A telematics-based car insurer has claimed a first after its data was successfully used to defend proceedings brought against one of its policyholders. The judge found the ‘black box’ data from the policyholder’s car to be “overwhelming” and dismissed the claim.

A change to the standard directions that would allow parties to agree a 28-day extension to time limits without the need for court approval would not signal the major policy change that some claimant lawyers think it will, a leading defendant lawyer has argued.

Motor insurers “appear to be taking a gamble” on the claims cost savings that may arise from the personal injury reforms as premiums continue to fall, it was claimed yesterday. The average cost of a comprehensive policy has fallen by 13.9% in the last 12 months.

Another personal injury firm has sold a large caseload to acquisitive Yorkshire firm Neil Hudgell Solicitors ahead of the Jackson reforms kicking in. Apple Legal has transferred its road traffic accident claims practice for a six-figure sum.

Four years since the Jackson reforms came into force, and with no respite for law firms from the significant challenges posed by ongoing changes in the rules and procedures for costs, Burcher Jennings has today launched a fully updated Costs Masterclass for 2017.