In 2007, 2,946 people were killed on the road, a further 27,774 people were seriously injured and 217,060 people suffered minor injuries (statistics from BRAKE). Nearly a third of the deaths were among people aged under 25.
There are ways you can protect yourself from being killed or injured in a car crash. One of the most important things is to always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts massively reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the case of a crash. Airbags provide further protection but you should never place a rear-facing baby seat on a seat with an airbag. Child restraints should be used for children as recommended by manufacturers.
Cars may have other safety features, including a ‘crumple zone’ which reduces the impact of a crash. Bumpers and bonnets may also be designed to minimise injuries to pedestrians in case of a collision.
You should stay within the speed limit and stay alert to hazards on the road. This means not travelling when you’re tired and definitely not driving when you are over the alcohol limit. You should also minimise distractions whilst you’re driving. This includes talking on the phone, eating, changing a CD, applying make-up or even just driving whilst you are angry. Distractions take your attention away from the road so you will be slower to react if something happens, e.g. if a child runs on to the road.
You should make sure your head restraint is adjusted to protect your head in case of a crash. A properly adjusted head restraint will reduce the impact of a collision on your neck and reduce the risk of a whiplash injury. You should make sure you use lights appropriate to the conditions in which you’re driving. This will ensure you are visible to other drivers.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is likely you will be quite shaken up. Seek medical advice if you have been injured. Make sure your vehicle is not a hazard to other vehicles – put your hazard lights on if necessary. Exchange contact details with any other vehicles involved and try to write down as many details of the accident as you can. It is a good idea to do this as soon as possible afterwards, whilst the details are still fresh in your mind. If you have a camera phone, photos of the scene may also be useful later. If there are any witnesses or if there are emergency services in attendance, try to get their names and contact details. Witnesses will be able to provide useful information about exactly what happened.
Car accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries. A 19 year old man is currently in the process of claiming compensation after he was left paralysed from the waist down in a car accident. He had to spend eight months in hospital and faces an extensive rehabilitation process. The kinds of work that he will be able to do in the future are extremely restricted and the injury will affect his everyday life for the rest of his life.
In May 2011, a Birmingham man was awarded £3.6 million compensation. He was involved in an accident when another car crashed into the back of his car. He suffered from serious injuries, including a brain injury which will affect him for the rest of his life. The other driver was charged with driving without due care and attention. After the award of compensation, his wife said “While no amount of money will repair the damage done, we now have a chance to move on.” His lawyer added that the payment will help to ensure as normal a life as possible.
The amount of compensation awarded in any car accident claim will depend on the extent of the injuries caused and losses that have occurred as a result. This includes damage to clothing or property and loss of earnings. It could also include the costs of a rental car if your car is out of action for a while and the cost of your insurance excess. You can also claim for future losses, for example, for missed work and lost future earnings.
The Judicial Studies Board issues guidelines for the amount of compensation to be awarded for certain injuries in personal injury cases. For example, the 2002 guidelines suggest £3,500 to £10,000 for a fracture of the forearm and £6,500 to £12,750 for persistent pain or stiffness in the wrist.
In order to achieve success in your car accident claim, it is important you have an expert solicitor on your side. Macks Solicitors has many years of experience in car accident claims. They can offer car accident advice, without obligation. They have the expertise to help you achieve the maximum compensation payment, compensation that will help you get on with your life after a car accident.
