Archive for the 'Claims valuation' Category

Published in CV Driver October 2011.

In this series of articles written by solicitor Steven Hinchliffe (owner of the specialist Personal Injury firm HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS) he highlights the types of accidents suffered by professional drivers, where his firm has been successful in securing compensation for the injured victim.

His firm has many years of experience in handling accident claims, particularly following accidents at work and while on the road – and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation. 

CASE HISTORY

How the Accident Happened

In February 1999, while driving a concrete mixer up a steep hill for a contractor, it was necessary for the driver to select a lower gear.  In this particular vehicle the control levers operating the mixer drum were positioned at the back of the cab, directly behind the gear lever.  As the driver changed down, his elbow swung back and hit the solid metal control levers causing significant injury. 

In 2011 I wrote an article for Truckfest to go in their visitor show guides for the May and July shows.  Since it covers some practical points I thought it might be helpful to reproduce it below.  To see it in full glossy colour click the pdf link below.

Truckfest Article 2011 – pdf

I’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEED SOME ADVICE

Steven Hinchliffe of HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS answers your questions about compensation claims.  His firm has years of experience in helping injured lorry drivers, their families and members of the public get their lives back on track following accidents.

Published in CV Driver July 2011.

This is the seventh in a series of articles written by solicitor Steven Hinchliffe, who is the owner and Principal of the specialist Personal Injury firm HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS.

In these articles he will consider various issues relating to the accidents commonly suffered by professional drivers and the sometimes devastating injuries they sustain.  The firm has many years of experience in handling accident claims on behalf of injured victims – not only recovering millions of pounds in compensation, but also securing medical and other rehabilitation treatment to aid their recovery and return to normal life. 

This article outlines the main procedures that your solicitor should comply with to protect your position and achieve the right result when dealing with your accident compensation claim.

Published in CV Driver April 2011.

This is the fourth in a series of articles written by solicitor Steven Hinchliffe, who is the owner and Principal of the specialist Personal Injury firm HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS.

In these articles he will consider various issues relating to the accidents commonly suffered by professional drivers and the sometimes devastating injuries they sustain.  The firm has many years of experience in handling accident claims on behalf of injured victims – not only recovering millions of pounds in compensation, but also securing medical and other rehabilitation treatment to aid their recovery and return to normal life. 

This article outlines how different companies view accident claims, and the tactics used by some to encourage injured victims to deal direct with them.

Published in Truckstop News April 2011.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury Compensation firm Hinchliffes Solicitors will consider how “YOUR ACCESS TO JUSTICE IS IN JEOPARDY”  

I was recently involved in a financial transaction and received very poor service from a high street bank.  As a result I incurred several thousand pounds of expenditure I had not bargained for.  I made a formal complaint and claimed my losses, but the bank refused to deal with the matter.  I therefore involved the Financial Services Ombudsman and although I do not know what the outcome will be, there is now an independent party considering the merits of my complaint, and if it is upheld they will require the bank to compensate me.

How is this relevant to someone wanting to make a claim for personal injury compensation?  Let me explain.  If you are injured in an accident and the party responsible refuses to pay compensation, you can put your case before a Judge at a trial (ie an independent party).  If they find in your favour they can assess the amount you should receive for your injuries and financial losses, and require your opponent to pay this, together with your legal costs.

Published in Motorcycle Monthly April 2011. 

It’s happened.  You’ve had a road accident.  But what do you do now?  MCM has the answers…

In the second of a two-part feature, solicitor and biker Steven Hinchliffe outlines when and how to make claims for any personal injury and property damage following a road accident, and considers the basic elements that need to exist for the claim to be successful.

WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT?

For a compensation claim to be successful, you must show that the accident has occurred because of the negligence or fault of the other driver or road user.  If their “duty of care” to you is breached and as a result you are injured, then it is highly likely that you will have grounds to recover compensation.

Published in CVDriver March 2011.

This is the third in a series of articles written by solicitor Steven Hinchliffe, who is the owner and Principal of the specialist Personal Injury firm HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS.  In these articles he will consider various issues relating to the accidents commonly suffered by professional drivers and the sometimes devastating injuries they sustain.  The firm has many years of experience in handling accident claims on behalf of injured victims – not only recovering millions of pounds in compensation, but also securing medical and other rehabilitation treatment to aid their recovery and return to normal life. 

This article outlines how compensation for injuries is calculated and identifies the main financial losses that can be claimed.

Someone injured in an accident that was either partially or wholly the fault of another party is legally entitled to be compensated.  Awards of compensation made by the Courts in England and Wales are some of the lowest in Western Europe, and it is therefore essential that every avenue is explored to ensure that the injured person receives their full entitlement.

Published in CVDriver January 2011.

This is the first in a series of articles written by solicitor Steven Hinchliffe, who is the owner and Principal of the specialist Personal Injury firm HINCHLIFFES SOLICITORS.

In these articles he will consider various issues relating to the accidents commonly suffered by professional drivers and the sometimes devastating injuries they sustain.  The firm has many years of experience in handling accident claims on behalf of injured victims – not only recovering millions of pounds in compensation, but also securing medical and other rehabilitation treatment to aid their recovery and return to normal life. 

This first article deals with the basic elements that need to exist for a successful claim for personal injury compensation to be made following an accident.

Published in Truckstop News August 2010.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury Compensation firm Hinchliffes Solicitors will consider “HOW COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENT RELATED INJURIES IS CALCULATED”

In this article I set out the basic procedures for working out how much money an injured person should receive to compensate them for the injuries they have suffered in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or company.  Awards of compensation made by the Courts in England and Wales are some of the lowest in Western Europe; therefore it is essential that every avenue is explored to ensure that the injured person is as fully compensated as the law permits.

Sometimes the injured person is found to be partly responsible for the accident, and in that case the amount of compensation they receive is reduced by a certain percentage to reflect their share of the blame.  For example, in a head on car accident both drivers may be held equally responsible and therefore once the full value of the injuries and the full extent of the injured person’s financial losses are established, only 50% of this would be due.  Also, if someone involved in a car accident was not wearing their seatbelt and this resulted in their injuries being more severe than would otherwise have been the case, they would lose between 15% and 25% of the full compensation, depending upon the individual circumstances.

Published in Truckstop News July 2010.

In this month’s issue Steven Hinchliffe of the specialist Personal Injury Compensation firm Hinchliffes Solicitors will consider “THE IMPORTANCE OF STRONG MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN SUCCESSFUL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS”

What is the role of medical evidence in personal injury claims and why is it so important?  To make a successful claim for personal injury compensation, you need to prove three things.  Firstly, that someone else had a legal responsibility for your safety and welfare; secondly that they failed in their responsibilities towards you; and finally that you suffered an injury as a direct result.  No matter how serious your injuries are, you will only be able to recover accident compensation if the first and second criteria are satisfied.