Archive for May, 2008

A Study undertaken by Norwich Union suggests that many drivers take the blame for road accident crashes, even when it was not their fault, but by doing so this might assist their long term mental health.

The study involving 1,556 British drivers found that 19% of motorists involved in a car accident felt under pressure by the other driver to take the blame, when in 71% of cases it was not actually their fault.

However, if drivers believe that they have caused an accident and accept responsibility, then often have fewer problems afterwards.  Conversely, if they believe someone else was at fault they may suffer uncertainty and fear that similar accidents may happen to them in the future.

A study has recently suggested that women who are involved in a road accident are more at risk of suffering a whiplash injury due to a “rear end shunt” than men, simply because of their driving position.

The study was conducted by a Swedish university and found that most women adjust their seat in such a way that it left them more susceptible to whiplash.  In particular, women often sit higher and closer to the steering wheel than men, and also with a more upright back and head rest, and this may put them more at risk of suffering neck injuries in the event of a collision from behind.

Published in Truckstop News - May 2008.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors considers the measures in place to prevent “ACCIDENTS THAT HAPPEN WHEN WORKING AT A HEIGHT”.

Falls from a height account for the majority of workplace accidents resulting in fatality or serious injury.  To combat this the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (amended 2007) were brought into force, placing more detailed and stringent requirements on employers and others who control work that is undertaken at a height.

The Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of injury from falling, and also cover instances where an injury is caused by falling objects.  No minimum height is set; there simply has to be a risk of injury from falling.  Therefore the Regulations apply at ground level or even underground, if the accident was as a result of falling a distance likely to cause injury.

Published in Truckstop News - April 2008.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors considers employers duty to minimise the risk of “ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE WORK EQUIPMENT”.  

Accidents and injuries at work are often caused by defective or faulty work equipment.  The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to all work equipment.  If the employer has breached the duty to provide a safe working environment and/or a safe system of work and as a result the employee has suffered injury, the employer may be liable to pay compensation to the employee for his or her injuries and any financial losses, such as reduced earnings.

Cowboy claims companies have been forced to clean up their act, says a report published yesterday.

The Ministry of Justice’s first annual report says better regulation has significantly reduced cold calling in person, which includes the practice of ‘clip boarding’ - knocking on doors and aggressively approaching people in shopping centres.  Unauthorised advertising and marketing in hospitals have also been almost entirely removed.

Bridget Prentice said:

“The regulation has put in place vital safeguards for consumers when using the services of claims management companies and is raising standards across the industry.”

“The new rules that claim managers must now follow have cleaned up the industry.  Consumers can have more confidence that they will be dealt with fairly when seeking to make a claim.”

Published in Truckstop News - March 2008.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors considers the causes and consequences of “TRIPPING AND FALLING ACCIDENTS AT WORK”.   

Approximately 37% of all major accidents in the workplace are caused by slipping and tripping.  Of those, 95% result in broken bones or dislocated limbs.  A slip or trip could lead to even more serious consequences, such as falling from a height or colliding with a motor vehicle, and the possibility of falling into a machine or into a container of hot liquid or acid hardly bears thinking about.

Published in Truckstop News - February 2008.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors considers the question “WHAT DOES ‘NO WIN NO FEE’ ACTUALLY MEAN AND WILL I HAVE TO PAY ANY LEGAL FEES?”   

There are various ways to fund a claim for personal injury compensation, but perhaps the one that is most commonly referred to is under a “No Win No Fee” arrangement.   What may not be so clearly advertised is that although you might not have to actually pay out any money, you may not end up with your full compensation.  It is always worth making some enquiries before you sign up to this type of arrangement.

Published in Truckstop News - January 2008.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors discusses the topic of “ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD” 

At this time of the year travelling on the UK’s roadways can be a dangerous challenge, especially when you have to cope with icy road conditions, bad weather and increased congestion caused by holiday traffic, not to mention the inconsiderate and downright reckless behaviour of drivers who may have been drinking at a party, distracted by a phone call or simply with their minds on other things, such as 11^th hour Christmas shopping.

It is a shocking fact that around 10,000 accidents occur on the roads every day, which results in approximately 300,000 injuries each year.  Roads are therefore very dangerous places to be.

Published in Truckstop News - December 2007.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors sets out the issues that are considered when answering the question “HOW MUCH IS MY CLAIM WORTH?” 

In many cases, valuing a claim accurately can be a tricky business and will depend to a large extent on the individual’s circumstances.  There are 2 elements to the compensation awarded - GENERAL DAMAGES to compensate you for the pain and suffering of the injury and any treatment provided, and for any significant affect the injury may have on your lifestyle - SPECIAL DAMAGES to reimburse any losses you have incurred or expenses you have paid out as a direct result of the accident.

Published in Truckstop News - November 2007.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury firm Hinchliffes Solicitors deals with the problem of “FALLING OFF THE BACK OF A LORRY”. 

“Falling off the back of a lorry” conjures up images of cartoon antics and shady dealings, but anyone who has suffered this type of accident takes the matter very seriously indeed.  Accidents can be caused by - a defect with the lorry or trailer - the means of getting on/off the lorry or trailer - difficulties with the load.