Road Accidents Claims, Car Accidents

Understanding Types of Car Accidents

If you've never had to go through the process before, it's perfectly understandable if you're not sure how to claim compensation after a car accident. However, it's highly likely that the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced if you weren't wearing a seat-belt. 

You are required to wear a seat belt by law, but you're not necessarily barred from claiming compensation if you weren't wearing one when you were injured. Car accidents can be broadly categorised into various types, including:

Rear-End Collisions: Typically occur when a vehicle strikes the one in front, often due to sudden stops or distracted driving.

T-Bone Accidents: Common at intersections, where one vehicle collides perpendicularly with the side of another.

Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as "T-bone" or "broadside" collisions, these occur when the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another.

Head-On Collisions: Among the most severe, involving vehicles colliding front-to-front. These accidents often result in serious injuries.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Occur on highways and involve three or more vehicles. Determining liability in such cases can be complex.

Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver flees the scene after a collision, making it challenging to identify and hold them accountable.

Our team have experience of accidents involving:

• Roundabouts
• Overtaking
• Changing lanes
• Failure to give way
• Excessive speed
• Rear shunts
• Emerging from a side road or a parked position into your path
• Failure to observe traffic lights
• Misleading signals
• Crossing over the central white lines

Injuries that can arise from a car accident?

Injuries can have short and long term physical and psychological impacts following a car accident. Generally, accidents are categories:

• Slight - neck whiplash, shock, bruising, soft tissue sprains and strains plus shallow cuts or abrasions.
• Less serious - minor head injuries, deep cuts, hand, arm or collarbone fractures plus foot, ankle or lower leg fractures.
• Moderately serious - thigh or pelvis fracture, chest injuries and deeply penetrating wounds.
• Very serious -broken neck or spine, severe head, chest or crush injury with loss of consciousness or breathing difficulty. Plus, all internal injuries and multiple severe injuries with unconsciousness.
• Fatality

Regardless of the type of accident, taking the right steps is crucial:

• Prompt Medical Attention: Prioritise your health by seeking medical help immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
• Document the Scene: Capture photos, exchange information, and collect witness accounts to strengthen your claim.
• Report matters to the Police: Report the accident to the police, ensuring a formal record of the incident.
• Insurance Notification: Inform your insurance company promptly, providing accurate details of the accident.

Why take a claim for compensation?

Car accidents bring about various damages, from medical bills to emotional distress. Pursuing a claim helps you secure comprehensive compensation.

• Deterrence and Prevention: Holding at-fault parties accountable contributes to safer driving practices and accident prevention.

• Closure and Emotional Healing: Seeking compensation provides a sense of closure, allowing you to focus on healing emotionally and physically.

• Current / Future loss of earnings– If you are injured and unable to work, you could claim for compensation that covers any past, ongoing and long-term future loss of earnings/pension.

• Medical / Travel expenses incurred– Your compensation will cover past and future medical expenses such as operations, physiotherapy and any travel expenses to get there.

• Care and support needs– Compensation can cover any current or future long term care needs/support you require as a result of your injuries.

• Rehabilitation- We can claim for and arrange rehabilitation for all types of injuries.

• Equipment and accommodation- If your housing is no longer suitable and you need long term specialist equipment we will include the cost of such additional equipment/adaptions and alternative accommodation where relevant. We will employ experts to assess your needs in these complex cases.
• We can include the cost of the most advanced prosthetics.
• If a family member or loved one has lost the capacity to manage their own affairs as a result of serious injury, we can make arrangements for the case and for the future aspects of case by qualified practitioners working in capacity.
• Pain and suffering– Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injuries suffered. It also refers to the pain, distress, inconvenience, and emotional trauma that accompanies a serious injury.
• Compensation for vehicle damage or personal items– Your compensation will cover the cost of any repairs to your vehicle or the cost of the vehicle if it is written off and any hire charges incurred.

Claims involving untraced or uninsured drivers

Dealing with uninsured drivers add an additional layer of complexity to the aftermath of a car accident. Uninsured drivers, those without valid insurance coverage, pose a significant challenge when it comes to seeking compensation for damages. In the unfortunate event of a collision with an uninsured driver, the burden of covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses often falls squarely on the injured party. In such cases it becomes crucial to consult with a skilled team who can navigate the legal complexities, explore potential avenues for compensation, and guide you through the process of securing the financial recovery you deserve.

Drivers must have third party motor insurance to meet any personal injury claim brought against them, and claims against untraced (hit and run) drivers or a driver who does not have insurance, are dealt with by the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an organisation set up by motor insurers as a compensation fund of last resort, and they will meet accident claims by road traffic accident victims in these circumstances. If your road traffic accident was caused by a hit and run driver, it is very important to contact the police as soon as possible and cooperate with them.

Compensation routes for car accidents

If you or a loved one has suffered from a car accident due to negligence of another, don't hesitate to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Let us help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you

Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the legal representation you need during this challenging time.

Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by car accident injuries and sadly, fatalities.

Discuss your Road Traffic Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has experienced a road traffic accident reach out to Speir Buchan today. We are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we will work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.