According to statistics from the Ministry of Transport, there were 115,584 casualties caused by road accidents in the UK in 2020. This was, as you might expect, a substantial drop from the previous year’s high. This fall came about because of the lockdowns associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, so we should expect a bounce when the next round of data comes back from the newly reopened roads.
Can I get compensation?
In the UK, victims of road accidents are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. This applies to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. If the injury is extremely consequential, and impacts your way of life, then the compensation you receive will be accordingly generous. To make a personal injury claim, however, you’ll need the assistance of a competent personal injury lawyer, ideally specialising in this relatively narrow area of law.
What kinds of injury can a road accident cause?
Modern vehicles are a great deal safer than their counterparts from decades ago. Consequently, you’re less likely to be severely injured in a road accident than you might have been historically. But that doesn’t mean that serious physical injuries can’t come about. Broken bones, whiplash and brain damage are all possible. We should also not lose sight of the fact that some road traffic collisions will be fatal. In 2020, there were 1,460 reported road deaths in the UK. Motorcyclists are at much greater risk than car drivers, perhaps unsurprisingly, and so they might find it sensible to take additional precautions.
How much compensation can I expect?
The amount of money you receive will tend to depend on the type of compensation you’re pursuing. There are two varieties. Special damages relate to the loss of income you’ve suffered, perhaps resulting from your medical bills and loss of income. General damages relate to the actual pain and suffering of you and your family. While it’s difficult to make certain, generalised predictions, the system is designed in such a way that the compensation is proportionate to the loss suffered.
How can I prevent Road Accidents?
While it’s always sensible to pursue compensation after suffering a road accident, a better approach might be to prevent the accident occurring in the first place.
Speeding
Keeping your speed under control will provide you with more reaction time, and reduce the amount of kinetic energy at work in a collision. Also, to avoid getting speeding ticket in california.
Tiredness
If you’re tired, then you’re more likely to be involved in a road accident. Shift workers are at particular risk, here. Make sure that you take your sleep hygiene seriously.
Maintenance
By looking after your vehicle, you’ll give it a better chance of dealing with the hazards of the road. Checking tyre tread depth, and pressure, is something you should be doing regularly.