Skipton lawyers, Savage Crangle, have launched a new scheme for accident claims on a "no win - no fee" basis.

Lawyers prefer to call it a "contingency fee arrangement" and, strictly speaking, it is not completely free because a person who brings a claim to court needs insurance to cover losses if the claim does not succeed.

But it should smooth the way for a more smooth process of law for the man or woman in the street.

Here's how the scheme works: Anyone who feels they may have an accidents claim can call a freephone number for advice and a free appointment with a lawyer.

All claims are dealt with by a fully qualified solicitor or legal executive and the scheme covers all types of claim for any accident not just those in cars or at work.

The free advice will be given at the firm's office in Skipton High Street but for anyone who can not get to the office, a visit at home or hosptial can be arranged.

As well as the possibility of compensation an arrangement can be made to hire a car for people when they have lost the use of their own car through no fault of their own.

Premiums for insurance are one-off payments between £95 and £162. Lawyers can also charge a "success fee" out of the winnings but there are rules laid down as to how much can be charged.

John Eyre, in charge of accident claims at Savage Crangle said: "The whole idea is to offer people a service with the least possible worry. If someone has a claim, we will help them take it on with little or no financial risk. If people don't have a claim, they can find out free."

Savage Crangle are also members of The Law Society's national Accident Line and The Personal Injury Panel which is recognition of the firm's experience and specialisation in this area of law.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.