No fee and a win! (TT column 14.10.13)

As I get older it seems our legal system is gradually becoming more frustrating and unjust. I have now realised that this isn't due to the law changing but to the fact that I am becoming more aware of all it's pit falls. Compared with the USA we are reasonably laid back when it comes to pursuing claims against each other, although I'm not sure how long it's going to remain this way. A recent conversation with a friend highlighted this. After his claim had been settled for an incident with his parked vehicle his phone has not stopped ringing with the "no win, no fee" offers from personal injury lawyers - the fact that he was not in his vehicle at the time doesn't seem to be a mitigating factor.
The point that brought me to this topic was personal, I have just had a satisfying letter from my lawyer to inform me that justice has been done from a cycling incident I was involved in back in April. The case is now closed and what a relief that is. Sometimes you feel it is easier to forget and move on - I was apparently researched by the opposing legal team, and the fact that I had publicly written about previous self inflicted falls from my bicycle, implied that the accident was therefore my fault. Thankfully I have no lasting physical injuries from the incident so will not be answering any calls from dubious legal firms and will just continue to ride my bicycle with ever increased awareness.