your own insurance company as part of the settlement procedure between insurance companies,  makes a relatively quick offer of settlement, it is only because they are under a legal obligation to do so.

Once you have given your signed acceptance of this offer, you only have 15 days to retract your acceptance.

The medical examination

Another important point is the medical examination.

In order for the insurance company to make you an offer of settlement, you must submit to a medical examination performed by a doctor appointed and paid by the insurance company. This doctor will determine the extent of the physical prejudice within the framework of the commission given to him by the insurance company.

That is why it is important that you be accompanied by a doctor appointed by yourself so that the medical examination will encompass the whole of your prejudices.