As we remember the victims of road traffic accidents, we answer the most important questions on how to pursue a claim this road Victim Month.
What is Road Victim Month?
Road Victim Month is organised by the charity Road Peace and takes place in August each year to remember people who have been killed or injured on our roads.
A meaningful start
Road Victim Month was formed following the traumatic death of Princess Diana, causing a nationwide shock when the news broke on 31st August 1997. The month also commemorates the death of Bridget Driscoll, a woman who holds an unfortunate place in history as the first recorded person to be killed by a car. Bridget Driscoll’s death took place in 1896, over one hundred years earlier than Princess Diana. Both figures occupy significant points on the timeline of road traffic accidents.
How many people are affected by road traffic incidents?
A staggering number of the UK population are involved in incidents every year. In 2022 there were 143,326 injuries caused by car accident as reported in the Department for Transport’s Annual Report. This is a significant 0.21% of the population.
What are the main causes of car accidents in the UK?
Speeding, drunk driving, and human error are the most commonly listed reasons for car accidents. The number of serious casualties and fatalities jump to 21% when seatbelts aren’t worn.
Who can make a claim?
You can make a claim if you’ve been involved in an accident in the past three years. Road victim claims include car accidents, cycling accidents, passenger accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorbike accidents, bus and coach accidents, e-scooter accidents, and horse accidents. If you have been involved in an accident you feel was not your fault, you can engage a Personal Injury Solicitorto make a claim.
What should you do if you’re involved in an accident?
To have the best chance of making a successful claim we recommend you gather as much information from the scene of the accident as possible. This includes making note of the other driver or drivers’ contact details as well as their insurance details. You should also take photos of any damage and download dashcam footage if you have one. It can be beneficial to know if anyone else involved also has any footage. You must report the accident to the police and your insurance company. A solicitor will then have a great starting point to pursue a claim.
How to make a claim
We are an Essex law firm represented by the specialist team of solicitors at Essex Personal Injury Lawyers (EPIL). With over 25 years’ combined experience in pursuing road traffic compensation claims, our friendly and skilled professionals are here to help.
How much will it cost to pursue a claim?
We offer No Win No Fee on nearly all claims taken on by EPIL and any compensation awarded is retained in full by our clients. We ensure there is no personal risk to the victim in pursuing a claim.
Give us a call today
Contact Jefferies to instruct a lawyer to pursue a claim on your road traffic accident – our Personal Injury Solicitors are waiting to take your call.