The saying “time flies” is truly correct. MI Adjusting has now been trading for over 17 years, during which time we have sustained steady and consistent organic growth. We have also made some long term friends along the way.
The Covid pandemic has been challenging, however, we have weathered the storm, and have become stronger (as has our profile and market presence). We continue to offer Insurers, Self-Insured’s and Brokers a tailored, personal and specialised Loss Adjusting and Claims Management Service.
During 2021, we concentrated on key areas, such as recruiting and increasing our capacity generally throughout the UK. We focussed on the training and development of our senior staff, all of whom have been instrumental in the continued success of our business. We also acquired London Claims Management and have been joined by Richard Treadwell and his Team. Our services have extended to some very high profile USA Clients. In addition, we have updated our IT and Technology.
Our aims and objectives for 2022 will be to continue to listen carefully to our Client’s needs, individual requirements and expectations, and to genuinely personalise our services to suit. Insurers, Brokers and their Clients rightly expect a professional supporting service from their claims handling providers and in this respect, MI aim to deliver the highest technical and proactive service… And to exceed expectations.
At a time of economic uncertainty, we recognise the pressures on the industry of which we are very much a part. However, we strongly believe in the value of service; a badly handled claim is very often an unnecessarily expensive claim. Cost savings can be achieved by best claims handling practices and crystallising the issues at an early stage. Our USP is integration and expertise. We become part of your team.
From all the Directors and Staff at MI Adjusting, let’s hope 2022 sees a renewed resurgence in the industry… and an end to the pandemic. We are looking forward to working with you!
The Highway Code changes for 2022: Are you aware of the new rules?
Changes to the Highway Code will mean drivers need to demonstrate greater awareness and show more care to other road users.
The Highway Code has introduced a hierarchy of road users, which creates ‘clearer and stronger priorities’ for pedestrians. The Department for Transport claims that the changes, which are split into three main rules, ultimately aim to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The changes came into force on 29 January.
How Has The Highway Code changed?
- Drivers of large passenger vehicles and HGVs now have ‘the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger posed to other road users’
- Drivers at a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that they’re turning into
- Drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing
- Cyclists should give way to pedestrians that are using shared-use cycle tracks
- Drivers should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or when changing direction or lane
- New ‘Dutch Reach’ technique tells road users how to open the door of their vehicle while looking over their shoulder.
Three new rules added to The Highway Code
Rule H1: Hierarchy of road users
The first (and most significant) rule in the refreshed Highway Code sets out the hierarchy of road users. Road users who can do the greatest harm (those driving large vehicles) have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users. Pedestrians (children, older adults and disabled people in particular) are identified as ‘the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision’.
Here’s a look at what the hierarchy of road users looks like:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles.
Cyclists and horse riders will also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Even so, the updated Highway Code emphasises that pedestrians themselves still need to consider the safety of other road users. The Department for Transport says this system will pave the way for a ‘more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use’.
Rule H2: Clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians
This rule is aimed at drivers, motorists, horse riders and cyclists. The Highway Code now states clearly that, at a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you’re turning into. Previously, vehicles had priority at a junction. Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing (a combined pedestrian and cycle crossing). Meanwhile, cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, and are reminded that only pedestrians (including those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters) can use the pavement. Pedestrians are allowed to use cycle tracks unless there’s a road sign nearby that says doing so is prohibited.
Rule H3: Drivers to give priority to cyclists in certain situations
The Highway Code urges drivers and motorcyclists not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This rule applies whether the cyclist ahead is using a cycle lane, a cycle track or simply riding on the road ahead. Drivers are meant to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are: Approaching, passing or moving away from a junction moving past or waiting alongside a still or slow-moving traffic or travelling on a roundabout
Having said all that, from a defence perspective, liability is not ‘strict’. It remains important to carry out thorough and comprehensive investigations. Arguments are very often available and considerable savings can be achieved. It is of course the ‘finer detail‘ that is crucial!