Category: Traffic Accidents

What hazards could cause a bike accident?

If you have experienced a bike accident, it’s very likely that you have suffered from traumatic injuries that have affected your life. You did not deserve to get hurt when travelling on the road. When the lockdown came into place, the UK government took it as an opportunity to encourage people to start riding their bikes if they needed to go out for essential travel, such as going to work or shopping for groceries. That’s why you make have bought a bike and decided to go out.

Unfortunately, cyclists are one of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. This is because 80% of the road is used by cars, and as bikes are unprotected vehicles, it makes it more likely that you will get hurt in a road traffic accident. However, if you were not responsible for your bike accident, you could claim compensation for your injuries. The first thing you need to discern is what hazard actually caused you accident. That way you can understand who was responsible for you getting hurt and why they owe you compensation. Gowing Law’s experienced RTA solicitors will be here to support you throughout the claim’s process.

Contact our traffic accident solicitors today by calling 0161 464 4444 or use the link below to visit our bike accident claim’s page.

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Experiencing a bike accident: Who are the most vulnerable road users?

When you go on the road, it’s important to be aware of all of the other vehicles around you. That way you can make sure that you keep a safe distance from them and they can do the same for you. If you are driving a car, it’s important to understand that you are in an extremely protected vehicle. Unfortunately, there are other vehicles that do not have the same type of casing. Bikes and motorcycles are going to be faster than your car. Although, these vehicles do need to obey the rules of the road, just like you, it is likely that you may see them weaving around the traffic. If you do not see these vehicles fast enough, it is likely that you could cause a traffic accident where they could be severely injured.

All compensation claims are based on negligence. If someone is guilty of negligence, they may have to make a pay-out to the party who were injured as a result of it. Although pedestrians cannot really make a pay-out because they are not insured, other vehicles can make this type of pay-out. Negligence can include:

  • Speeding
  • Moving through red lights at traffic stops
  • Drinking whilst driving
  • Talking on a mobile device
  • Eating and drinking whilst driving

If you end up causing an accident because of this type of negligence, it is very likely that you will have to pay for the victim’s compensation from your insurance. That’s why it is essential that you keep an eye out for vulnerable vehicles and people who either use the road or are trying to cross it. You do not want to be responsible for an accident.

Death in a bike accident

What hazards are there that could cause a bike accident?

As a cyclist, it is important that you keep an eye on the other vehicles around you. You can wear safety equipment (such as a helmet and bright clothing) but that doesn’t mean that other cars and large vehicles can see you. That’s why it’s up to you to keep safe and try and obey the speed limits on the road. Do not take risks or try to “weave” through traffic. This can be extremely dangerous on a busy road and could end up with you getting hurt. If you are responsible for the accident it is very unlikely that you will receive compensation. With that said, if you were the victim of someone else’s negligence, you could receive a high pay-out depending on the extent of your injuries.

It’s important that you understand who could be responsible for your injuries. Take a look at the gif below to get an idea about who you could ask for a pay-out from:

Who is responsible for my cycling accident gif

As you can see, it is likely that there are quite a few determining factors when you get hurt in a cycling accident. For instance, if there was not another party present in the bike accident, but you got hurt due to potholes or the disrepair of the road. That would mean that you would have to launch a complaint or compensation claim to your local government. You would expect not only a pay-out but for the road’s damages to be fixed appropriately.

Thinking about making a bike accident claim?

Speak to your solicitor before you think about making your claim. That way you can know exactly who to ask about your compensation. With that said, it’s also important that you understand that the type of hazards that could cause you to get hurt. Take a look at the infographic below to understand the type of hazards that you need to be aware of on the road:

Hazards of bike accidents infographic

What should I do if I have been involved a bike accident?

If you have been hurt in a bike accident due to someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is get their contact details (including their full name, phone number and insurance details). However, if you have been badly hurt then you should call an ambulance as quickly as possible. That way you can have your injuries tended to and also receive a medical report that can prove that you were hurt in the accident.

Whilst you should always focus on your health first, if you do have the time to collect evidence then you should do this. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you are going to get a successful pay-out. Evidence can include:

  • Photographs
  • Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam footage
  • Witness statements
  • Diary entries
  • Medical reports
  • Police reports
  • Receipts
  • Communication with insurance companies and other people involved in the accident

Your solicitor can help you organize this information and evidence. That way you can discuss a settlement agreement with the other party. Then you can come to a solution as quickly as possible.

hit and run cases

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your Bike Accident today!

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Here at Gowing Law, we understand that any type of bike accident can be extremely traumatic. That’s why we are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. You can work with our RTA specialists for free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, our solicitors can offer you their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. Therefore, you will never need to pay any hidden fees and will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law today by phoning 0161 464 4444, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to discuss your claim. Feel free to ask them any additional questions.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Traffic Accident Compensation & Christmas Claims

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Are you travelling this Christmas?

Traffic accident compensation claims are the last things you are going to be thinking about this Christmas. However, if you are moving around the country to visit people in your Christmas social bubble, then you need to be prepared for busy roads and angry drivers. Whether you are moving around in a car, bike or motorcycle, if you get hurt whilst you are driving, and the accident was not your fault, Gowing Law can help you with your claim. Unfortunately, traffic accidents tend to increase during the winter months because of the darkness, slippy roads and negligence of other drivers.

If you have suffered from a traffic accident, get in contact with Gowing Law today to help you get the traffic accident compensation that you deserve. Click the link below to get started:

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How can I keep safe from road traffic accidents in winter?

During the winter months, the roads tend to get busier with tired shoppers, delivery drivers and travelers. Unfortunately, that means the chance of an accident happening between drivers will increase. With darkness causing visibility problems, and car lights causing bright flares on ice, water and snow on the road, it’s very likely that an accident may happen. Here are some tips on how you can keep safe during the winter months.

Social distancing is going to be an important thing to consider during the Christmas period. Yes, we are going back to see our families, but don’t forget to be careful as you are going to need to protect the vulnerable. Unfortunately, despite the precautions we take on the road, there is still a chance that you will get due to the negligence of other drivers. You can only control your own actions. This is why you could be eligible to receive compensation.

Are you eligible for traffic accident compensation?

If you were not responsible for your accident then it is extremely likely that you will be able to make a successful claim if you have been hurt in a traffic accident. Each driver has a ”duty of care” towards other drivers on the road. That means they have a responsibility to keep them safe. This includes any pedestrians that might be crossing the road. If they fail to take reasonable measures to make sure that everyone is safe during their travels, they could cause an accident. Here are some examples of negligence:

If any of these aforementioned statements are the reason why you had an accident in the first place, you will be eligible for compensation. Better still, if you are a passenger that is involved in a car accident, you will never be seen as the one responsible for the accident. Instead, you will be able to claim compensation through the negligence of both drivers.

Can I only claim for a car accident?

No! If you have recently been in an accident on the road, it does not matter what type of vehicle was being driven. You could have been on a bike, a motorcycle, a pedestrian or even on public transport. If you have been hurt for someone else’s negligence, they are responsible for getting you the compensation that you deserve. You just need to focus on getting evidence to back up your claim.

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident this Christmas?

To claim traffic accident compensation, there are a number of things that you need to do in order to get your pay-out. The first thing you should do is make sure that you get the insurance details and phone number of the other driver. If you have been hurt then you should call for an ambulance or the police for help. You should also considering collecting evidence in order to back up your claim. Evidence may include:

  • Photographs
  • Videos/CCTV
  • Witness Statements
  • Medical Reports
  • Police Reports
  • Diary Entries

From there, you can pass on this information to your solicitor and they will help you create a settlement agreement. This is an estimated compensation amount that can be agreed with by both you and your solicitor. This amount will then be presented to the other party and their insurer. If they do not agree with it, you can take them to court to have the outcome decided by a judge.

How much could I get from Traffic Accident compensation claims?

The type of traffic accident you have and the injuries you sustain will change the amount of compensation that you are owed. You will also need to consider the following damages to get a rough estimate:

  •  Physical Damages
  • Emotional Damages
  • Financial Damages
  • Equipment Damages

You may have lost out on your wage or perhaps spent money on getting medication, either way you deserve to be compensated for the amount you have lost in your accident. After this, the amount of time needed to make a claim will depend on the complexity of your injuries and the case in general. Make sure to ask for regular updates about your case from your solicitor. There may have been delays due to the pandemic, so keep open-minded and patient!

Gowing Law can help you with a traffic accident compensation claim

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If you are ready to get legal help for your traffic accident compensation claim, Gowing Law can give you free advice and consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward, we can offer our services on a “no win- no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will not need to pay any hidden fees.

Contact us today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Gowing Law is always updating our blog with the latest legal content. So, make sure to check back every week to see what’s new! We write about the basics of legal claims, seasonal updates and company updates. If you have any suggestions about what you would like us to write, please get in contact! Send us your ideas to info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

Happy Christmas!

Road Traffic Accidents: Are you travelling this Christmas?

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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?

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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.

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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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Car Accidents increase in the Christmas Period!

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Car accidents in winter can come with serious consequences. Whilst Christmas can be exciting, it can also mean that the road becomes more of a dangerous place than ever. Not only do you have over-zealous drivers trying to get from store to store, but the wintery conditions may end up making it too difficult to keep a safe from other cars.

Now, it’s believed that after the 2nd December, when the second lockdown ends, the shops and gyms will re-open in the UK in time for Christmas shopping. Most people are going to shop online for their presents, but there will always be people who decide that they want to take the risk of visiting a store. It’s not surprising. After all, we have spent months staying inside, including working from home. So, if you do want to take the risk, you should try and be as safe as possible, especially when you are out on the road.

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to get in contact with Gowing Law to get the compensation that you deserve. Click the button below to find out more!

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Why does Christmas increase the chance of car accidents?

With winter ahead of us, it makes the roads more dangerous to drive on. Winter roads can increase the chance of ice and black ice, meaning that if your tyres do not have any grip then your car could slide off the road. Did you know that drivers are actually 4 times more likely to experience a car accident in the lead up to Christmas? This means that there is a higher chance that you get hurt on the road than in any other holiday season.

The reason why the Christmas season is so dangerous for car drivers is due to:

  • Overcrowded roads
  • Impatient drivers
  • Drunken drivers
  • Wet and snowy roads
  • Impaired vision

Keep this in mind when you go out on the roads. If you are aware of what other drivers can potentially do then that means you may have time to think about how you can prevent an accident from happening.

drunk driving and car accidents

Weather Conditions, Winter Roads and Car Accidents

Both warm and cold weather can have an adverse effect on road condition. Now, a lot of the time accidents tend to happen in summer because drivers get complacent and believe that the roads are entirely safe. However, in winter, accidents tend to happen because of the impact of winter weather. If it rains then this could cause ice to freeze upon the road and cause vehicles to slip around. This can get even worse if there is black ice. After all, it is camouflaged on the road and you may miss it if you are driving quickly. This can cause car accidents.

If you need to drive on a winter road, make sure to be aware of the potential for environmental hazards that could damage your vehicle.

winter roads and car accidents

As you can see there are many ways that the road could be dangerous during winter time. Not only can the heat and cold expand any potholes, but any snow, rain, sleet or mist can make it nearly impossible to manoeuvre a car safely. The same can be said for motorbikes and any public transport. In fact, it may be harder for larger vehicles to be able to safely move on the road when there is ice. It is essential that they move slowly. If not then they may end up colliding with another vehicle.

What should I do to keep safe on the road and avoid car accidents?

We would highly advise that you do not go out when the roads are wet and dangerous. That’s because it is more likely that you will get involved in an accident. However, if you need to travel for essential reasons, you should follow these safety tips in order to ensure that do not get hurt:

winter road gif

The best way for you to keep safe when you go out is to make sure that you all of the needed necessities just in case you breakdown. This includes having a repair kit, blankets, food and drink on you. You should also have a hazard triangle on you to warn other drivers that you have broken down. Consider wearing a luminous jacket or bright clothing to make sure that you are spotted. You may also want to use your warning lights to ensure that people can see you. That way car accidents can be avoided even if your vehicle is not moving.

car accidents and car lights

How should I prepare my vehicle to avoid car accidents?

If you are driving around in the snow, it’s important that you drive carefully in order to avoid a car accident. The main thing you should be thinking about when it comes to winter weather are your own actions. You can’t control the actions of other drivers. But you can also make sure that you use the highest gear to avoid your wheel spinning in the ice and snow. Make sure to also drive slowly around the roads and avoid harsh breaking. If you harshly break, you may find that your car starts to skid. Should you find yourself skidding, do not immediately brake. Instead, ease off the accelerator and allow your car to come to a natural stop. That way there is less chance of it over turning or hitting another vehicle on the road.

How do I know if I was not responsible for a car accident?

If you have recently been involved in a car accident due to bad weather, you may be wondering to yourself if you could get compensation for what happened to you. Now, the first thing you need to discern is whether or not you were responsible for the accident. All drivers have a “duty of care” towards other vehicle owners on the road. That means that they are responsible for their own actions that could put others at risk. If you got hurt because of someone else being irresponsible on the road, you could claim compensation for getting hurt.

Being a victim of another driver’s negligence can include:

  • The driver being distracted
  • A driver eating, drinking or using a phone
  • An intoxicated driver
  • A driver suffering from road rage.

However, you may also have suffered from an accident due to your environment, the manufacturer of the car or even any repair work done on the car. If you can prove that you are not at fault for the accident, you will be eligible to make a compensation claim.

alternative groups responsible for car accidents

What sort of damages can I suffer from in a car accident?

Now, if you have suffered from a car accident, it is likely that you have experienced physical damages. Car accidents can be extremely traumatic and can give you a wide array of injuries. These can be short-term or cause you long-term ailments. Something as simple as whiplash can cause you spinal problems in the future. The more severe your injuries are, the more likely that you will be able to claim for a larger amount of compensation. Make sure to write down all of the injuries you have suffered from, or ask for a medical report so that you can proved how you were physically impacted from the accident.

Asides from physical injuries, you could also suffer from other types of damages. These include:

  • Emotional damages
  • Financial damages
  • Equipment damages
  • Loss of opportunity (I.e. wages and promotions)

Speak to your solicitor to calculate the amount of compensation that you could be owed. Your lawyer can help you calculate the damages that you are owed. That way when you eventually go together to calculate an amount during your settlement agreement. You deserve to get the highest amount of compensation possible, and our solicitors will be there to support you and make sure you get what is owed.

peak times of traffic and car accidents

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?

Quite honestly, a car accident can be an extremely traumatic experience. That’s why you may feel unsure or a little dazed when you are caught in the middle of one. But if you follow these instructions then you will get compensation very easily.

The first thing that you should consider is getting medical help. Your injuries may be worse than you think, therefore it is essential that you get the help that you need. Call for an ambulance or the police to document the claim. You can also get a medical report from being checked up by your doctor. It is also important that you get the insurance number and contact details of the other party involved in the accident.

If you are well enough to move around the scene of the accident, you should consider looking for evidence. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you will be able to claim a higher amount of compensation for your injuries. Evidence includes:

  • Photographs of the accident and your injuries
  • Video evidence of the accident and environment (including CCTV and dash-cam footage)
  • Witness statements
  • Diary Entries
  • Receipts
  • Medical Records
  • Police Records

collecting RTA evidence

How much could I claim from a car accident?

Quite honestly, the amount you claim depends on the type of accident you have and how serious it is. A more complicated case with bad injuries may mean that a client is owed thousands in compensation. The best thing to do is to speak to your solicitor to find out how much you could be owed. You can work together to come up with an estimate, and then propose it during a settlement agreement.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Again, the amount of time will depend on the complexity of the case. However, it is important to understand that Covid-19 and the UK’s backlog of cases may cause further delays. That’s why you should speak to your lawyer about your case. If any problems arise then you will be the first to know about them, especially if they change your court date.

Is Gowing Law doing anything interesting for Christmas?

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Currently Gowing Law’s main focus is PPI tax claims and marriage tax claims. We understand that 2020 has not been a very good year due to the pandemic. That’s why we want to help our clients get a little extra before the Christmas season. That way, any financial mis-handling compensation can either be saved or used to buy presents for loved ones.

Outside of that, Gowing Law is going to have a number of giveaways, competitions and interesting content prepared for Christmas. This includes Christmas themed blogs and videos to keep you coming back to our website for more! Make sure to keep an eye on our blog page, our newsletter and social media to see the latest updates. If you have any questions make sure to let us know by writing into info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

Make a car accident compensation claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

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Here at Gowing Law, we will always work hard to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. If you have been hurt in a car accident, our solicitors can give you free advice and consultations to help you figure out what you could be entitled to. If you want to work with our team, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees and you will always come out on top.

Get in contact today by calling us on 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker.

Ready to learn more?

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Gowing Law’s blog is always updated with the latest information about car accidents. That way if you have recently been involved in some sort of collision, you can understand that the basics of your claim before you even make it! Not only that, but our blog is here to help you keep updated about the latest seasonal events that are going on at our law firm. Click the button above to read more blogs on our website. You can also follow our social media below to check out our latest giveaways and competitions.

Happy Christmas!

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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!

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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.

automatic liability for e-scooters

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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Remember, Gowing Law keeps its blog updated with the latest content about UK legal policies and compensation claims. Scroll through our blog to find the article of your choice. Don’t worry if you can’t find a blog to suit your interest. Just send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to update our blog with your requests.

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Top 10 ways to avoid traffic accidents on your commute

Traffic accidents can happen at any time and in any place. Their unpredictability is what makes them so dangerous. One minute you may be in your car and taking your normal commute to work; the next minute, you are suddenly involved in a car accident. Going back and forth to your workplace can pose a daily threat. After all, when you’re on the road there are plenty of irresponsible drivers who neglect their “duty of care” towards other road users. it may even be caused by a pedestrian darting out into the middle of the street.

As a commuter, you need to make sure that you keep safe no matter what. It may feel tiring to constantly keep going back and forth to a certain building or workplace, but you need to keep yourself aware of the hazards on the road. That’s why this blog is here to help you understand how you can avoid traffic accidents. If you do end up getting hurt then remember, Gowing Law Solicitors can provide you with expert advice and legal counsel when it comes to making a traffic accident claim. Check out our claims page below to learn more:

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Covid-19, traffic accidents and your daily commute

Covid-19 has changed the face of work as we know it. Not only has it proven that many people can do their jobs from home, but it has also made employees feel more nervous about going to their office. After all, they do not know who has Covid-19 or may be classified as a vulnerable person. This is why so many people may ultimately refuse to go back to work. If you are an employer, it’s important that you put your employee’s health first. If you don’t then it’s entirely possible that you could end up having a work accident claim on your hands.

Many people are considering whether or not they can sue for Covid-19 related accidents. If they can prove that they specifically caught Covid-19 from your workplace, it is very likely that they could have a successful claim. Take a look below to understand how a claim might work:

Covid-19 compensation infographic

If you can work remotely: Do it and avoid traffic accidents!

Although this blog is mainly going to be focused on traffic accidents, we would also like to give a word of advice to employers. It is important during this pandemic, that shops, offices, construction sites and all other kinds of work environments operate under the advice that the government has provided to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Due to this, UK businesses need to adapt. It is old fashioned to think that your employees always need to come into an office space in order to get tasks completed. Instead, many businesses are opting for a more flexible model. Many are simply asking their employees to work from home permanently. Others are asking their employees to attend virtual meetings or come into the office once a week. It is easy enough to set up a VPN from a laptop to an office monitor to see if your employees are keeping up with their daily schedules.

The pandemic has given businesses the opportunities to explore change and to adapt their business models for the health and well-being of their employees. Do your part to keep them safe as well. In turn, this may mean that there is less of a chance that they get hurt on their daily commute to work.

How could I get hurt on a work commute in traffic accidents?

When you think about work commutes, the different accidents depend on the type of commute you have and the sort of vehicle you are driving. Naturally, if you are simply walking to work as a pedestrian, it is possible that you may suffer from serious injuries as you have no protection from oncoming vehicles. However, other accidents may happen if you commute via:

In special circumstances, you commute may involve you taking a ferry or a plane if you are on a business trip. No matter what type of vehicle you operate, there is still a chance that you could get hurt in various ways. Take a look below to see a few examples of the types of accidents you could suffer from on a commute:

accidents on a work commute gif

Of course, these are only a few examples of the types of accidents that can happen to you on a commute. No matter what vehicle has struck you, if you have suffered from injuries and damages that were not your fault, you could claim for compensation. All vehicles or users of the road have a “duty of care” towards other drivers or commuters. If they breach this duty of care then they are putting others in danger due to their negligence. This is why you could ask them for compensation from their vehicle insurance.

uninsured driver help for traffic accidents

What sort of injuries could I suffer from when it comes to traffic accidents?

Now you know a few examples of the type of traffic accidents that could happen on your daily commute, it’s important to understand the type of injuries that could happen due to an accident on the road. Some injuries may be worse than others, even to the extent that they are completely life changing. The worse your injuries are, the more likely that you could get a higher amount of compensation. You can still claim for smaller injuries, however you will need to think about whether or not the legal expenses will tally to more than the compensation amount. If they do then the case may not be worth pursuing.

Injuries that could happen whilst you are commuting to work include:

  • Broken bones, fractures and sprains
  • Bleeding and internal bleeding
  • Muscle damage
  • Spine damage
  • Loss of hearing and eyesight
  • Loss of limbs
  • Brain damage

Keep in mind that there are additional injuries that could happen both to the driver and passenger. Make sure to go to hospital after any type of traffic accident to ensure that you are checked up. You need to ensure that your wounds are not any worse than they appear. This will also serve as evidence when you go to court to claim your compensation.

What could make me eligible for traffic accidents compensation?

One of the main things that you should look through whilst pursuing traffic accident compensation is whether or not you are eligible for a compensation claim. Being eligible for compensation relies on not being at fault for the accident. This means that you did everything possible to make sure an accident did not happen. You acted responsible and it was due to the other driver acting irresponsibly that people got hurt. This may have been due to:

  • A lack of experience on the road
  • Distracted driving
  • Road rage
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Eating or drinking during driving
  • Using a mobile device whilst driving

Are you not at fault for your damages? Well, you could claim thousands in compensation depending on your injuries.

who was to blame for my traffic accident

How can I stay safe on my commute to avoid accidents?

Now we move onto the main topic of our discussion: How you can keep safe if you go on your commute to work. Sometimes you will get injured and things will be out of your control. Instead, you need to figure out how to get the help you need to make sure your wounds don’t get any worse. The more precautions you take, the less likely it will be that you will be hurt. Here are our top tips to ensure that you can keep safe on any type of vehicle or if you decide to make your commute by foot.

1. Plan your route

Before you set off, make sure to plan out your route to your office. This should help you avoid any heavy traffic, crowded areas or places that you could be exposed to Covid-19 or any other hazards. You may also want to plan out the type of transport you use. For instance, if your office is close by then you should consider walking or going to work by bike.

2. Use a dash-cam

One of the best things you can do to collect evidence of any accident, or to document the behaviour of other drivers on the road, is to purchase a dash-cam. A dash-cam can be easily attached to the interior roof of your vehicle or the front window screen. The dash-cam can also be used to show the manoeuvres you took while trying to prevent an accident on your commute. This can prove you were not a negligent driver. Instead, the recorded footage can show that you were trying to stop traffic accidents from happening.

3. Avoid crowded areas that usually have traffic jams

Another way that you can avoid getting into an accident is by avoiding traffic jams and crowded roads. Before and after work can be a bit fraught as there will be people who want to get home. Therefore, people may be impatient and try to get through the crowds of vehicles as fast as possible. To avoid accidents, try thinking of alternative routes that can get you to your home without encountering much traffic. It may take a little longer but you will be able to keep safe as you get home.

4. Be patient with other drivers

Road rage is a key cause behind huge numbers of traffic accidents. Everyone has places to be and things to do, but some can be more impatient than others to get those done. This may mean that they shout at other vehicle drivers or try to start a fight. If you see this happening on the road, try your best to keep your distance. They may try to drive erratically ahead of you and you should let them. You, on the other hand, can be patient and keep calm on the road.

5. Keep aware of pedestrians

You never know when they are going run out into the middle of the road. Keep aware of all pedestrians, especially those who appear at zebra crossings. Some may simply run out despite there being cars. They may also dart out in areas where there isn’t a crossing. Keep in mind that some pedestrians may also be quite violent or rude towards car users. You may want to try using quieter roads to try and avoid traffic accidents with pedestrians.

6. Do not drive if you are overly tired.

If you are feeling sleepy or tired after a long day’s work, this can make you feel more distracted when you are driving on the road. Make sure to take a break before you drive or have a caffeinated drink to ensure that you are fully aware of what is going on. The more alert you are, the more likely it is that you will keep safe when you are on the road.

7. Utilize public transport

Drivers of public transport have been trained to ensure that an absolute minimum of accidents happen whilst they are on duty. If you have a nearby bus, metro or train stop, you could consider getting them to work. Keep an eye on your budget though, and do a little googling, as often public transport can offer great savings through a pass that can give you a discount.

8. Wear bright clothing that can be easily spotted

If you are a cyclist or a motorcyclist, it’s important to understand that you may not be as easy to spot when drivers use the road. That’s why most of the accidents that happen to cyclists occur when they are moving off or stopping in the road. Wearing bright colours, iridescent badges or helmets or even having lights that can flash on the wheels of your vehicle can alert other vehicles to your presence. That way they won’t hit you and can see your manoeuvres on the road easily as you make your journey.

9. Signal Appropriately

During your driving training, you will have been taught how to signal which way you are going to turn. However, if you are on a bike then you may need to learn how to do hand signals in order to show where you are going. Make sure to give a signal with enough time to go before you make your turn. You may also want to invest in lights that can turn on and off that can signal which way you are turning.

10. Figure out if the person you are driving with is safe

If you are catching a ride with a colleague or friend, you may want to keep an eye on their driving skills. As a passenger you will never be blamed for an accident happening. However, if your driver is erratic or perhaps doesn’t know how to control their temper whilst they are on the road, you may want to consider your options for different commutes to work. That way you can stay safe and make sure that you keep out of trouble on the road.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with any road traffic accidents claim!

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Gowing Law Solicitors would be more than happy to help you with your traffic accident claim. We understand that you want to keep safe on the road. However things can still happen that can cause injuries. That’s why it’s important for you to claim compensation as quickly as possible.

Gowing Law can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy with what we have to offer you, you can work with our solicitors on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees to pay and you will always come out on top.

Contact us today and check your claim by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our contact page to use our live chat! One of our team members will then be in contact to help answer your questions.

Read more about road traffic accident claims!

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Read more about our latest road traffic accident articles from our blog page. We update it every week with new content so keep an eye on it to see what we upload next. You can even message us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk if you want to suggest your own article topics. We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions.

Gowing Law wishes you the best of luck with your claim and looks forward to helping you in the future. See you in the next blog!

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Work Accident Compensation: Can commuting employees make a claim?

Work accident compensation is used to protect employees if they have suffered from some kind of work accident. Nowadays, many employees are not going to their office. Instead, they may be working remotely to avoid catching Covid-19. However, for those that are going to work, there is a possibility that they could get hurt whilst they make the commute to the workplace. This could be due to a pedestrian accident, criminal activity or overcrowded public transport. There are many reasons you could get hurt. However, you may be wondering whether or not you could claim compensation for getting hurt.

Gowing Law Solicitor can help you if you have been hurt at work and require compensation for your losses. All you need to do is phone up 0800 041 8350 to get started!

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Work Accident Compensation: How could I get hurt on my commute to work?

You may feel a little nervous when you go on your daily commute to work. After all, you may be a bit out of the swing of things when it comes to commuting, or perhaps nervous due to Covid-19. Whilst you are likely taking your own necessary precautions to adhere to social-distancing, such as owning your own face-mask and hand gel, there is still the chance that you could get hurt on your commute to work. Take a look at the infographic below to understand what type of risks could be encountered on your way to work:

your commute dangers infographic

As you can see, there are a number of ways you can get hurt at the start and end of the day. There are always going to be hazards on your way to work. Covid-19 may be making people more health & safety conscious, but negligent drivers, passengers and pedestrians could still cause you to get hurt. But the main question is, is your employer responsible for you getting hurt when you are on your way to work? This is what we are going to find out.

Is my employer responsible for providing me with work accident compensation for my commute?

Unfortunately, no, they are not responsible for your safety when you are outside of work. This means you wont be able to get work accident compensation. You are paid for a scheduled amount of time to fulfil a task or provide a skill set. When you are off the clock then your employer is not required to maintain their “duty of care” over what you do. You are basically a free agent to do whatever you want. If you get hurt then this is out of their control. There are only a few circumstances in which your employer would be held responsible for your commute. However, if you have got hurt then you may want to think about making a:

  • Criminal Injury Claim
  • Road Traffic Accident Claim
  • Public Accident Claim

Your eligibility depends on the type of accident you have. However, if you have fall under one of these categories, it is likely that you will be able to get compensation. The only different will be that it will not be paid from the insurance of your employer.

compensation for running an errand

What “special circumstances” could mean that I can make a work accident compensation claim on my commute?

Whilst it is very unlikely that you will be able to make a work accident compensation claim based on an accident during a commute, there are other times when an employee may be covered. Keep in mind that this may only be for very specific employees or events that happen on the commute. Take a look at some of the examples below to get a sense of what could be classified as a commuting work accident:

  • You were asked to run a work-errand on the way home from your work place or whilst you were on a break. If you got into an accident during this then you could claim compensation. This is known as the capacity concept.

capacity concept

  • As an employee, you are forced to commute through a “zone of danger” in order to get to work .This includes construction sites and large blasting areas. If you get injured due to these sites then you could be owed compensation.
  • You are an on-call employee that gets covered when they are called into work. This means that they are covered even if they get hurt at home.
  • You have been asked to go on business travel or go abroad to a different worksite.
  • Travel is a normal part of our job and you do not work from an office-site. This can include nurses, sales people, truckers or any sort of vehicle drivers. As you do not have a fixed workplace, you will be exempt from the “coming and going rule”.

Are there any other types of special cases?

Of course, these are only a few examples of why you could be eligible for compensation. The best way you can determine whether or not you will be able to claim compensation for an accident on a commute is by speaking with a trained solicitor. They can let you know if you are pursuing the right claim or if you should consider making a different type of compensation claim.

categories of injury claims

I was still injured! What should I do now?

Now if you are sure that you do not have a work accident claim, you should consider alternative options. All is not lost! Just because you cannot ask your employer for compensation doesn’t mean that you do not have a compensation claim. You simply need to consider the other accident categories that your case could fall into. Remember, for most accident claims cases, you will need similar types of evidence to prove that you were not responsible for your accident. The categories of public injuries are there to focus you on who will need to pay for your compensation. Here are some examples of the types of claims you could go for, as well as how you could make the claims in general.

Road Traffic accident claims

Normally, when you set out on your commute, you are going to be taking some form of transport or may be walking to work as a pedestrian. However, if there is a careless driver on the road that is breaching their “duty of care” towards other road users, this could cause an accident. The vehicles you may be driving or be a passenger on may include:

If you have been involved in a traffic accident, it is likely that it was due to the negligence of the other driver. You need to prove that you were not at fault and took all the precautions necessary in order to avoid an accident. If the accident still happened then this will mean you are not at fault and can claim compensation. Make sure to take down the insurance number and pictures of the other vehicle. That way you can know who to contact if you do end up needing to make a road traffic accident claim.

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Criminal Injury Claims

Now, if you are dealing with a criminal injury claim, things may end up going a little differently for your claim. Criminal attacks can happen at any time and in any place. However, if you are commuting back and forward between work, you may find that as the nights get darker, you may start to feel more vulnerable or isolated. If you are walking alone or away from the gaze of the public, this could make it more likely that you experience a violent altercation or an attack. A criminal injury claim may include:

  • Knife attacks
  • Gun attacks
  • Violent assaults
  • Sexual assaults
  • Terrorists attacks

Naturally, some of these types of altercations are worse than others. However, claiming for criminal injury insurance should provide you with compensation that can help you recover. If you have suffered from some sort of criminal attack, make sure to immediately call the police or emergency services to ensure that your wounds are treated. Cooperate with the police’s investigation before you start to collect your evidence.

In some cases, you may not be able to pick out your attacker or identify who they are. That is why we would recommend that you seek compensation from the CICA scheme. CICA stands for criminal injuries compensation authority. If you do not know who your attacker is then this may make things difficult. That’s why you need a solicitor to help you collect your evidence to prove that you fall under the scheme.

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Public Accident Claims

Another type of compensation you could claim for is known as a public accident claim. These are some of the most common type of claims and are used to get you compensation for damages that happen on public property. So, for instance, let’s say you visit a store on your way to work to pick up your lunch. If you get hurt due to a slip or fall in the store, you could claim for public accident compensation. This applies to any sort of public area that may be under responsibility of a local body of government or an employer. If you have got hurt in a public place, make sure to alert any staff or people around. They can act as your witnesses.

You will also want to get your wounds checked out and start gathering evidence in order to help with your claim. This is very similar to what you may do in a work accident claim.

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How do I prepare for an accident claims case?

When it comes to any sort of accident claims case the main thing you need to prove that you are not liable for your injuries is evidence. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you can show that you deserve a high amount of compensation for your losses. Now, your losses fall under two categories. These are “general damages”, for your pain and suffering, and “special damages” for your financial losses. You can also claim for emotional trauma, loss of opportunity and broken equipment.

Your evidence should prove that you have suffered from these damages. Examples of evidence may include:

  • Photographs of your injuries and the accident environment
  • Videos of your injuries and the accident environment.
  • CCTV footage
  • Police reports
  • Work Accident handbook reports
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Receipts
  • Diary entries

These are only a few examples of the types of damages and evidence that you could claim for. Remember that you can use evidence from during and after the incident. For instance, if you are suffering emotional damages after you were physically injured, you could be struggling to undertake normal daily tasks. Your evidence could be a witness statement or diary entry documenting your worries and fears.

Gowing Law can help you with your accident claim!

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No matter what sort of accident claim you have, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with legal counsel. Our experienced lawyers can provide you with expert advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy with their services, we can take on your case on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means you will always come out on top and there will be no hidden fees that you will need to pay.

Get in contact today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or using our contact page. One of our team members will then be in touch to help you with your claim and answer your questions.

Read more about work accident compensation claims now

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Fancy doing some binge reading around work accident compensation claims? Our law blog has the latest information about UK legal policies and trials. If you can’t find the article that you’re interested in, why not send us in your suggestion? We would be more than happy to write about your questions. All you need to do is email info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We will get back to you as quickly as possible about your suggestion.

Gowing Law looks forward to seeing in our next blog.

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