Tag: public transport

Top 10 ways to avoid traffic accidents on your commute

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised

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:

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:

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:

Public Transport
A car
A Motorbike
Cycling

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:

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.

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.

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!

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.

Can I make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Traffic Accidents

Public transport accident compensation is not the normal type of claim that you would think of if you get injured on the road. Usually, you would think of car accidents or collisions on the road. You don’t usually associated public transport with accidents. That’s because you see them as having a “duty of care” towards commuters who utilize them. You pay to use public transport, therefore, you should not be scared about what will happen to you if you get into an accident.

In 2019, the UK government survey indicated that 4,513 buses and coaches were involved in accidents over the year. That is not even accounting for the amount of accidents that could have been involved on trains, ferries and taxis. Public accidents are more common than you think. That’s why you can get compensation to help you with your injuries.

You do not need to suffer in silence. Gowing Law Solicitors are here to make sure that you can recover, having all of your financial worries taken care of. It’s time to learn how we can help you with your public accident compensation claim!

What sort of public vehicles can I claim compensation for in an accident?

If you are using public transport, you may instinctively feel safe when you get on to the vehicle. This is because public transport drivers have received specific training to ensure the safety of all passengers when they in the vehicle. They know how to manoeuvre a large vehicle through traffic to ensure the safety of everyone on board, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. That is why when an accident does happen, it can come as a bit of a shock for everyone involved.

One of the most important things you need to know is that if a vehicle is registered as a form of public transport, then you can claim compensation if you have been involved in an accident. This could include:

Buses/Mini Buses
Trams
Taxis/Private Hire Vehicles
Ferries
Trains/Metros

It is important to remember that accidents do not need to solely happen on the road to have a public accident compensation case. They are not the same as car or motorcycle accidents because accidents can also happen in the interior of the vehicle. Most public forms of transport have large interiors because they need to transport a number of different people around the city. That means there’s more chance of their being a hazard during the commute. Our infographic below will have a little look into some of the examples of what sort of accidents you could encounter:

Different Types of Accidents

As you can see from our last, using any sort of public transport comes with its dangers. However, what is important is to distinguish the differences in these accidents. That way you can decide who is liable for your accident. In some cases it will be the company that owns that form of transport. For instance, if you were injured on a ”northern railway”, you may want to launch your complaint to them. However, if it is a violent passenger then you may want to involve the police and ask them to pay for your compensation. Each situation is completely different, therefore you will need to decide carefully who you wish to pursue. This may change the amount of compensation that you can claim.

The main cause of your accident could be due to:

A fellow passenger
The vehicle driver
Other drivers on the road
The manufacturer of the vehicle
The environment (aka. the responsibility of local government)

Be aware of the environment and what impact it could have on your claim. You may think that the cause of your accident was due to your driver. However, the accident may have occurred due to a broken traffic light. Lots of factors can make up a public transport accident case, this is why you make need a lot of different witness statements to build up a clear picture of what has happened. From there, you can go to your solicitor and they can help you find the real cause of your accident.

Covid-19 & Public Transport Accidents

Recently, the UK government has announced that new rules are being made in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amongst commuters. Although you may have your own private vehicle you will be legally required to wear a face mask if you do have to use public transport. This will be from the 15th June 2020.

You should be trying to stay at home as much as possible in order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, including working from home if you can. However, if you have no choice but to use public transport then you will need to:

Plan your journey to avoid busy commuting times.
Be prepared for delays due to less vehicles being on the road.
Keep a 2 m distance from different people on and off the vehicle.
Mix up the different types of vehicles you may be using.
Carry the right PPE for your journey, including hand gel, hankies and gloves.
Be aware of any surfaces that you may touch whilst on your journey.
Wait for other passengers to board and leave before you do.
If the public transport looks busy, you may want to consider waiting for the next vehicle to arrive.

Have you caught Covid-19 from public transport?

If you think that you have caught Covid-19 from the unsanitary/crowded conditions of the transport, then you will need to prove that you specifically caught it from that area. It can be classified as a public accident. The unsanitary conditions have caused a bio-hazard that have put commuters and the staff of the vehicle in danger. Make sure to take statements and evidence from people who traveled with you. You may also want to take video or photo evidence of the state of the conditions of the transport. This could be the deciding factor between claiming compensation from the owner of the company and not being able to any compensation whatsoever.

How much money could you claim from an accident on public transport compensation claim?

Now, one of the most important things to think about public transport accident claims is that each case is completely individualistic. It depends on the type of accident you have been in, the severity of your injuries and the type of losses you have made thanks to the injury. This can include:

Physical Injury
Emotional Injury/Trauma
Financial losses (i.e. from time spent off work)
Medical assistance (i.e. medication and recovery programmes)

The more severe your injuries, and the losses you have made, the more likely that you could receive a bigger claim. It is important to draw on the fact that a breach of duty has occurred. Therefore, it is their duty to compensate you from their insurance.

Overall, it depends on the extent on your injuries. The most common of traffic accident injuries is whiplash. For minor whiplash, you could claim over £3,000. However, for major whiplash you could claim between £50,000- $114,000. This is a rough estimate and, again, we would like to stress that it does depend entirely on the public accident injury case that you have been through. Build up your case with the help of an experienced RTA specialist.

How long should I wait to make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Do not wait to make your claim! This is one of the worst things that you can do. You are trying to recover from your injuries, therefore you need the appropriate funds to help you do this. Covid-19 may mean that there may be a backup of documents in the court system that could mean that your case is delayed.

To ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation in a reasonable amount of time, you should ask for compensation as soon as possible. You will have 3 years to claim compensation before your claim will become invalidated. So, make sure to speak to a trained solicitor about how you can approach your case. They will keep you updated about every move they make and how they are handling your case. That way you can get compensated for your injuries as quickly as possible.

How do I make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Although you may be tempted to make a compensation claim on your own, it is better to have the support of a solicitor to get you through the tricky jargon and court proceedings. You will need time to recover from your injuries.

If you are not injured at the scene of the accident, make sure to document evidence of what happened. This includes photographic and video evidence. You will also want to take witness statements from participants in the accident to show how the accident affected you. You can then write a letter of intent to the party who was responsible to let them know that you are going to press charges for the accident.

Once you have organized all of your information, it is time for you to get in contact with a trained RTA claims solicitor. A public traffic accident is not the same as being involved in a pedestrian accident, a car accident or any other type of road accident. They can help sort out your information and prepare you for your impending public transport accident compensation case.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors to help with your case

All of our trained public transport accident compensation solicitors can help you with any sort of road traffic accident. You need to claim the compensation if you have been involved in an accident. This will give you the time you need to recover. Any sort of road accident can be a traumatic experience for passengers and staff on a vehicle. You deserve to feel stress-free when you recovery. So, let your trained solicitor take care of any difficulties that you may encounter. They can help understand what sort of claim you have and how you can move forward.

To contact Gowing Law, please call 0800 041 8350 or email info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our trained lawyers will then be in contact as quickly as possible. You can also visit our public accidents page for more information.

Been involved in an Accident on Public Transport?

Posted on July 9, 2019 by John lucey - Blog

Have you been injured as a passenger on Public Transport?

An Accident on Public Transport can happen at any time and in any place. As a customer travelling on public transport you are trusting the driver of the vehicle with your safety. There are a number of health and safety rules in place on public transport to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, however unfortunately accidents do still occur. Here’s a few examples of accidents that can cause injuries on the most commonly used modes of public transport.

Bus

The chances of being injured if involved in an accident on a bus are higher as it is not a legal requirement for them to have seatbelts for passengers. As buses are on the road they can easily be involved in collisions with other vehicles which can jolt passengers out of their seats, causing injuries.

You can be injured on a bus as a result of an accident not involving a collision with another vehicle, such as if the bus driver brakes suddenly or is driving recklessly as these actions can cause passengers to be thrown from their seats or fall over if they are standing or have not yet reached their seat after getting on the bus.

If you’ve been involved in an accident on a bus be sure to let the bus driver know you have been injured. Make sure to obtain the registration of the bus you were travelling on as well as the registrations of any other vehicles involved if possible. Make a note of the bus number and if possible the location of the accident. We do also ask that you keep hold of the bus ticket or bus pass used on the journey when the accident occurred.

Train

Accidents on trains are less common but do still happen, these can be as a result of hazards on the trains or crashes caused by debris on the tracks or a drivers error. It is important that potential hazards are all clearly signposted for people to see such as if there is a big step down from the train to the platform and making sure people can clearly see restrictions of the platform of where is and isn’t safe to stand. Injuries can happen on trains due to technical faults such as emergency breaks activating or faulty doors trapping people in them. Defective or damaged components on trains can also cause injury such as sharp protruding objects or damaged seats.

If you’ve been injured make sure a formal report is made in the accident book, there should be one in every train station. If injured on a train be sure to make a note of which train you were traveling on, where you got on it at which time and where it was going, as well as the rail company. Also be sure to take photos if injuries were as a result of defective components.

Taxi

When you are a passenger in a taxi, you expect the driver of the vehicle to drive safely and follow the rules of the road, as they are responsible for your safety. If you are injured in an accident as a passenger in a taxi, you have every right to make a claim for personal injury.

Make sure that the driver is aware you have been injured, take note of the registration of the vehicle you are in as well as the driver number, name and taxi company. Try to make a note of the accident location and if possible take photos as evidence. If the accident was the fault of another vehicle try to obtain their registration and driver name.

If you’ve been injured in an Accident on Public Transport travelling in the last 3 years, call our team at Gowing Law today on 0161 464 4444!