LATEST TWEETS
Claiming compensation for a serious road traffic accident
Although the UK has some of the safest roads in the world, the number of road traffic accidents resulting in death or serious injury each year is increasing. The police received reports of 26,610 people killed or seriously injured in the year ending June 2108.
Driver error is to blame for most road accidents, with accidents caused by drivers failing to look properly, poor vehicle manoeuvres or loss of control. The government is deeply concerned, so much so that in July 2019 the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency published a road safety action plan to cut the number of fatalities.
Katherine Flashman Kitson, Director of Litigation for Parnalls Solicitors is experienced in helping road accident victims recover compensation and says ‘Whatever the cause, the effects of a serious road traffic accident can be devastating and have lifelong implications for health and even earning potential’.
We have dealt with a broad range of cases, such as accidents resulting from drunk drivers, excessive speed, reckless driving, adverse weather conditions, running red lights, hit and run incidents, and vehicle design defects. Our specialist team of lawyers have also successfully represented people who have suffered the most serious injuries, including head and spinal trauma.
Who is most at risk?
The risk of injury is one faced by all road users not just those in vehicles. According to the Department for Transport victims include:
- 58% car drivers and passengers
- 14% pedestrians
- 11% cyclists
- 10% motorbikes
- 3% child pedestrians
- 9% all child casualties.
What to do immediately after an accident
Being involved in an accident is an extremely upsetting experience, but it is important to try to stay calm.
When someone is injured the police should always be called. This will ensure there is a formal record of what happened.
Witnesses should be asked for their details so that your solicitor can contact them later. Dash cams are increasingly common, so it is worth finding out if anyone has captured images of the incident.
Always make sure you obtain the name, address and insurance details of any other parties involved, along with the registration number of their vehicle.
Take photographs of the position of the vehicles involved in the accident, damage sustained, skid marks and any road debris.
Making a compensation claim
The sooner you speak to a specialist solicitor the easier it will be to gather the evidence required to seek compensation.
We will obtain the police report and prepare witness statements to support your claim. Our solicitors are also experienced in countering arguments raised by insurance companies (who are keen to avoid paying compensation), such as allegations that a crash helmet or seat belt was not worn or a cyclist was not wearing high-visibility clothing.
We will tell you exactly what you can claim compensation for. This could include the repair or replacement of your vehicle or bike, along with any clothing or personal items damaged in the accident. If you need time off work as a result of your injuries, then we can recover your lost earnings. We can also arrange for you to receive private medical treatment or rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, and include those costs within the claim. In addition we are able to recover the value of any help or care that has been provided to you by your friends and family.
No win, no fee funding
Although no amount of money can take away the traumatic experience you have been through, compensation can make life easier. So, if you have been injured as a result of a serious road traffic accident within the last three years then let us help you make a claim. We can work on a no win, no fee basis, so you should not let worries about funding legal costs put you off seeking justice.
If you need help with a serious road traffic claim, or any other personal injury matter, please contact Katherine Flashman Kitson on 01566 772375 or email flashmankitsonk@parnalls.com
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
Tags
Categories
MORE NEWS
KATHERINE FLASHMAN KITSON CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AS A DIRECTOR OF PARNALLS
Do you know the difference between…
When to consider appointing a professional attorney
Should I get a cohabitation agreement?
The Need for Updating Wills
The Right to Make Noise
Ill-health pension transfer not liable for IHT
Legal Time Limits - why so important?
Would you pay a premium for a south-facing garden?
Video-witnessed wills to be made legal
New Planning Relaxation Is Not the Whole Storey
How to minimise delays in obtaining Grant of Probate
Could you benefit from the Green Homes Grant?
A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM: new electrical safety regulations for residential tenancies
Property of Cornish residents who die without a will goes to Prince Charles
Does your lawyer progress your accident claim efficiently and provide you with a personal and professional service? Can i change solicitors for my accident claim?
What effect could the new changes to stamp duty have on property sales?
Preparing to sell your Launceston property
Staying safer in video meetings
Making Sure Your Great New Home Comes With Clean Air
Property Market Re-Opens in England
Coronavirus: Wills and Powers of Attorney FAQ
Medical Care Received Not Up to Scratch?
Had an Accident in Someone's Home?
Accident or Injury Involving a Dog?
Social Distancing No Obstacle for Parnall's Mobile Document Signing Team
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Commercial Property Legal FAQs
Rent Charge Suspensions: Protecting Your Interests
Been Asked to Sign an Employment Settlement Agreement? Seek Advice Urgently...
Services Update: Continuity of Legal Service Provision
Advising You in Uncertain Times
Coronavirus Update
Could carelessness on social media land you in court?
Is an electronic signature on a commercial property document acceptable?
What happens when there is no health & care LPA in place
Social Media Training for Businesses
Information to gather for your probate solicitor
Gazundering, what it is and how to avoid it
Relief from forfeiture – what happens if the tenant forgets to pay the rent?
Not so safe at work - compensation for an accident at work
New organ donation law: giving you control
Running a business from home
Have nude photos of you or your teenager been posted online?
Landowners’ rights and the Electronic Communications Code
Building in your back garden
Christmas is a time for giving (and inheritance planning)
Buying the freehold of your leasehold house
Redeveloping an empty pub for commercial use
Why it takes time to obtain the Grant of Probate
Social Media: The unconscious privacy threat
Is your reputation being threatened?
Making a will after your spouse or partner has died
Interns celebrate completion of internship at solicitors
Selling your home in a flat market, some top tips
Claiming compensation for a serious road traffic accident
New Media and Communications Court list reflects surge in internet defamation claims by Laura Baglow
Has your personal information been shared without your permission?
Planning your escape to the country, what you need to consider – part 2
Government consultation on new national model for shared ownership
Choosing a partnership structure
Planning for what happens when you die by Deborah Adams
Changes to legislation could offer protection for tenants in the private rental sector
Move to the country - Part One
The risks of DIY probate
Will your septic tank still be legal in January?
The death knell for ‘kiss and tell’?
Making a will when you retire
Selling your property at auction
Not looking so good - your guide to compensation for botched non-surgical cosmetic procedures
New threshold of seriousness in defamation proceedings
Legal considerations when building a granny annex
Choosing the right person for your power of attorney
Formal Interviews - Do you need legal representation?
Privacy rights and aerial images
Trustees’ duty to give information to beneficiaries
Five problems with a leasehold property
Taking your first commercial lease
Is your organisation protected from employee social media legal risk?
Have you been targeted by negative social media posts?
Farmers be alert when being inspected
Help for House Sellers?
Don’t let your digital assets end up in a digital grave
Valuing an estate for probate
Development proposals and your local authority search
What can you do if your child is injured in a serious accident
NetRights welcomes new protection for social media users
SHOULD I GET A LAWYER FOR A SPEEDING OFFENCE?
Supreme Court recognises that social media is a “casual medium” in libel battle
Choosing the best conveyancer who is right for you
Making a will after a second or subsequent marriage
Option or promotion agreement – which is best for landowners?
Anonymous pub and restaurant online reviews leave a bad taste
Have you had an accident involving a horse?
Help to Buy – beware of some cracks in the structure
Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney
Changes to Energy Performance Certificate for Landlords
Had a cycling accident? Your route to obtaining compensation
New year, new home: tips to sell your home in the New Year
Tax Planning for your inheritance
Hearing loss: when your employer may be liable
Buying a home for your retirement, five things you need to consider
Farmers plan to diversify after Brexit
Ministers press ahead with probate fee shake-up - reports BBC News
Botched dental treatment? You may be entitled to compensation
Why a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney is a good idea
Will the new charge on building developments in Cornwall affect you?
Energy Performance Certificates – Do They Matter?
HMRC Challenging Stamp Duty Land Tax Payments
Ben Mitchell qualifies as a solicitor
The potential implications of Brexit on employment law
Appointing a guardian for your children
Houses in multiple occupation – new rules from October 2018
New Agriculture Bill published
Will Brexit affect my pension?
Dreaming of a holiday home? Sort out the legals before putting your feet up
Lasting Power of Attorney by Deborah Adams
Settled status after Brexit by Alexis Hager
How to choose an executor to administer your estate when you die
How overage agreements can boost profits from your land
Top tips for first-time buyers
How Could Brexit Affect My Farm?
Wills & Succession in Spain by Deborah Adams
Brexit – an international and local view by Alexis Hager, Litigation
Capital gains tax - important facts for non-residents of the UK
Buying a home: the importance of making sure the seller is entitled to sell
Changing a will after someone has died: it is possible and it could save you money
Your responsibilities when you have people working in your home
Sad passing of Battle of Britain pilot who served with Parnall family member
Considerations when buying a heritage property
Disciplinary proceedings at work: guide for employers
Employers should have a disciplinary process in place, but just following this may not be enough to avoid falling foul of the law and exposing yourself to the risk of an employment tribunal claim.