A LANCASHIRE solicitor is warning road accident victims to be wary of cold callers who contact them and urge them to make a claim for compensation.

The move follows former justice secretary Jack Straw’s comments that a ‘huge racket’ exists of insurance companies, police and recovery firms which pass on customer details to lawyers.

Unscrupulous firms, often national chains rather than a locally based operation, then pursue accident victims claiming they can secure them compensation through a no-win no-fee agreement.

Mr Straw has claimed this has driven a surge in such claims, pushing up premiums for all drivers.

But Terry Griffin, head of personal injury at local law firm Napthens, has warned that the best option is to ignore unsolicited offers of help, and approach a trusted local law firm with relevant expertise to see if there really is a claim to be made.

He said: “I would advise anybody contacted by one of these companies to see their local solicitor instead and get some face-to-face advice, and ignore any calls or text messages.

“An expert specialist personal injury solicitor is always the best person to advise on whether or not a claim should be brought.

“Such a solicitor will provide a client with clear, independent advice and they can be sure that the advice they receive will also be in their best interests.”