Get the compensation you deserve | No Win, No Fee specialists | Personal Injury legal expert

Each year, thousands of individuals are involved in road traffic accidents.  In many cases, the injuries are relatively minor but for many, accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries. Sadly, many thousands of lives are lost.

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If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation for the injuries you have sustained, together with all financial losses.

In many cases, insurance companies contact individuals who have been involved in road traffic accidents offering them a sum of money to settle their claim. This situation arises when the victim has not sought legal advice. If this happens to you, we would urge you to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

In many instances, the insurance companies are attempting to settle a claim at too low a value. Settlement is full and final and you do not have the option of returning for more compensation in the future. If this happens to you, we would urge you to contact us immediately so as to ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered.

All drivers owe a duty of care to all other road users, specifically including other cars, motorcycles, cyclists, lorries and buses. In addition, they owe a duty of care to their passengers and to pedestrians.

If you were the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that was not your fault, then you and your passengers, if any, are entitled to claim against the other driver/s who were responsible for the collision.

In circumstances where you were the passenger and your driver was at fault, you are entitled to claim against the driver. This may, of course, be a member of your family or a friend but remember, they are insured against such claims and if you have suffered an injury which leads to loss of earnings, can you afford not to claim?

Cyclists are regarded as being the most vulnerable road user. Although the number of accidents involving cyclists are relatively low, when accidents do occur, the injuries sustained are often very serious, possibly leading to many months off work recuperating, or fatal.

Equally, accidents involving pedestrians can result in very serious injuries or worse. Vulnerable pedestrians including the elderly and children are most at risk.

Many individuals use public transport on a regular basis. This may include, for example, the bus, train, tram or coach. Using public transport is popular but there are specific risks involved in that many passengers often have to stand and seat belts are not provided meaning that if there is a collision, you are at particular risk of being thrown around. If you have suffered an injury as a result of being involved in an accident whilst a passenger on public transport, it is unlikely to be your fault and you may be able to claim.

In addition, if you were a passenger in a private taxi, again you may be able to claim for compensation for your injuries and consequential financial losses.

A frequent cause of accidents is due to dangerous road conditions when surfaces are covered in snow and ice. Even if an accident occurs in these conditions, you are still able to claim for compensation. Road users should always take care appropriate to the conditions and arguably, in poor weather conditions, an even greater duty of care is owed.

In some cases, it may even be possible to bring a claim against the highway authority if the accident was caused by excessive snow and ice on the roads.

“The limitation period for bringing these claims is three years from the date of the accident.”

 

Melanie Lidstone-Land | Head of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury

Legal aid is not available for these types of claim and we therefore offer assistance under a No Win No Fee Agreement. For free legal advice, contact our specialist Personal Injury team on 023 92 483322 (Havant) or on 023 80 631111 (Southampton). Alternatively, complete the response e-mail slip.