Aviva’s self-serving proposal that accident victims should go direct to the at-fault insurer without legal representation calls to mind memorable scenes from Oliver Twist.

Readers will recall the image of the quivering young wretch as he is hauled before the board of governors and later the fearsome police magistrate, Mr Fang. The typical accident victim, with no knowledge of how to advance or quantify an injury claim, stands as much chance as Oliver did in securing a fair outcome.

It is rare indeed for insurers to make a reasonable opening offer and Aviva knows how much easier it will be to rebuff the victim who is unrepresented when he pipes up with ‘please sir, I want some more’.

The principle of equality of arms is clearly not one with which Aviva is familiar. It is the duty of the government to ensure that accident victims are not thrown to the wolves to be devoured by sophisticated multi-billion pound insurance corporations.

Richard Edwards, E Rex Makin & Co, Liverpool