torquewench
So, if the driver of the van says you were speeding, why did they pull out then? They clearly saw you well enough to say you were speeding and that's the first thing your insurers should pick up on and ask.
I have no idea, apart from suspecting that they just didn't want to pay anything. It seems that insurance companies agree not to sue each other, which is why they love 50-50 settlements.
Sounds very unlikely IME that your insurance would take the line you suggest given the circs you describe.
But they did.
And your lawyers are obliged to write a letter of engagement to you with their hourly rate details so they can claim it back from the opposing sides insurer. Also, £400 ph sounds a lot for a panel firm who'll get a paralegal to deal with it. That's higher than most senior partners charge out at.
I asked the insurance company to put me in touch with their lawyers, as I had legal cover and was mightily pissed off at being blamed and them refusing to pay. I phoned the solicitor and was told that it would cost me £400 an hour. I gave up at first, until somebody suggested an independent lawyer, who phoned the insurance company and told them he was acting for me.
I was paid eventually, but they stalled over everything, for example, one of my boots was damaged badly. It was a £10 pair of army surplus, they said it was an excessive sum. They thought that £80 for a helmet was an excessive sum. Etc etc.