Answer: Mea culpa. I am very sorry for the delay. It is now taking me - based on the date of your email - an average four weeks to answer problems that readers like you write about. This is unsatisfactory in today's digital world. Insurance buyers, like other consumers, want quick, reliable, accurate, answers and advice to their problems - which most insurers and brokers appear unable to give. Because of this, I have started discussions with my editor, which I hope will increase the speed of my response and also allow persons in the diaspora, like you, to have access. Wish me luck.

Dishonesty, ignorance and incompetence are at the root of your problems. The trouble began with the police. The decision of the court provides compelling evidence that the officer who investigated the accident was less than honest and/or lacked common sense. If what you said about the lawyer is true, you are like Job.

The man took your money under false pretences. In addition, when he chooses to speak with you he tells you foolishness. The non-settlement of your claim after five years is very unusual. I would have absolutely nothing to do with the lawyer after he failed to attend court. He should be disbarred from his profession and be forced to spend time in prison.

written evidence

Contact the clerk of court where your trial took place. Get written evidence to confirm that the charges the police laid against you were dismissed. After that, write a registered letter to the third party's insurers. Tell them that you fired the lawyer. Enclose a copy of the court document. Explain that the courts declared you to be innocent of the charges the police laid against you. Provide full details of your claim and the proof to support it. Ask them to settle your claim. Send me a copy of the letter by email.

I am not sure why your insurers are involved. I assumed that you had third party insurance which would exclude collision damage coverage. Am I wrong? Please explain. Additionally, the statement attributed to your insurers that they don't have enough proof that you were "operating lawfully in the terms of the insurance" does not make sense to me. Ask them to tell you in plain English and in writing exactly what they mean.

Do not allow the insurers to frighten you. If the police were unable to do so, the clerks or managers in the insurance companies should not come close to doing so. Use the approach that you employed to win your case in court to do battle with them. Get evidence to prove your case. Common sense always beats insurance know-how.

Move with great haste. The longer matters like these remain unsettled the more difficult recovery becomes. Finally, if you need more help or advice at any stage of the process, let me know. I promise to reply to any future emails from you within 24 hours.