This week I had a day out in Liverpool. It is a lovely city, fairly well known to me from having moored the narrowboat in Salterhouse Dock a couple of times. But the reason I was here this time was to support my brother in law, Steve, who was going to court.
Steve had done nothing wrong. The case was about a car accident a couple of years ago, which was not his fault but for which the two insurance companies could not agree. And the good news is that he won. But it was a fascinating experience for me to go to court and I learnt a lot:
- It is really scary. It is not like on TV. There were no robes, wigs, juries. But there was still a judge and two aggressive barristers. I was glad I did not need to answer any questions.
- Court buildings are falling apart. After many years of under investment it really needed a lick of paint and new ceilings.
- It can be a lottery. Right up to the final judgement our barrister was telling us that we might win, we might lose and it could be called 50/50. It does appear to depend on which judge on which day.
- Insurance companies waste so much money! The case was about repairs worth a few hundred pounds. The legal fees cost thousands. Surely there must be a better way to come to agreement. It all adds to all our premiums.
- If you have to go to court, make a day of it. Steve and I had a day out, travelling on trains, having breakfast beforehand and lunch afterwards and even visiting a rather smart art gallery. It was fun.
It was a really interesting day, but I will be avoiding going back if I possibly can.
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