Category: Accidents in Public

Gowing Law Solicitors is open to help you with your compensation claim

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your compensation claim in 2021! We know that things may seem a little bleak right now, with the pandemic and the changes coming with Brexit, but we are here to help you support you with any type of personal injury claim or tax claim. Right now, you may be feeling a little concerned about your claim, or perhaps cautious about making a claim during the lockdown in general. However, we would say that this is the best time to get in contact with a legal firm about your claim. We will focus entirely on getting you the pay-out that you deserve.

We want to make sure that our clients understand that we are open and ready to move forward with their claims. We’re going to discuss in a little more detail the type of claims we are happy to help you with. Naturally, if you have any questions, feel free to get in contact with our team via our LiveChat or by phoning 0800 041 8350. You can also use our claims checker by pressing the link below:

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The UK lockdown & your compensation claim: What do you need to know?

A new strain of Covid-19 from Africa has caused the UK to go into its third lockdown. That means you should not be leaving your home unless the travel is for essential reasons. Now, that may also mean that you are working remotely or have been put on furlough to save you money. If you are asking yourself how Gowing Law Solicitors is still open to help clients with compensation claims, we have actually been working remotely since the start of the pandemic! Ever since the first lockdown, Gowing Law’s staff have been working remotely from their homes. We value their safety as much as we value the safety of our clients. That’s why the introduction of this new lockdown has not impeded any of our cases or services.

Instead, we want to let you know exactly how we can help you with your compensation claim. That way we can give you peace of mind and help you feel more in control of what is happening before you go to court. Take a look at the infographic below to see how we can help:

lockdown advice infographic

If you do end up getting Covid-19 during the lockdown, and you have an ongoing case about a personal injury claim or tax claim, it’s important that you inform your solicitor after you’ve taken a test. If you get a positive result, you may need to start making arrangements about delaying or cancelling your case till a later date. However, if you want to continue with it during your self-isolation, you can nominate someone to act on your behalf whilst you’re ill. That way you can rest whilst your case is in good hands. Your lawyer can keep you updated on what is happening with your case and how you can move forward with it.

Covid-19 and compensation claims injury evidence

How will Gowing Law Solicitors adapt to the current lockdown?

We have good news for all of our clients. As of March 2020, Gowing Law’s staff and legal specialists have actually been working remotely! That means they have been spending most of the last year getting used to handling claims from home. We are proud that this means that during the third lockdown, our staff have already got used to working remotely. That means they can handle your legal claims as efficiently as they did when they were working in the office. We want to put you at ease that even if we cannot leave our homes (unless for essential travel), if you have suffered from a personal injury claim, or perhaps are considering making a tax claim, Gowing Law will have your back.

Our legal specialists can offer you free advice and consultations if you aren’t sure about making a claim. They can put you at ease and make sure to do the hard work when it comes to getting your claim off the ground. That way you can feel safe in your home whilst your claim is being taken care of by a law expert.

backlog of court cases in the UK for compensation claims

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your personal injury compensation claim

As we are currently open for business, we want our clients to know that we can still help them with their personal injury compensation claim. You may feel like you can’t do anything whilst we are all under lockdown. But quite honestly, we can help you with your claim, just as we would do if we were not going through a pandemic. The success of a personal injury claim does depend on the extent of your evidence, however this can still be collected.

With any sort of personal injury compensation claim, the extent of your pay-out depends entirely on the negligence of the person responsible. If you went to a public area (like a shop) and you got hurt due to the negligence of the owner or employees, it shows that they broke their “duty of care” towards you and your well-being. The severity of your injuries, and how they may have an affect on your life in the future, will determine the amount of compensation that you receive from the other client. If you get a medical report to show the extent of your injuries, and any additional damages you have, this could get you a high pay-out when a settlement agreement is decided.

Gowing Law’s Solicitors can help you with any type of personal injury compensation claim. Whether it is only a minor injury or it has had life changing consequences, our lawyers can give you the best advice possible and make sure that a remote hearing is scheduled to get you the help that you need to recover.

personal injury claims pay-outs for damages

Our law firm also can help with tax claims!

During 2021, Gowing Law Solicitors was focused on helping our clients receive successful PPI tax pay-outs and marriage tax pay-out. For PPI tax pay-outs alone, we managed to get our clients around £10,000 in rebates. That’s why we want to extend upon these fantastic results in the new year. For marriage tax, around 50% of couples don’t even realize that they could make a claim! That’s why we are determined to bring awareness of both these tax categories. Our tax specialists know exactly how to get our clients a large pay-out and discount on future tax, depending on the type of claim they make. We can work with HMRC on their behalf and make sure no small mistakes are made that could invalidate the claim. We are here to support and guide all of our clients through difficult legal claims.

PPI Tax Claims: What are they all about?

PPI stands for “payment protection insurance”. Initially, it was created as a safety net in order to protect people who couldn’t pay back financial agreements. This included as credit cards and loans. Unfortunately, it ended up being mis-sold to a lot of people who did not need it. For instance, people may not have even realized they needed it or it could have been automatically included in the bank’s payment plan. As it was mis-sold, HMRC issued a pay-out to those who had bought it. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, not all of the money was returned. Instead, it was taken away as tax. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to get you a valid PPI tax pay-out.

Your PPI pay-out is made up of three things:

  • The amount you paid for PPI
  • A return on any interest the bank added to your PPI payments
  • A statutory interest of 8%

The statutory interest can be taxed. Therefore, around 20% of your overall pay-out may have been taken away from you. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get this tax back. We can work on your behalf with HMRC to ensure you get a full pay-out.

To make things even easier, Gowing Law Solicitors has created a helpful self-assessment form that only takes a few minutes to fill out. It asks you the basics so our solicitors can understand whether or not you’re eligible for a claim. That way, you don’t waste time and we can jump straight into getting you the pay-out you deserve. Click the link below to get started:

PPI Tax Claim Button

Marriage Tax Claims: What do you need to know?

Marriage tax claims are our latest endeavor when it comes to getting you a valid pay-out. Did you know that 50% of couples of around the country could be eligible for a tax break? However they don’t even know about it! Well, a marriage tax claim can get you a discount on your tax. It can also get you a pay-out of the excess tax you have paid over the last four years. If you’re interested in finding out if you are eligible for this type of claim, there are three criteria you and your partner have to fulfil first. These are:

  • You are married or in a civil partnership
  • One partner earns under £12,000 and does not pay tax
  • One partner earns over £12,500 and pays basic tax

If you hit all of these criteria, we can happily say that you are eligible to make a claim. The best part about these claims is that you can backdate them over the last four years. That means you could be eligible for a refund in more than just this year’s tax excess. You could backdate it further. Have a look at how much you could potentially claim below for each year:

  • 2015-2016: £212
  • 2016-2017: £220
  • 2017-2018: £230
  • 2018-2019: £238
  • 2020-2021: £250

Just like our PPI Tax Claims page, we have also created a simple self-assessment form to start you on your journey. Our tax specialists can then work with you and contact HMRC on your behalf to get your claim sorted. Click the link below to visit our marriage tax claim form:

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Keep an eye on our social media and our blogs over 2021!

Over the last year, Gowing Law Solicitors has done its best to keep its blog updated. This is with the latest news and informative content to entertain and inform our clients. Not only did we provide our clients updates about how Gowing Law was doing with different claims and changes throughout the pandemic, but we also wanted to try and make things more entertaining for you. That’s why we hosted various competitions and giveaways. We are planning on doing the same thing in the new year. So, make sure to keep an eye out on our blog, Twitter and Facebook to see what the latest is with our law firm. We have just finished our Christmas decorations competition! So, hopefully our next giveaway will also have a successful turnout. Visit our social media below and make sure to follow our pages:

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Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your compensation claim today

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Even though the UK is going through its third lockdown, we want to let our clients know that we are still here to support them. We are determined to help with any sort of compensation claim. Our specialists can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you’re happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. We can also work with you from the comfort of your home. That way you can keep safe and rely on us to get your compensation to you in a timely manner.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by messaging our LiveChat. One of our specialists will then get in contact as soon as possible to discuss your compensation claim. Feel free to ask them any questions that you have about moving forward!

Learn more about compensation claims

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Whether you are interested in personal injury claims or tax claims, our blog is the best place to visit to get more informed about UK claims law. We update our blog every week with new content so you can feel comfortable understanding the basics of your claim. If you cannot find a topic that will answer your questions, feel free to write in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk to make a suggestion. We would be more than happy to talk about any questions you may have. Make sure to also follow our social media to see our latest informative mini videos. You can also see the latest updates about our company.

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Will Brexit affect my personal injury claim?

No one expects to make a personal injury claim. Accidents happen out of the blue and can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure about the future. Now that 2021 has rolled around, the UK has finally put Brexit into place and has left the EU. For many people that means that changes are going to be on the horizon. The UK will no longer follow EU regulation, meaning that if you are looking to make a compensation claim, rules and regulations may be a little different to what you are used to.

You may be wondering about what sort of impact Brexit is going to have on your personal injury claim. That’s completely understandable. In this time of uncertainty, it is good to have a legal expert on your side. They can help put you at ease and let you know exactly what to expect if any changes do happen within UK legal policy. Gowing Law will make sure to keep you informed if anything happens that might impact your compensation claim. Find out more about personal injury claims by clicking our link below. It will take you to our claims page for extra details.

Personal injury claim button

What is Brexit and will it affect my claim?

Four years ago, Britain decided that it no longer wanted to be a part of the European Union. Instead, it opted to be an independent nation that would decide on its own rules and regulations. It has been a difficult negotiating process, but on the 1st January 2021, Britain finally left after 47 years of membership. That meant that this year, British citizens needed to expect several big changes to be made. To be brief on this, changes include:

Understanding Brexit GIF

The reason why you may be feeling a little nervous about this shift of policy is because you don’t know to what extent it will go to. For instance, if you are making a personal injury claim, you may be wondering if it could affect the amount of compensation you get. In addition to this, if you were hurt in an accident that took place in an EU country, there is the fear that you will not be able to actually make a compensation claim at all.

This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in. We can help you with your personal injury claim and make sure that you are updated about the latest legal rules that could affect your case. This includes travel accidents that happened abroad. All you need to do is let our solicitors know and we will provide you with the advice that you need to move forward with your claim.

EU Directive laws helpful tip

What sort of personal injury claims could get affected by Brexit?

To put it bluntly, quite a number of compensation claims could be affected by Brexit. As a lot of our own rules and regulations come from EU law, it would not be surprising to see that they are changed in the future. In particular, it would affect claims that have been made when getting hurt abroad. However, there are a few additional claims that you will need to consider as well:

Personal Injury Claim and Brexit infographic

Now, overall, the main thing that is going to affect you during a personal injury claim is how the UK laws eventually develop and change around the upcoming months. Some additional policies that may be changed include:

  • General Product Safety Regulations
  • Manual Handling Operations
  • Display Screen Equipment Health and Safety
  • Provision of Work Equipment
  • Protection of Employment

Our solicitors will always be alert when it comes to changing laws. If the UK government wants to change health and safety protections, your lawyer will alert you immediately. Even if you are only making a tax claim, it’s always wiser to have a legal advisor on your side. They can let you know if there have been any changes that could affect your claim or cause court delays.

Liability in a public accident claim

Will anything happen to my personal injury claim if I made it before 2021?

If you have already started a personal injury claim with Gowing Law Solicitors before the Brexit deadline (1st January 2021) then you should not experience any changes to your court proceedings. Instead, they will be treated as if they are still functioning under EU regulations. This is because they are still acting under the withdrawal agreement. If the personal injury claim is made after 2021, we will need to make sure that any changes to UK law are immediately adhered to so we can still get you the compensation that you deserve.

One thing that could happen in the new year is that the UK could join the Lugano Convention. This convention is similar to the Brussels I Regulation. In special circumstances, you will be allowed to bring abroad cases in the EU back to the UK to have the proceedings decided on. Another thing that could happen is that the UK could sign a bilateral treaty. This would mean that the UK could still have the same rights as the EU when it comes to certain legislation (such as motor insurance). However, all of this is yet to be decided. Just keep it in mind over the upcoming months if you have started on a personal injury claim.

What can I do in the meantime to prepare for my personal injury claim?

Quite honestly, Gowing Law understands why you may be feeling a little unsettled. Times are changing and it could have a major impact on your claim. No one really knows how UK accident claims are going to change until proper legislation is brought in that details compensation changes. Until then, we would recommend that you treat personal injury claims just as they were previously until any changes are properly announced.

When it comes to personal injury claims, the first thing you need to do is establish liability. Liability means you need to find out who was responsible for you getting hurt in the first place. If you suffered due to someone else’s negligence, you could claim compensation from them. That’s why it is essential that you start looking for evidence that could back up and prove your claim.

personal injury claim evidence

Work Accident Claims and Brexit: What should you expect?

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As the EU is responsible for the 1974 Health and Safety Act for employees, there are fears that if a work accident happens, employees may be left vulnerable without any protection. One of the biggest fears that workers have after Brexit is that an employer may hold it against them if they make a claim. However, we can assure you that this won’t happen. Instead, it has been assured that workers’ rights will be protected. That means your employer will not be able to do anything if you make a claim. Instead, they should respect the compensation process for your injuries.

If an employer does treat you unfairly because of a work accident, you can make a claim against them. After all, it was your responsibility that you got hurt. Take a look at our blog about employer responsibility during Covid-19 for more information.

But just to be blunt about it You will still have the right to make a work accident claim even after Brexit. So do not worry. Instead, let your solicitor help you with your claim.

Traffic Accident Claims: Will they change?

Over the last few months, the UK government has tried to encourage commuters to start using their bikes. This is so public transport can be freed up during the pandemic and people can start using greener modes of travel. However, there has also been a focus on pedestrians, motorcyclists and even horse riders. It is hoped that when new UK legal policies have been reformed, these types of commuters will be exempt from the changes. However, there may be teething problems if you experience an accident in the EU. This is because the court systems will be different and you may not have access to insurance. Keep this in mind if you do decide to hire a vehicle abroad when you go on holiday.

Insurance changes and road traffic accidents

Keep aware of Brexit and Personal Injury Scams

One of the things we would like to alert our clients about are scams that may be going around in relation to Brexit, insurance and compensation pay-outs. You may find that pressure is placed on you from cold-callers in order to make a claim or to find out personal information about you. The same may be said that they may try to push you into buying some sort of insurance that can help you with your “accident”. If someone rings you up out of the blue, the best thing that you can do is put the phone down on them. Instead, you should only get the help you need that you ask for.

A cold-call is simply looking for someone to take money from. They may not even know that you have been injured. Some are simply known as Crash for Cash Scammers. Keeping aware of them can mean that you are protecting yourself and people who are vulnerable.

Can a solicitor help you throughout the Brexit Transition period?

If you are feeling nervous about any changes that are made throughout Brexit to UK personal injury law, Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to help you. All of our solicitors are extremely experienced with legal matters. So, they will always make it their goal to find out as much information as possible about legal matters.

You do not need to feel worried about making a personal injury, work accident or road traffic accident during this transition period. Our solicitors will make sure to give you expert advice even if you do not decide to work with us. That way we can make sure that you feel good about making a claim with us, even during a time of change. You can rely on us to work with HMRC on your behalf and let you know if any additional changes happen that could impact your claim. You can rely on us to give you the best service possible.

Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you throughout the Brexit changes.

Personal injury claim button

Gowing Law Solicitors will always be here to help you with your personal injury claim. If Brexit changes legal policies, we will be the first to know about it and will inform our clients ASAP. That way they will immediately know how we can handle their claim and now we can help. To start off with, Gowing law can offer our clients free advice and consultations to get started. If you’re happy with the advice that we have to offer, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never have to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our lawyers if we win your case.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. You can also use our LiveChat to get in contact with us quickly about your claim. Our specialists will be in contact as quickly as possible.

Read more about UK laws and personal injury claims

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Don’t forget that you can learn more about UK personal injury claims on our blog. We update it every week with new content about personal injury claims and other compensation questions. We also speak about tax claims and how we can help you get the pay-out that you deserve. If you cannot find the topic that you want to read, feel free to suggest a topic. You can send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We also use our blog to talk about our seasonal events and updates. This includes giveaways and competitions. Make sure to follow our socials to learn more and always be kept in the loop.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

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Will my personal injury claim be affected by the UK lockdown?

A personal injury claim can help you feel more in control of your life. You have suffered from a serious accident that has left you feeling vulnerable and wounded. That’s why getting the compensation that you deserve can allow you to start the recovery process. You have time to settle what has happened to you. A successful claim will also give you some additional funds to give yourself the time to heal. However, with the current pandemic, the UK court system has been forced to slow down and focus on remote hearings to keep up with the amount of cases there are.

The UK has just entered into its third lockdown and you may feel as if claiming for a personal injury is just too much to handle. That’s why Gowing Law is here to help you during this difficult time. All of our staff are working remotely, but we can still help you get the compensation you deserve.

We understand you may be feeling a bit nervous because of how the pandemic is being handled. You don’t want to put yourself at risk, especially if you have already been hurt in an accident. But we will make sure that your personal injury claim is handled by an experienced team of personal injury claim solicitors. To find out more, why not visit our personal injury page? Click the button to find out how we can help you!

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What is happening right now with the UK lockdown?

As we have entered 2021, a new strain of Covid-19 has been detected in London that has travelled from Africa. Now, several mutations of Covid-19 have been detected around the world. Normally, this would not be worrying, as mutation of the virus is quite natural. However, this variant seems to have a faster transmission rate. That means that it’s more likely to be passed on from person to person.

That is why the UK government has decided to move from placing cities into Tier 4 to a full National Lockdown. That means that there are strict rules in place that advise people to stay at home and not go out unless there is an essential reason behind the trip. Here are a few rules that you will need to stick to through until the national lockdown has ended:

UK lockdown rules 2021 gif

In order to lower the spread of Covid-19, it is essential that these rules are followed appropriately. Many people have already had the virus themselves and may feel as if they were put at risk by their employer or by other facilities that did not implement social distancing regulations. That’s why it’s more essential than ever to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home. However, Gowing Law Solicitors is still going to be available to help you with any personal injury claims. Take a look at the video so you can see how we can help you, even if we are currently in lockdown.

What could slow down my personal injury claim?

Now, if we are going to be realistic, the main problem that is going to come out of the current lockdown are the delays with your case. Even though the staff of Gowing Law Solicitors are working remotely, they will still be here to answer all of your questions and remotely support you through your personal injury claim. However, the current lockdown may mean that cases are going to be delayed. Already, the UK court system has experienced delays due to the courts being shut down. That means that there has been a lot of backlog already that has caused issues with compensation pay-outs.

Despite this, Gowing Law is still working hard to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. We are currently focused on getting you a successful PPI Tax Claim and Marriage Tax Claim. We can work with HMRC on your behalf. That way you will be able to remain at home whilst our solicitors do the hard work.

There may be some delays with your claim, especially if you get sick or your court date is moved, but our solicitors will still make sure that you get the support you need during this difficult time.

remote hearings and personal injury claims

The medical impact: Compensation claims & Delays

Another problem that may come from the pandemic is that you may struggle to get medical evidence during this time. The NHS is currently focusing on Covid-19 patients. Therefore, getting a medical record to prove that you were injured may take longer than you imagined.

However, another thing you may experience is that the amount you could claim for may be increased. The delays you experience could worsen your injuries, such as medical negligence injuries that were not treated because of surgery date changes. However, you could also claim for emotional damages that you experienced whilst you were forced to endure whilst waiting to receive psychological help. You may even struggle to collect your medication due to the fact that you are self-isolating. This could have made your condition worse. Keep that in mind when you consider what you are going to claim for. The amount you get as compensation may increase.

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What should I do if I get Covid-19 when I am making a claim?

If you do end up catching Covid-19 whilst you are trying to make a claim, one of the most important things that you need to do is not to leave your home. You need to keep socially distanced from people until you get better. That is why our solicitors can work with you remotely to ensure that you do not need to stress about claiming your compensation. They can speak to you over the phone and ensure that all the finer details are settled about your case. They can work with people you nominate to help out with your case or simply speak to you remotely to ensure that you are never out of the loop.

Just to give you a brief idea of what you should do if you catch Covid-19, here is a helpful infographic to give you some instructions on how to keep up with your claim:

Covid-19 and what you should do to move forward with your claim

The Basics of Covid-19 and personal injury claims

Once you have received a positive test for Covid-19, it’s important that you get in contact with your solicitor as soon as possible. Being ill could impact or delay your case. That’s why you may want to let your solicitor know that you are interested in either postponing it or moving it to a different date. You could also nominate someone to work on your behalf with your solicitor to ensure that no delays are made to your claim during your recovery.

When your lawyer knows that you are ill with Covid-19, they will do their best to work around you and make sure you are always informed. They can work on your behalf to ensure all preparations are made for any settlement agreements. You can also ask them to send you important documents and your opinion on how you want to move forward with your case. Your solicitor will still give you the best advice possible through calls, video calls and emails. Just take your case at your own pace, your lawyer will support you the best that they can.

Covid-19 and a court date

Covid-19 Compensation: Is it a real thing?

With all of this talk of Covid-19 and the lockdown, one of the things that people may be wondering about is about whether or not you could get compensation for actually catching Covid-19. For those who have suffered from a public accident or an accident at work, they believe that they caught it from unclean conditions in public areas, or the lack of social-distancing within the environment.

Now, the main thing we need to understand is that for public environments, people do have a choice about whether or not they want to wish them. For instance, before the lockdown, it was a person’s choice to go out to an entertainment venue or a shop. Therefore, it could be said that they put themselves at risk. However, for those who were forced to go into certain environments (i.e. work environments) and may have come in contact with asymptomatic Covid-19, or people who were sick, they may have caught it due to the negligence of a business owner, their employer or local government. This is where you may have a valid claim for compensation.

What should I do if I want to know more about Covid-19 compensation?

Covid-19 compensation is a very new area for lawyers around the UK. Therefore, we would recommend that you speak to one of our solicitors to get started. They can update you with the latest legal advice and whether or not you have a valid claim.

Time Limits and a personal injury claim

Can I still make a personal injury claim during the pandemic?

You can! Ultimately, the amount of personal injury claims being made has gone down in the pandemic. This is because of the lockdowns and tier rules making it unnecessary to go to public areas or visit places via a vehicle. However, if you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you can still make a claim. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve. This includes helping you get a pay-out for marriage tax claims and PPI tax claims. Click on them below to learn more:

PPI Tax Claims Blog

If you want to make a personal injury claim, keep in mind that there may be delays due to the current lockdown. For instance, you may find it harder to get your medical records from a doctor. However, if you do want continue with your claim, it is essential that you collect evidence to prove you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. This includes:

  • Photographs of your injuries, the environment or any damaged equipment
  • Videos/CCTV/ Dash-cam footage of the injuries, the accident or the environment
  • Medical records
  • Police records
  • Work accident book references
  • Diary entries
  • Witness statements

Once you have collected your evidence, your solicitor can help you consider whether or not you could be eligible for a claim. If you are eligible, they will recommend that you sit down with them, the other party and their insurer via a video call about compensation. If the other party refuses then you can start taking steps with your solicitor to take the claim to court.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim

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We understand that the current UK lockdown can leave you feeling daunted or hopeless. It is like the pandemic is never-ending. You may also feel like there isn’t a point to start making a personal injury claim if we are all locked down. However, we can assure you that this is the time to get the compensation that you deserved. Our experienced solicitors are here to help you. They will dedicate their time to your case and help you get a pay-out that can give you peace of mind.

Start off your case by speaking to our lawyers for advice and free consultations. We offer non-obligation advice. That way you can figure out whether or not you want to move forward with your claim. If you are happy to work with our Manchester solicitors. They can offer their services on a “no win- no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top as you will not need to pay any hidden fees. You will only need to pay our solicitors if you win your case.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. You can also get to us quickly by using our LiveChat. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions. One of our specialists will be in contact with you as quickly as possible to give you the best advice.

Read more about making a personal injury claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

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Here at Gowing Law, we are proud of our law blog. It is updated on a weekly basis with brand new content. Our blogs can help you understand the basics of UK legal claims. We write about topics that may affect our clients. This includes seasonal updates, different UK law claims and updates on different policies. If you cannot find a blog that answers your questions, feel free to write in and let us know. We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions. Send them into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You should also consider following our social media to learn more about our seasonal giveaways and competitions.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

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Public Accident Compensation & Christmas Claims

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Public Accident Claims & Christmas

Public Accident Compensation Claims can be made any time of the year! It’s the same way that public accidents can happen at any time. Now, depending on what Covid tier you are in, you may be going out less. Public accident claims usually refer to someone getting hurt in a public place, such as a retail store, a restaurants, a park or any other place that is owned by local government or a business. However, if these places are closed or are implementing strict Covid-19 procedures, however there is still the chance that you could be the victim of an unfortunate accident that was not your fault.

If you have been hurt in a public accident, you could claim compensation with the help of a Gowing Law solicitor. Get in contact through our claims checker or on our public accident claims page below:

Public Accidents Compensation Blog

Are you going out for some Christmas shopping?

One of the most common ways that you could get hurt from a public accident is through an incident in a public retail store. This year, not only do you need to worry about social distancing and keeping out of the way of the public, but if a store does not have a Covid policy in place, you may find that stores get crowded and you get hurt. However, the same thing could happen in any sort of public environment. Here are some examples of accidents that could happen whilst you are going out and about:

public accident compensation gif

As you can see, these are only just a few ways that you could hurt if you get hurt in a shopping centre or some sort of public environment. However, there are many other ways that you could hurt whilst you are out and about. The main thing that you should be concerned about is social distancing. Covid-19 compensation is still fairly new, therefore if you get sick then you will need a lot of evidence to prove that you only caught the disease because of the irresponsibility of the public venue you visited. For more information about Covid-19 and the compensation claims, you can speak to one of our solicitors through our LiveChat.

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What sort of injuries could I sustain from a public accident?

Depending on how severe the accident was, and where the accident took place, you could sustain some severe injuries. As it is winter, you may encounter slippy and wintery surfaces, and if these surfaces have not been salted in public places, you may find that walkways become very difficult to manoeuvre and you end up getting hurt due to the negligence of your local council. A few examples of some injuries could include:

  • Head trauma
  • Broken bones
  • Internal/external bleeding
  • Loss of hearing/eyesight
  • Loss of limb
  • Fractures and sprains

Now, if you have recently had an accident, an important thing that you need to know is that the amount of public accident compensation will change depending on how bad your damages are. For instance, if you have sprained your ankle, you are going to get less compensation than you would if you had experienced severe damage to your legs and would need extensive help to recover. You will also be able to claim for the following damages:

Different Types of Damages with Public Accidents Claim

What should I do if I have been injured in a public accident?

If you have been hurt due to an accident in a public place, and are looking to get public accident compensation, you need to have the evidence to back it up. To start with, if you have been hurt, make sure that you inform staff members about your injuries. That way they can write it down in their accident work book. You are entitled to a copy of your accident’s report. If you are badly hurt, you should also make sure that you call for help. This includes the police (especially if someone is violent) or an ambulance. You should prioritize your health above anything else.

You should also consider looking for evidence:

  • Photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident
  • Video evidence of your injuries or the accident (including CCTV)
  • Witness statements
  • Diary entries
  • Financial receipts (i.e. travel fees and reduced wages)
  • Police reports
  • Medical reports

Evidence at the scene of a public accident

How long will it take me to make a successful public accident compensation claim?

This is a common questions that solicitors tend to get from the clients. But honestly, the length of your case will depend on the extent of your injuries and the complexity of your case. For instance, if your case is complicated and the person responsible refuses to accept your settlement agreement, you will find that it will take longer to get your compensation. Working with our solicitors, a timeline can be discussed and they will always let you know where your case is in terms of completion.

How much could I claim for my public accident compensation claim?

Again, this depends on how bad your injuries are. You could be owed thousands in compensation. You just have to be patient with your case. Your solicitor can give you a rough estimate about how much you could be owed. Keep in mind it may take some time to get your pay-out because of the current delays in the UK court system.

Don’t forget about Gowing Law’s Christmas Competition!

Christmas Decorations Competition

To celebrate the Christmas holidays, Gowing Law is hosting a competition that could win our clients a £40 Hotel Chocolat wreath. All you need to do is send in a picture of your Christmas decorations on our social media with the tags @GowingLaw and @GowingLawUK. The competition will end on the 24th December at 12 am. So, make sure to send your entries into our social media. You can find links to our social media channels below:

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Contact Gowing Law Solicitors to help with your public accident compensation claim!

 

Public Accidents Compensation Blog

Gowing Law will always be here to help you with your claim! No matter what sort of personal injury and tax claims you have, our experienced solicitors will be here to give you the advice you need to get started. We can offer you free consultations and help. If you want to work with us, we can help you on a “no win-no fee basis”. That means you will always come out on top and will never need to pay any hidden fees.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. We will then be in contact with you to discuss how we can move forward.

Read more in our blog!

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Remember! If you want to read more from Gowing Law, you can check out the rest of our blog page. We update it every week with new content. That way you can stay informed about our latest updates, giveaways and UK law claims. If you have a topic you would like us to cover, please get in contact as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

Happy Christmas!

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Road Traffic Accidents: Are you travelling this Christmas?

Christmas header for Gowing Law

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) can happen at any time and in any place, but did you know that there are more RTAs in December than in any other month? The amount of accidents increase by around 30% for women and 9% for men. This time of year, not only are the roads slippery and hazardous, especially if they are covered in snow, but you can encounter extremely aggressive drivers who just want to get home for Christmas. That’s why it’s extremely important that you keep your distance and make sure you are as safe as you can when you are out on the road.

This year, Christmas is going to be very different. With the second lockdown in place, Christmas with family is going to be reserved for the 23rd- 27th December. For these are the dates you are allowed to travel between tiers to create a Christmas bubble. That means on the 23rd December, there are going to be a lot of drivers on the road, or people trying to crowd onto public transport. That’s why we want to give our advice on how you can travel safely to get home to your loved ones without experiencing an accident.

However, if you have recently been involved in a traffic collision due to bad winter weather or aggressive driving, you could be owed compensation. Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to get you the compensation that you deserve. Get in contact with our law firm via the link below. We would be more than happy to help!

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The Lockdown Update: Christmas & Road Safety

Now, before we move onto road safety and road traffic accidents, it’s important that we chat about the current pandemic and what it means for the Christmas holidays. For the last 8 months we have been in a mix of lockdown, tiered restrictions and Covid-19 based cautions. Right now, you may feel the urge to try and get on the roads as early as possible in order to get to your family quickly. The roads may be quieter, but you may be breaking your local lockdown rules.

Unless you are a student that has been allowed to be tested and travel back to their families, it’s better to look up your local lockdown rules and plan your journey accordingly. The tier system will finally be put in place after the 2nd December, therefore it is up to you to look things up about meeting people, restaurants and where you go for the Christmas holidays. We would suggest that you make your plans with caution. Whilst it may be difficult to not go all out for Christmas, you may want to create a minimalistic affair. That way you can protect your loved ones.

keeping calm to avoid car accidents

Weather Warnings & Christmas Driving

During that small time period where the tiered system is lifted for around 3-4 days, you may try to plan your journey up to see your loved ones. The weather is getting colder and you may find that the weather conditions of the road make it easier for you to get into an accident. Blustery winds, snow, rain, ice, and most dangerous of all, black ice, may become environmental hazards that could pull your vehicle from the road.

Unsafe road conditions could cause you to have an accident. Not every road is going to be kept in great condition. Roads that are constantly being used by oncoming traffic, or perhaps have been in a state of disrepair for quite a long time, may have potholes, cracks and uneven paving. This can only get worse in the winter when ice may expand and contract the road. If something is in disrepair, wintery conditions will only make it worse.

Hazards on the road

Before you go out onto the road, the best way to avoid road traffic accidents is to plan your route carefully. You can use Google Maps to what the roads look like and also see if there are any faster ways you could travel. You can use public transport if you desire, but keep in mind that it’s highly likely that these are going to suffer from cramped conditions, even if there is a travel tsar monitoring the conditions of trains.

It’s also important to consider going out on the road when there are quieter hours. Keep in mind that for some people this may mean leaving at night. But if this happens, you will also have to worry about the darkness, tiredness and any car light glare due to the reflection on the road.

road traffic accidents and travelling at night

Road Traffic Accidents & Road Rage

Another thing you need to watch out for when you’re on the road are other drivers. Both you and other drivers have a responsibility to keep each other safe through your actions. This is known as a duty of care. You need to respect this by making sure you obey the rules of the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers act kindly towards other people. Instead, during the Christmas season, their main objective is to go present shopping or get home after they have booked in their work holidays. That means they’re liking going to be rushing or even speeding on the road. Sometimes they may even break the speed limit or try to overtake you on the road. This can cause road traffic accidents that were not your fault.

If you end up being on the road with an impatient or angry driver, the best thing that you can do is try to give them space and overtake you. In some cases, you may find they get aggressive towards you directly by shouting insults or beeping their horn inappropriately. Try to relax and ignore them. Simply let them go ahead and try to ignore the things they say. If all else fails, and they are following you and acting dangerously, you can call the appropriate authorities to try and diffuse the situation.

Here are some pointers to help diffuse an angry driver situation:

road traffic accident infographic

Road Traffic Accidents & Injuries

Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be as careful as you when you go out driving on the road. We understand that under the current circumstances, people will want to try and get back to their loved ones as quickly as possible. When the 23rd December rolls around, it will not be a surprise if the roads become crammed full of people trying to see their family for Christmas. That’s why it is more likely that if people set off on longer journeys, they may end up in an accident due to bad weather conditions, traffic jams or impatient drivers. Not only that, but with the shops opening for 24 hours a day, you may find that impatient or tired shoppers may end up getting into a road traffic accident.

We stated before, each driver of a vehicle has a responsibility to those they meet on the road. This includes pedestrians and smaller vehicle operators. That means if you get hurt due to someone else’s negligent behaviour, you could claim compensation from them. Negligence can come in many forms when it comes to road traffic accidents. It includes:

  • Drunk driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Eating/drinking/smoking whilst driving
  • Not watching the road
  • Taking a phone call
  • Becoming the aggressor on the road

The end result will always be the same if you are negligent driver. You will cause someone to suffer from road-related injuries. The severity of your injuries may range from minor whiplash to crushed limbs. Either way, you will need medical attention make sure you are okay!

road traffic accident compensation

What should I do if I am involved in a road traffic accident?

Now that you are aware of the dangers of driving on the road during winter, it’s time to learn what you should do if you are involved in a RTA. Traffic accidents are all different and some people may have worse injuries than other. That’s why we want to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.

If you have been hurt, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Call an ambulance and make sure there are police on the scene of the accident. That way you have police report made about the incident. You should also get the insurance details and licence plate of the other person involved in the accident.

Make sure to also take some time to look for evidence about the accident. You need to prove that you were not responsible for the accident. Instead, you were a victim of the other person’s negligence. Therefore, you should consider the following evidence to prove your case:

  • Photographs of your injuries, your vehicle and the environment
  • Video footage, dash-cam or CCTV footage
  • Witness statements
  • Police reports
  • Medical reports
  • Diary entries
  • Receipts

damages claims for road traffic accidents

How much could I get from a successful road traffic accident claim?

Quite honestly, the amount of compensation you get from your claim depends on the extent of your injuries and how bad your damages are. That’s why it’s very important that you actually speak to your solicitor about what you have suffered from. You will also want to give them as much evidence as possible to back up your case. The more evidence you have, the more likely that you will be able to get the highest amount of compensation possible. You will also be able to prove that you are not responsible for the accident. Instead, you were a victim of the accident.

Your solicitor can help you estimate how much of a pay-out you can receive. Make sure to work with them to ensure that you can figure out your settlement agreement together.

How long will it take to make a claim?

With the current pandemic and delays of the UK court system, it may take a little longer than anticipated to have a successful RTA claim. So, be patient with your solicitor. They can help you plan out a timeline for how long the claim will take. Make sure to ask them about any questions that come to mind. Your lawyer can also let you know if there are any potential problems that could slow down your claim. You may also want to prepare for any type of remote hearings on your computer.

What else is Gowing Law Solicitors doing for Christmas?

Christmas at Gowing Law Solicitors

Right now, Gowing Law is focusing on PPI tax claims and Marriage tax Claims to make sure our clients get their pay-outs during the Christmas period. However, we are also preparing to host a few giveaways and competitions to get you into the Christmas spirit. Those combined with Christmas themed blogs, videos and newsletter should ensure that you feel the Christmas spirit all the way through December.

Keep an eye on our social media to learn more about what we are giving away!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your road traffic accident claim

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Here at Gowing Law, we are ready to help you make a successful compensation claim for a road traffic accident. For starters, our solicitors can give you free advice and consultations. If you are happy to work with us, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and you will never need to pay any hidden fees. We will always be upfront about our costs if we have a successful case.

Contact us today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. Some of our specialists will then reach out to help you with your questions.

Read more about road traffic accident claims

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Here at Gowing Law, we are proud of our blog! We update it every week with brand new content. Our legal firm understands that you have a lot of questions. That’s why are blogs can answer your questions about personal injury claims. We also write about our seasonal events. Make sure to also click our socials below to find out more information about our latest giveaways and competitions. If you have any suggestions about our blog, makes sure to send them into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about them.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog. Happy Christmas!

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UK Disability History Month: Personal Injuries & Disabilities

UK Disability History Month Header

UK Disability History Month is an important time where we improve our understanding of those who suffer from disabilities. This includes learning about their struggles of life and their rights for access. It is essential that we find ways to help disabled people in the UK become independent and live their lives to the fullest. If a service or product is accessible to the UK public, it should also be accessible to those who are living with disabilities.

Now, for Gowing Law, as we are a legal firm, we focus on personal injuries from the perspective of a solicitor. That’s why we want to use this blog to talk about the history of disability & UK law, as well as the impact that disability can have on a personal injury claim.

Before we jump into the meat of this blog, we would just want to remind you that if you have suffered from a personal injury that was not your fault, whether it be due to a traffic accident in the winter weather or a beauty treatment gone wrong, Gowing Law will be here to help you. Find out more about your own personal injury claim by using Gowing Law’s claims checker by clicking the button below:

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UK Disability History Month: The History of UK Law & Disabilities

As you can see from our video, the UK has gone on a long journey to ensure that people with disabilities are treated equally. For this month, it is important that we take the time to consider how far we have come. In the 1700’s disabled people were not treated fairly. That’s why it’s important nowadays to learn from our mistakes and make sure we understand how our actions can impact the needs of others.

According to the government, it is important to:

“enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others…”

Remember, it is up to all of us to shape the world so that we can make it better for each other. Universal access is essential to make sure that we all have the same rights. Keep this in mind as you think about how far we have come. If you are in a position of authority, make sure also to express this to your employees and others. Just keep in mind, physical and mental disability can require certain additional types of support. That’s why transformation is needed to ensure that everyone is safe and given the chance they need to prosper.

Universal Access for UK Disability History Month

UK Disability History Month: Personal Injuries & Disabilities

Personal injury claims can get complicated. Not only do you have to consider how much you could claim for your injuries, but if the other party refuses to pay a settlement agreement then you may find that you have to go to UK court to get it sorted out.

Now, letting your solicitor know that you suffer from a disability could have an impact on the total damages you are owed. Not informing your lawyer about your disabilities could mean that you are under-compensated for the injuries you suffered from.

The first thing you need to consider is the actual definition of a disability. You can be classified as disabled if:

definition of disability for UK Disability History Month gif

How can I prove that I have a disability?

It’s very likely that if you suffer from a disability, and are involved in an accident that was not your fault, that you could claim a higher amount of compensation. Think about it this way, you may have medical needs that are worsened due to the impact of the accident. Someone with a physical disability, such as spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy may end up suffering more if they are hit by a falling object or are the victim of criminal injuries. At the same time, someone with a mental disability may be more vulnerable and therefore be owed greater compensation if specific measures were not taken to ensure that they were safeguarded from risk.

You will need to prove that you have a disability during your case. This means supplying evidence. The best thing you can do is have medical evidence to back it up. For instance, get a doctor’s note or ask them to write up a letter to say that you have been in contact with them about your disabilities. Your evidence will need to prove each of the definitions of a disability. The court will then decide on whether or not you’re disabled. If it is affirmed that you suffer from a disability, it is likely that the amount of compensation that you are owed will increase.

judges, disabilities and UK Disability History Month claims

UK Disability History Month: Work Accidents & Discrimination

work accident page button

Another thing that you should consider, if you do have an injury, is what you should do if you are involved in a workplace accident. Now, in most cases, you may have simply got hurt out of bad luck. You may have been doing your every duties and unfortunately, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in other cases, you may have been put in a vulnerable position through mismanagement.

Disability discrimination can come in many different forms, both indirectly and directly. For instance, if it was direct discrimination then you may experience name-calling or teasing related to your condition. If it was indirect discrimination, you may find that if you were someone with a learning difficulty, a safety manual was produced that was too complicated for you to understand. Even if it was not meant to be taken as discrimination, the result can still make your life harder and can sometimes even lead to accidents.

work accident infographic

Unfortunately, people do get hurt in the office, even when it is not their fault. You may have been put in a vulnerable situation due to mis-management. It does not matter if you have physical or mental disabilities, your manager should be making appropriate changes to your working environment to suit your particular needs. If this does not happen, you could get hurt.

Make sure to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible if you are in a work-place accident. You should alert your manager and colleagues. That way it can be recorded in your work place-accident book. You are entitled to a copy of the accident report.

Do I need evidence to prove that I was hurt?

If you can prove that appropriate changes were not made to help with your disabilities, this may add to the amount you are owed in compensation in your claim. That’s why it is essential that you have evidence to back up your claim. You need to show why your injury was not your fault. Instead you suffered due to the negligence (and potential discrimination) of your employer.

Your evidence may include:

  • Accident reports
  • Photographs
  • Videos/CCTV
  • Witness Statements
  • Medical Reports
  • Police Reports
  • Receipts (i.e. for costs)
  • Loss of opportunity statements (i.e. wages & promotions)
  • Diary entries

Remember, you are not only claiming for your physical damages, but also your emotional and financial damages as well. This means evidence may need to be collected as soon as possible after the accident has taken place.

equipment damages

What will happen if I am claiming for benefits during my compensation claim?

If you make a compensation claim for a personal injury, your benefits may be changed depending on the outcome of the case. If your household assets are more than £6,000, you may not be eligible to claim state benefits. So if you have a successful injury claim, and you end up receiving a “lump sum”, you may end up getting a reduced amount of benefits. It’s important that you talk about these problems with your solicitor. After all, we do not want to affect your future benefits. The benefits that could be changed may include:

  • Income support
  • Jobseeker’s allowance
  • Universal credit
  • Council tax support
  • Housing benefits
  • Pension credits
  • Medical benefits

work discrimination

What should I do if I am discriminated in the workplace?

If you have a disability, you should not be discriminated against in the workplace because of it. You are entitled to fair treatment whilst you are at work. If you notice that you are being mistreated because of your disability, you should bring it up with your manager as quickly as possible. If nothing happens to resolve it, it is your right to escalate it to the UK courts. You also have the right to claim legal protection for you and your witnesses during the tribunal.

Before you start your claim, it is always important that you start a line of communication about the discrimination with those responsible for your wellbeing. That way you can prove that you did your best to sort the problem out before it went too far. You can keep any emails as evidence. Make sure to also make notes about any meetings you have with management or colleagues and ensure that you can keep a timeline of events.

If nothing happens to resolve your issues, you can use this evidence to plead your case that you were discriminated against in your work place, due to your disabilities.

UK Disability History Month: Why is it so important?

In order to understand how we can better the present, it is important that we look to the past. That way we will know how we can improve ourselves and make life easier for the people around us. Universal access and equality are essential for making sure people feel like they are getting the justice they deserve. Whilst Gowing Law mainly focuses on getting people the compensation they deserve in the present, we understand that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to make sure everyone is treated fairly.

Make sure to do your part for UK Disability History Month and have a look at the website to see how you can spread the word. It can be something as simple as talking about it, but you may also want to consider putting on your own event as well!

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Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim!

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Here at Gowing Law, we want to make sure that all of our clients get the compensation that they deserve. That’s why we are ready to help you with your compensation claim! No matter what sort of personal injury you have suffered from, if it is not your fault then we will make sure you get the pay-out that you deserve.

We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. They can advise you on how much you could be owed. It’s also so we can figure out the best way to get the highest amount of compensation possible. If you are happy to work with our experienced solicitors, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top, even if your case is not won. You will not need to pay any hidden fees and we will always be upfront with you about the costs of legal representation in your personal injury claims case.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw or by using our claims checker. From there one of our solicitors will guide you through the claims process. Feel free to ask them any questions that may be on your mind. They would be more than happy to help you.

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Here at Gowing Law, we will always do our best to keep you entertained through our different blogs. If you want to learn more about seasonal events, the basics of personal injury claims or perhaps the most recent legal news, our blog page is the place to be! We update our blog with new content every week, so make sure to check back to learn more. You may also want to consider signing to our newsletter:

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Road Accidents: How to keep safe driving in winter

Christmas RTA header

Safe drivers are happy drivers!

Road accidents can happen to even the safest of drivers. We are all aware that wintery conditions can increase the amount of dangers on the road. In the summer, the danger comes from our attitudes to other drivers. However, in winter, although we are more careful, we have visibility issues and winter weather that can cause the care to slip around on icy roads. According to a survey by 1st central, a car insurer, over 65% of motorists have experienced an accident due to winter weather. That’s why, here at Gowing Law, we are determined to make sure that you keep safe whilst driving, that way you can enjoy Christmas to the fullest.

Right now, Gowing Law is focused on helping our clients with their PPI Tax Claims and Marriage Tax Claims in order to get the pay-out that they deserve. That way they can have some extra savings just in time for Christmas. However, we also are aware that other accidents can happen during winter.

If you suffer from injuries that are not your fault in a traffic accident, Gowing Law can help you. Find out more information by looking at our car accident page below:

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Winter Road Accidents: What type of vehicles are the most vulnerable?

Honestly, when people think about winter road accidents, they tend to think that there are only a few vehicles that tend to become more vulnerable when they are out on a slippery road. But honestly, all vehicles are vulnerable in different ways. For vans, cars and public transport, they are larger vehicles and may have less control on icy roads. However, for bikes and motorcycles, they are faster and may be prone to accidents around sharp bends or with other vehicles if there is vision obstruction.

The extent of your injuries will depend on the severity of the accident. For instance, if you had a smaller car and you ended up hitting a motorbike due to bad weather, you will find that the injuries of the motorcyclist will be more serious. Keep this in mind if you are going to file a traffic accident claim. Each road traffic accident (RTA) claim is different and you will find that the amount you get as a pay-out will also be different.

tyre pressure and tread depth help

What sort of road accidents happen in winter?

As you can see from our video, there are lots of ways that your vehicle could be impacted by cold weather. It’s important that you understand that the cold could affect your fuel, brake fluid and also the grip of your tyres. The snow could also affect your vision. This includes preventing you from seeing other vehicles and also ice glare. We haven’t even spoken about black ice yet. Black ice is almost impossible to see when you are driving, let along walking as a pedestrian.

Just to be blunt, here are few of the accidents that could happen to you if you are driving in the snow:

  • Brake fluid problems due to the temperature
  • Slippery tyres due to the lack of grip
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme speeds due ice
  • Foggy environments

Whenever you go out and drive in a snowy environment, don’t forget that you should be at least using your fog lights in order to avoid any visibility issues. However, the best thing you should do is try to avoid driving on snowy days. That way you can avoid getting hurt.

Road traffic accidents and car batteries

How can I keep safe whilst driving on the road?

If it is essential that you should get out to drive during snow, blizzards or general winter weather, you should make sure to take precautions before you go out on the roads. That way you can always be prepared for any scenario you may encounter. Do not drive on winter roads unless you are fully awake, or at least have caffeinated beverages if it will help you focus on the road.

Take a look at our infographic to get an idea of some additional safety measures you should be considering before you go out on the road in winter. That way you can avoid any type of road accidents.

Winter Safety Infographic

One of the main things you need to realize about car accidents is that they can happen at any time and in any place. That’s why it’s important to always have an emergency kit on hand. That way if you breakdown you will be able to hold out until help arrives. You should consider packing a blanket, food, water, car supplies, an emergency phone and emergency signs around the vehicle to show your car has broken down. You should also keep your emergency lights on so other drivers know what’s happening.

road conditions and what to watch out for

How could I be eligible for road accident compensation?

Now, when it comes to RTA claims, it’s important that you make sure that you are eligible for the claim. The only way you can have a successful claim is to prove that you were not responsible for the accident. A claim is made in order to compensate you for any injuries you have. All drivers have a responsibility of ensuring the safety of other motorists on the road. This is known as a “duty of care”. If another driver is:

  • Not paying attention to the road
  • Distracted by a phone, food or drink
  • Driving whilst on drugs
  • Speeding
  • Driving without the appropriate insurance

You could make a compensation claim. But keep in mind that you will need to prove that you are not responsible for the incident. In some cases, a verdict may come back that you are both partially responsible for the accident. That means you will not be able to claim the full amount that you could have been potentially entitled to.

passenger claims and compensation

Can only people be responsible for road traffic accidents?

Around 7% of car accidents happen because of unmaintained roads. Now, in most cases, a car accident happens because of people. However, there are other bodies of authority that could be responsible for your accident. For instance, if you got hurt because of a broken road, you haven’t got someone who is physically there in order to blame them for an accident. Additional authorities that could compensate you for an accident include:

  • Local government
  • Car manufacturers
  • Repair Shops

Make sure to think carefully about who you are going to ask compensation from. In some cases, you may need to have more specific help. That’s why it is important that you speak to a solicitor about the accident. They can advise you on how to move forward with your claim and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

faulty car equipment

What should I do if I am involved in a road accident in winter?

The first thing that you should do is get medical help as quickly as possible. You do not know how bad your injuries are until you get them checked out by a medical professional. To prove you were hurt in the accident, you can also get a medical report.

You should also consider talking to the other person involved in the accident. Take down their insurance and contact details to ensure that you can talk to them before your case is potentially taken to talk about a potential settlement agreement. If you are healthy enough to collect evidence then you should do it. Here are some examples of evidence that can be used in a compensation claims case:

  • Photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident
  • Video evidence of the accident (Including CCTV and dash-cam footage)
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Police records
  • Receipts
  • Evidence of loss of opportunity (such as wages or salary increases)
  • Diary Entries

Hills and Winter Roads

How much could I get from making a road accidents claim?

If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you could be owed thousands in compensation. However, the amount you get entirely depends on your own circumstances. For instance, if you have suffered from bad injuries, you’re naturally going to get a higher amount of compensation than someone who has just suffered a few bruises. The compensation you get is determined by the damages you have suffered from. These include:

  • Physical Damages
  • Emotional Damages
  • Financial Damages
  • Equipment Damages
  • Loss of Opportunity (i.e. wage increase or job promotions)

When you gather your evidence, make sure to consider these damages as they could add to your claim. Just keep in mind that you can only claim for emotional damages if you have suffered from physical injuries as well. Make sure to also get a medical report to prove that emotional/psychological issues have affected your life ever since your accident.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Honestly, this depends on the severity and complexity of your claim. Naturally, if you have made a claim and the claimant refuses to accept responsibility, you will find that it takes longer than expected to have a successful claim. However, if the person responsible was not an insured driver and was breaking the speed limit, it is likely that the claim will be handled more quickly.

Keep in mind that things may also take longer due to the current lockdown and the backlog of the UK courts. Be patient with your solicitor and speak to them to learn more about an estimate timeline of your claim. They can let you know if there are any delays.

Is Gowing Law doing anything for Christmas?

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Now that Gowing Law has just finished our International Men’s Day campaign, we are now set to focus on Christmas! For our clients, we are directing our attention to our PPI tax claims and Marriage Tax Claims. That way they can get a pay-out from 6-8 weeks before Christmas! If you want to find out more, make sure to contact us to find out what you could be missing out on!

Now, in terms of Christmas, Gowing Law has a number of events and blogs planned to put you in the holiday spirit. This includes giveaways, competitions and interesting Christmas themed blogs. Make sure to keep checking back on our blog, newsletters and socials to find out more information! You can also write into info@gowinglaw.co.uk to learn more quickly.

Gowing Law can help you with your road traffic accident claim

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If you have got hurt due to a winter road accident, Gowing Law will be here to support you throughout your claim. We can give you expert advice and consultations to get you started. That means you will always know where you stand with our lawyers. If you are happy to work with us, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any fees. You will only need to pay our solicitors if we win your case. So you will always come out on top.

Speak to Gowing Law today about your claim by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. Our specialists will then be in contact to walk you through your claim and make sure you get the largest amount of compensation possible.

Read more about road traffic accidents now!

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If you want to learn more about RTA claims, Gowing Law is here to make sure you know the basics! Our blog is constantly updated with new content to make sure you understand everything about different compensation claims and UK legal updates. We also write about our seasonal events and campaigns. So, make sure to check back every week to see what is new. We would also be happy to write about any topics you would like to suggest. Send them in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to also check out our social media to see our latest giveaways and updates.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

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The Strangest Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Halloween personal injury claims are more common than you think! Now, as a personal injury lawyer, it is very likely that you are going to get some strange cases. People get hurt in mysterious ways. But did you know that Halloween is actually the holiday where you are most likely to get hurt? This is because you’re roaming around for trick or treating, and you’re also going to parties in uncomfortable costumes. It’s not a surprise that lawyers sometimes have to deal with some strange events during their careers.

Whilst things may be a little different this year thanks to Covid-19, people can still celebrate the spookiest season in their own way. It’s important to take are to avoid personal injuries during this holiday, but if you do end up getting hurt, remember that Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you with your claim. Use our claims checker to get started!

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A Quick Word of Warning: Covid-19 & Halloween

It’s so important this year that people take precautions for this Halloween. We would like to stress that with Covid-19 facing a potential second wave, it’s more essential than ever that we take precautions in order to protect our families and loved ones. You should avoid going out trick or treating and instead try and focus on enjoying the spooky season with fun and games inside your house. Gowing Law is hosting a costume competition to get our clients into the spooky spirit. However, we have some additional pointers to help you understand what you should be doing on Halloween night.

As you can see, the best thing you can do this Halloween is to actually stay inside and try and indulge in Halloween through a small party for you and your household, a movie or perhaps a creative evening of entertainment for yourselves. Whilst you may feel the urge to try and go out to a party, or perhaps go trick or treating with your kids, it just isn’t safe to do so right now. The responsible thing is to honestly plan your own entertainment and repurpose all of your activities to your home. That way you can avoid catching Covid-19.

Halloween personal injuries claim help

Pumpkin-Based Injuries & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Did you know that in the USA over 3,000 people were injured through pumpkin carving annually? If you think that number is big, just imagine how many people must get hurt in the UK through similar activities. It actually means that overall, in the USA the amount of people who get hurt through pumpkin-based personal injuries is higher than the amount of people who get hurt at fun fairs!

There are many ways that you could get hurt whilst carving a pumpkin. Most obviously you could slice your hands whilst using a knife. However, there is also the potential to make personal injury claims from just lighting a candle inside of the pumpkin. There is a chance that lighting up a pumpkin could result in burns from being dropped or from setting the pumpkin alight! There has even been a case-study where a pumpkin ended up exploding and turning into a ball of fire!

If you are still interested in indulging in some pumpkin carving, make sure to follow these safety instructions:

Halloween Personal Injury Claims & pumpkin carving safety infographic

Of course, we don’t want to put you off carving a pumpkin! Just make sure that you keep safe whilst doing it. If you do end up getting hurt then don’t worry, you could potentially have a personal injury claim if you can prove that there was some form of negligence involved whilst you carved the pumpkin. Stranger things have been claimed for!

Haunted Houses: The Customers & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

When we think about Haunted House, we think about people dressing up to give people a good spook when they enter a scary house. That’s what Gracie Gail Durmon thought when she was walking through a spooky corn maze and saw someone dressed up as Jason Voorhees with a chainsaw. Giving her a scare, Durmon decided to try and run but ended up slipping and falling onto the ground. She actually ended up trying to sue the maze owners for negligence. However, as it was obvious the maze would have muddy conditions, and Durmon knew she was going to be scared going into the maze, she did not win the case.

People do end up getting hurt when they enter a haunted house because of the dark conditions and props that are sticking out in strange places. It’s possible that you may end up experiencing a slip or trip whilst you are in there. Unfortunately, if you have signed a waver or contract acknowledging that you are going to be scared when you enter the premises, it is very unlikely that you will have successful personal injury claims. Unless one of the workers outright attacks you and tries to hurt you, you will not be able to prove that you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence.

Haunted Houses: The Workers

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Whilst it might be quite difficult to make personal injury claims if you are a visitor to some form of haunted house or event, if you are a worker, it is very possible that you may end up getting hurt due to violent clients. Now, it is well-known that you are not supposed to touch the actors in a haunted house, as they will not touch you. However, that doesn’t stop aggressive visitors from lashing out in fear and hurting the actors that try to scare them. Workers may also experience repetitive stress injuries to their arms or hurt their vocal chords from all the screaming.

Larry Pit, a personal injury lawyer, has noted that:

“Haunted house workers are often attacked, causing them to suffer physical injuries, such as bites and broken noses.”

Some of the most injuries that a Halloween scare worker may experience include:

  • Broken Noses
  • Bites
  • Fire burns
  • Taser burns
  • Fractured bones
  • Bleeding

Workers may also suffer from slipping over props due to the darkness of the rooms and tripping hazards that have been randomly placed around the room. If you do get hurt as a scare worker on Halloween night, you can make a work accident claim. Make sure to tell your manager what has happened so it can be noted down in the work accident book. You should then get medical assistance as quickly as possible. You should next consider trying to gather evidence. Your evidence can include photographs, CCTV video footage, witness statements, medical records and financial receipts.

Halloween personal injuries claim for scare actors

Hayrides and Personal Injury Claims

In the countryside, you may find that there is a bit of a romantic tradition where people try to sit in a hay wagon for a ride around the village. Some people may bring up drinks or go for a trip with their partner. Whilst there could be a potential traffic accident with pedestrians or other vehicles, there have also been a few people who have actually been hurt by snakes or insects that could be nestled within the hay. 22 people have even reported being crushed slightly by a hay bale that has fallen over.

Whilst accidents and personal injury claims may happen with hayrides, the reason why you may find it unusual is because they happen more in the US or the countryside. So, if you live in the city, you may not have actually heard about these little rides. Make sure that the ride has insurance before you book your ride around the village.

Halloween night traffic accident claims

Decoration Arguments

You would be surprised about how many neighbours tend to get angry with each other for the type of decorations that they put out! Some people like going a little more extreme than others. They may go out and entirely decorate their lawn, whilst other people may decide on a simple pumpkin and some cobwebs around the patio.

Whilst this may not be a personal injury claim, it is a fun legal story! For one pair of warring neighbors, the Purtells were rather upset that their neighbours had ended up asking for an RV to be removed from their driveway. That was why they decided to passive-aggressively state their frustration through their decorations. They put some gravestones out that stated:

“Here Lies Jimmy, the Olde Towne idiot, mean as sin even without his gin, no longer does he wear that stupid old grin . . . Oh no, not where they’ve sent him! -1690-“

This started a war between the two neighbours after the police were called and forced them to take it down. They then decided to try and sue the police for taking down their gravestones. Whilst it was quite a complicated story, it is still quite funny to hear about them.

Keep in mind that you could end up having a personal injury due to the decorations that have been put out from your neighbours. You could slip, trip or end up getting hurt if you try to move them out the way. They may also be heavy and could fall on you. Keep this in mind before you go out to enjoy Halloween!

hanging pranks for Halloween warning

Common Costume Causalities & Halloween Personal Injury Claims

Apart from pumpkin-related injuries, costume injuries are extremely common. Think about it, you’re wearing tight-fitting costume that you will be moving around in constantly. This means that uneven walkways and long grassy areas are about to become your worst nightmare. Oversized costumes can make it more likely that you’re going to trip and fall over. This can cause some severe injuries.

However, injuries can happen due to the costumes and make up themselves. Whilst contacts and glittery make up can be fun to put on, however it can cause allergic reactions or may even be toxic! In some cases, there may even need to be a trip to the hospital in order to deal with any damaged or burned skin. Make sure to always do a patch test before you put makeup on yourself or on your children. You should also make sure to clean it off entirely before you go to bed to ensure that nothing goes into your eyes while you are asleep.

How do I keep safe on Halloween?

Although you should be planning your own socially distanced activities to enjoy Halloween, hopefully next year Halloween should be back to normal. So, if you go out next year, you should make sure to keep safe whilst you do it. Make sure to plan the trick or treating route in advance before you go out and wear a sensible costume. That way you can keep safe walking around and will not fall over. You should also only visit houses that have their lights on or decorations outside. That way you can know that they definitely want to take part in the season. You should also only trick or treat around well-lit areas. That way you can make sure that the area is safe.

Halloween Personal Injury Claims: Let Gowing Law help you!

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Whilst you may be a bit nervous about Halloween Personal Injury Claims, as you may think it sounds a little silly, honestly, if you got hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you should make a claim about it! Gowing Law is here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That way we will make sure that you always end up on top. You will never have to pay any hidden fees.

Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. You can also use our live chat in order to speak directly to our helpful team.

Read more about legal claims in our blog

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If you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Our blog has a wide range of articles. They are great for teaching you about the basics of legal claims. We update it every week with new content, so keep checking back to see what new content we have created. You can also send in your own suggestions if you want to see specific blogs to answer your questions. Email us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Happy Halloween!

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Personal Injuries and Halloween: How to stay safe!

Personal injuries are more common than you think on All Hallows’ Eve! But here at Gowing Law, we always love being able to celebrate this holiday with our colleagues. Take a look at the photo below if you don’t believe us!

Gowing Law Halloween Picture

Whilst it is always a good laugh to dress up and be with friends on Halloween, this year things may be a bit different. After all, we are all staying inside in order to socially distance and avoid spreading Covid-19 to our friends and loved ones. However, if you are still going out to do a little trick or treating, you need to try your best to keep you and your loved ones safe. Did you know that on average there are around 41 million kids and parents that go out on Halloween? That’s why it’s one of the spookiest days of the year for personal injuries solicitors.

If you do get hurt, Gowing Law Solicitors can help make the claim less spooky! Have a look at our claims checker to get started:

claims checker button

Should I really go out Trick or Treating this Halloween?

This year, personal injuries are going to be the least of your worries when it comes to Halloween. As we stated before, Covid-19 is going to have a large impact on the way we interact with other people long into the future. That’s why you may also be considering whether or not it’s worth going out this year. There isn’t exactly going to be any parties this year, nor is it really worth going to your neighbour’s houses in order to get sweets. After all, you have to interact with people outside of your social bubble in order for your children to get candy.

We would highly recommend that you go with your gut instinct on what you think is right to do. Whilst it has not yet been banned to go trick or treating, right now you won’t be able to go in a group larger than six. That and there will still be a chance that you could spread germs around to your neighbours. Take appropriate precautions if you do decide to go out.

Here are some of our own suggestions to get you started:

personal injuries and halloween social distancing

Young Children & Personal Injuries

Whilst it’s important to consider your own personal safety when you go out on Halloween night, let’s be honest, the most vulnerable people out on the street are going to be children. That’s why you need to be aware of any potential risks that might be posed to their safety. Make sure they are with you at all times and you know which houses they are visiting in order to get sweets.

One of the biggest urban personal injury legends about Halloween is that there might be poison or sharp objects within the chocolate. However, there has been very little evidence that this actually happens in real life. Usually, if a tampering does happen it is usually by a friend or family member who are trying to do it as a prank. No one has ever been killed because of tainted candy.

Just make sure to keep an eye your children and they should be okay. If they do suffer from a personal injury, you will have to represent them as they are under 18 years old.

children, personal injuries and halloween

How could I suffer from personal injuries on Halloween?

Out of all of the holidays, Halloween tends to be the one where people are most likely to get hurt. This is because they may go out to party, get drunk and fall over, or they may be crossing a busy street and end up in a pedestrian traffic accident. There are many types of problems that could lead to you getting hurt if you decide to go out. Take a look at our infographic below for an idea of what could happen when you go out for Halloween.

 

Halloween safety infographic

As you can see, the main accidents normally involve criminal activities, falling over, costume problems and pedestrian accidents with vehicles on the road. The first thing you need to think about is about how to walk safely around your neighbourhood, town, or city. It is going to be very dark, therefore you should consider wearing bright clothing, using glowing sticks or operating a Halloween candle. That way you can see others and others can see you. Go over street rules with your children, including:

  • Looking both ways before you cross a street.
  • Pausing at a curb before going out onto the road.
  • Holding hands before crossing a road.
  • Utilizing the sidewalk and crossroads to get around safely.

Establish these ground rules and maybe even make a map of your neighbourhood to ensure that they do not get lost. You should always have them carry a fully charged phone in which they can contact you if something bad does happen. That way if the responsible adult gets separated then people can stay in contact.

Young children and trick or treating personal injuries

Work Accidents & Halloween

Public injuries can happen in any type of environment. Be it a pub, an office or any sort of public venue, if the accident was not your fault then it is very likely that you will be able to claim a large amount of compensation. The same thing happens if you have got a seasonal job at some kind of Halloween venue. This includes:

  • Themed bars and pubs
  • Outdoor Halloween events
  • Themed Halloween theme parks
  • Haunted Houses
  • Public parties

If you have managed to get a job at a themed event, there is a chance that you could get hurt due the negligence of your customers or management. Take a look at the case study below to get an idea of what could happen whilst you are on duty:

case study of personal injuries claims

As you can see from our case-study, it was a completely unprovoked assault. Without any manager or security to protect him at work, Terry found himself helpless when he was attacked by customers. This means he could file his case with CICA or as a work accident claim with an experienced legal solicitor.

To make a claim, the accident needs not to have been caused by your own negligence. Instead, it needs to be the fault of someone else. Your place of work has a “duty of care” for your safety and security. That means they need to do everything within reason to keep you in a safe work environment. The accidents you experience may be due to a lack of training, experience or perhaps just bad luck.

You could get hurt due to:

  • Faulty equipment
  • Slips or trips
  • Violent customers
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Inadequate management

These are only a few examples. If a work accident does happen, make sure to alert senior staff as quickly as possible. Your injury should be noted down within the work accident hand book, even if it is just seasonal/holiday work. You should also consider calling an ambulance, the police and collecting evidence, such as photographs, video, witness statements and CCTV footage.

Driving & Halloween

Traffic accidents tend to become more frequent on Halloween night. Distracted drivers may not be used to the area and so could look at their GPS more than the road. It is also very likely that they could be texting on their phone or speaking to someone in the car. Halloween parties could also make it more likely that there will be some drunk drivers behind the wheel. If you have experienced an accident due to the negligence of a drunk driver, it is very likely that you could get a lot of compensation for your injuries.

Always take care while driving, especially if you are taking care of children who are trick or treating. If there is an incident, be sure to take down the license plate and contact details of the other driver who caused the accident. You will also want to collect evidence from the scene of the traffic accident, this includes potentially getting a police report to ensure that you get a unbiased perspective on the accident itself.

traffic accidents and personal injuries claims

How do I keep safe on Halloween night?

Now, Halloween should be an enjoyable holiday for you and all of your family. Personal injuries can happen at any time and in any place. That’s why you need to keep your guard up when you do go out and about. Things may be a little different this year, but you can still have fun.

When you get dressed up in your costumes, pick something bright and flamboyant in order to keep yourself visible. It is also recommended that you go in a group in order to make sure that someone has their eye on you at all times.

If you are going to drive on Halloween, make sure to avoid drinking at all costs. You may also want to avoid it if you have a long walk home. Many people trip up and fall because they lose their balance after having a night on the town. Drunk walking can also make people stumble onto the road off the sidewalk. Whilst you may not need to pay compensation if you are a pedestrian, the last thing that you want on your hands is to know that you have hurt someone else. Instead, focus on how you can have fun whilst remaining safe. That way you can fully enjoy the Halloween event without there being any consequences. You will only have good memories.

What should I do if I experience personal injuries on Halloween?

You should treat them just as you would if you get hurt on any other day. You should consider going to hospital to have your wounds checked out. If you are well enough to collect evidence then you should do so. This includes getting:

  • Photographs and videos
  • CCTV evidence
  • Police reports
  • Medical reports
  • Receipts
  • Witness statements
  • Diary entries

You will also want to get legal counsel on how to move forward with your claim. Gowing Law’s trained solicitors are more than happy to help you with your personal injury claim. That way you can avoid making any mistakes that could invalidate it. Gowing Law’s personal injuries specialists can also help you when it comes to your settlement agreement. They can calculate an estimate about how much you could be owed and whether or not you should go to court to settle the case. Make sure to also show them the evidence you have gathered. They can help you organize it!

Gowing Law is here to support you with any sort of personal injuries claim

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Here at Gowing Law, we would be more than happy to help you with your claim. If you have got hurt, and it was not your fault, our personal injury specialists will make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer free advice and consultations to get you started. These can be undertaken remotely if you are worried about Covid-19. From there, if you decide you want to work with us, our solicitors can offer their services on a ”no win-no fee”.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by contacting our legal firm at 0800 041 3850, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our claims checker. You can also reach out to us directly by using our contact page or LiveChat. Let us know how we can help you! Our solicitors are on the case.

Read more about personal injury claims

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Keep an eye on Gowing Law’s blog for the latest updated about UK legal polices and personal accident claims. We updated it with fresh content every week. So there will always be something new on our website for you to sink your teeth into. If you cannot find the topic you like, don’t worry! Send us a request at info@gowinglaw.co.uk and we would be more than happy to write about your suggestion. You can also message us through our social media pages below.

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Electronic Scooter Compensation: Can I make a claim?

Electronic scooter compensation is a fairly new type of claim you can make when it comes to transport injuries. With Covid-19 looming in its second wave, lockdown being imminent and remote working being pushed back onto the UK office worker, it’s not surprising that you may not be taking your car out for a drive. Instead, you may be looking for a simple way to get around your area. That’s why the E-scooter has become such a useful form of transport. It’s small, easy to put away and quick.

With a new form of transport, new rules of the road need to be formed. In July 2020, the UK government officially allowed E-scooters to be trialled on the road. E-scooters could become part of the new normal. So, it’s best to get used to them in advanced. That way, if you end up in a traffic accident then you will know exactly how to claim compensation. Click the link below to find out more about traffic accident claims:

Electronic Scooter Compensation traffic button

What is an e-scooter?

Don’t worry if you don’t actually know what an e-scooter is yet. It’s still relatively new and has only recently become legal to drive on the road. An e-scooter has all the proponents that come with a normal scooter. The main difference is that it has a motor that can propel the vehicle forward. These scooters can reach up to 30 mph. This is why you may have some problems when you finally encounter them. Not only are they small, but they can move fast. That means it makes them a vulnerable vehicle when it comes to traffic accidents. However, they also come with a range of benefits that include being:

  • Practical for storage
  • Eco-friendly
  • Cost-effective

Drivers are required to have a validated license and are recommended to wear a helmet at all times.

Electronic Scooter Compensation claim help

What dangers can come with an e-scooter?

E-scooters are very small vehicles. That means that they can be difficult to see and too fast to stop if they do end up unfortunately travelling onto the road. If you take a look at the infographic below, you can get an idea of what dangers you need to watch out for if you do spot an e-scooter on the road:

the dangers of e-scooters infographics

Unfortunately, collisions with E-scooters can have fatal consequences. Back in July 2019, YouTube star Emily Hartridge actually died in an e-scooter collision with a lorry. She was only 35-years-old.

Sadly, there have been many similar incidents around the UK that have resulted in the deaths of loved ones due to the lack of safety provided whilst operating an e-scooter. This is a big reason why only rental e-scooters being allowed to be operated on the road.

Keeping safe on an e-scooter

Now, an e-scooter can reach speeds of over 30 mph. That means that they can actually be quite dangerous if they interfere with traffic. Some e-scooters only have one break, which can also mean that braking can actually be very difficult. So, always try to brake in advance when you go out with your e-scooter. You may not be required to wear a helmet, but if you are going anywhere near a road or pathway, you should wear one anyway. You may also want to invest in bright clothing or flash gear in order to make sure that you are always quickly seen when you are out and about.

police alert about e-scooters and Electronic Scooter Compensation

E-Scooters and the “Duty of Care”

Just like any other type of vehicle, it is essential that you understand the rules of the road. Of course, learning how to drive is one thing, but another thing you will need to have an understanding of is the “duty of care”. When a driver operates a vehicle on the road, whether it be a motorcycle or a car, they need to be aware of other road users.

You need to make sure that you do not breach your duty of care towards these drivers. Instead, you need to be conscientious of what other drivers are doing when you are on the same road together. The same thing applies if you are driving a scooter. Take a look around you to see if there are any drivers around you. Keep a safe distance, as you are classified as a vulnerable vehicle, and watch for the direction they are going. It can be tempting to try and overtake them, but you should resist this urge.

If you follow this duty of care, you should be able to remain safe whilst you operate your e-scooter. It is important to realize that as you can get insurance for e-scooters, if you are found negligent of your duty of care, it is likely that you could be taken to court for a compensation claim. To avoid this, try and keep as safe as possible. Do not take any unnecessary risks!

e-scooter rental company help

What should you do if you have recently been involved in an e-scooter accident?

As an e-scooter rider, you owe your duty of care towards cyclists, pedestrians and all vehicle users on the road. However, they also owe you the same type of treatment. Unfortunately, collisions do happen and you may up quite badly hurt. After all, you have less protection than many of the other vehicles. You are in the same bracket as motorcycles and pedestrians. Therefore, you need to wear bright clothing and have lights that can make sure that you are recognisable in both summer, winter, night and daytime.

If you have taken these precautions but still get hurt, it is very unlikely that it is going to be your fault. No matter what type of accident you have had, the first thing you should do is either ring for an ambulance or ring the police. That way you can have your wounds assessed in hospital and get a medical report. If you ring the police, you can also get an unbiased police report that can serve as good evidence if you decide to take you electronic scooter compensation claim to court.

You may be too injured to collect evidence, but if you are waiting for an ambulance then you may want to consider collecting evidence. Your evidence can include:

  • Photographs of your injuries and damaged vehicle
  • Videos/CCTV/Dash-Cam footage of your injuries, the collision and your damaged vehicle
  • Witness statements
  • Medical reports
  • Police reports
  • Receipts
  • Wage Slips (To prove loss of opportunity/pay)
  • Diary Entries
  • Insurance paperwork

different types of damages

What sort of injuries can I get from an electronic scooter accident?

If you are looking to get electronic scooter compensation, you will also need to consider how bad your physical injuries are. Life-changing injuries are going to get you more compensation than if you have only suffered from a few breaks. Have a look at our example below:

Electronic Scooter Compensation case study

As you can see from our example, minor injuries can only get a small amount of compensation. This is because they have not changed your life or had an ongoing negative consequence. It may take you a little bit of time to recover, but ultimately you will be back on your feet in no time. However, if you have lost a limb, suffered mobility issues or are struggling to get back to your day-to-day life, it’s very likely that you will receive a higher amount of compensation.

E-scooter injuries may include:

  • Bumps, bruises and scrapes
  • Internal bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of limb
  • Brain damage
  • Neck damage

Of course, there are many other types of injuries that you may suffer from. Make sure to discuss these with your solicitor. You may need to get a medical report in order to prove how bad the damages are in court. The same can apply if you have suffered from any emotional damages alongside your physical damages.

Will I get electronic scooter compensation if I did not wear a helmet?

Whilst you may have to claim for partial compensation and may be seen as liable if you do not wear a helmet, there is no law saying that you have to wear a helmet whilst operating a rented e-scooter. However, you may not get compensation if you were operating a privately own e-scooter. Instead, you may also be liable for a criminal prosecution charge.

Are there any other types of ways that I could get hurt and claim electronic scooter compensation?

Not every accident needs to be caused by another person. In fact, you and your e-scooter may have ended up in an accident because of the e-scooter itself or your environment. For instance, if you encountered a pothole as you were driving your vehicle, it was up to local government to fix that, not you. That’s why you would ask for local government to pay for your compensation.

Additional problems could happen that cause an accident. These include:

  • Environmental factors (i.e. lack of road signs)
  • Problems with your e-scooter (i.e. mechanical trouble)
  • Repair jobs with your e-scooter going wrong

Keep an eye on these before you go out onto the road. That way you can keep safe when you venture out.

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How long will it take to make an electronic scooter compensation claim?

This is the type of question we get asked quite often. Honestly, it does not matter what type of claim you have. It entirely depends on your own individual circumstances. For instance, if the third party refuses to accept your settlement agreement, you will find that it takes longer to address due to the fact that it will need to go to court. During this time you will need to find evidence and build your case up to prove you are a victim of negligence. This will naturally take longer than it would for someone who has a third party that takes responsibility for the accident and is willing to come to a settlement outside of court with their insurer.

Be patient with your solicitor. You have to keep in mind that they need to take into account the full details of your case. Not only that, but they have to also work under the current lockdown and lack of access to their work place. There is also a chance that your case goes to remote court in order to lower the amount of exposure for you and your solicitor. This will all take time.

How much will I get from my electronic scooter compensation claim?

Again, this depends on your own individual circumstances. Someone who has broken their leg is going to naturally get more compensation than someone who has just come out of an accident with scrapes and bruises. Speak to your solicitor about how much you could be owed. This will help you figure out the type of evidence you need to prove and win your case.

Need help making an electronic scooter compensation claim?

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Gowing Law is here to help you! All of our traffic accident specialists want to make sure that you get the justice and compensation that you deserve. They can offer their advice through free consultations. If you are happy to work with them, our lawyers in Manchester can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means even if you do not win your case, you will always come out on top!

Get in touch with Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Learn more about electronic scooter compensation from our blog!

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