ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD

May 20th, 2008 Hinchliffes

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.

Many factors lead to accidents on the road, including vehicle failure and the poor condition of the roads themselves, but it will come as no surprise to learn that the majority of accidents are as a result of human error. In fact statistics indicate that this is the cause of over 90% of the road accidents reported.

Most vehicle failures can be attributed to poor maintenance, with issues ranging from faulty lights to problematic brakes, and tyres that are either under inflated or over inflated. However, whatever the problem or fault, each one increases the chance of an accident occurring. For example, many drivers have at some time or another mistaken a car for a motorbike when only one headlight or brakelight is working. It is therefore vital for all drivers to ensure that the vehicle they are driving is in good condition and suitable for its purpose.

It is a poor reflection on the country that the UK’s roads are now in a worse condition than they were in the 1970s, with one in every 5 miles of major local roads failing skid tests. What many drivers are probably unaware of is that for some while after a new road surface has been laid, the road often provides poorer skid resistance than the surface just replaced. Inadequate road drainage, badly positioned road signs and pot holes are other road maintenance issues that can cause accidents.

As just identified, by far the biggest cause of road accidents is human error, and not just from young or inexperienced drivers. Distractions such as mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, children screaming in the back seats, or something as minor as a spilt drink are the cause of many thousands of injuries on the roads. Regarding the use of mobile phones, people illegally using hand held devices whilst driving have 4 times the chance of being in an accident compared to other drivers, and even when using a hands free phone attention is being diverted from the road ahead. Misjudging the speed or direction or other vehicles is another common human error, and we are all well aware that alcohol, drugs and fatigue impair co-ordination, the perception of speed and reaction times. 14% of all road accidents and 35% of all road related deaths are as a result of tiredness and the consumption of alcohol.

Whereas a vehicle’s speed tends to be only one factor in causing an accident, it is undeniable that excess speed plays a part in many thousands of road accidents each year.

Winter weather can change dramatically within a matter of minutes. You may be driving in clear, bright conditions one moment, only to run into fog and sleet the next, which rapidly gives way to blizzards and black ice. Visibility can be dramatically reduced and deadly road conditions created. One slip or slide and either your vehicle or the vehicle in front of you could be off the road.

To avoid being involved in a road accident this winter, the best advice is to be well prepared and stay alert. Knowing how to react in an unfamiliar situation is vital. Also ensure your vehicle is well maintained and be ready to anticipate and avoid the antics of other road users.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

I was involved in a serious pile up on the motorway, caused by another driver and as a result the vehicle in front of me flipped over and narrowly missed my bonnet. Although I didn’t suffer any significant injuries, I am now very nervous about driving on motorways and have flashbacks of the accident and what might have happened. Can I make a claim?

You do not have to suffer a physical injury to make a successful claim for compensation following an accident. Many drivers experience psychological trauma after a near miss, but fortunately most are able to get over these problems with a few therapy sessions. So yes, you can make a claim in this situation.

When stopped at traffic lights the car behind me failed to slow down and ran into the back of me. I now have whiplash. The other driver didn’t get out of his car and drove off, but I did jot down his registration number. How do I find out who he is so I can make a claim against him, and what can I do if he is not insured?

As you have his registration number, the owner of the car can be easily traced using an electronic database operated by insurance companies. Most solicitors who deal with road accident cases have access to this database. Once the other driver is identified, a claim can be directed against him. However, if it is discovered that he is not insured, a claim can still be made but which will be directed to the Motor Insurers Bureau rather than the driver.

I had a head on collision with another car, which was being driven towards me on my side of the road. My injuries where severe and unfortunately the other driver died. I don’t want to cause his family any further upset, but feel that I ought to be compensated because I have not been able to work for several months. What should I do?

It is not uncommon for the innocent driver to feel reluctant about making a claim in these circumstances, but in your case your compensation for both your injuries and financial losses could be substantial. The claim can be directed straight to the deceased driver’s insurance company, and you do not therefore need to trouble his family.

ENDS

(Other Personal Injury FAQs)

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of accident contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are conducted on a No Win – No Fee basis, where the Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.