Monthly Archives: October 2023

Law

How You Can Get Compensated for a Road Accident in the UK: Your Best Guide

We all know that road accidents can be traumatic, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. However, in the United Kingdom, there are established procedures to ensure that victims of road accidents can receive compensation for their losses. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps and options available for getting compensated after a road accident in the UK: your best guide.

 

  • Report the accident

The first step after a road accident is to report it to the police. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to report any accident that results in injury or damage to property, whether it’s a car accident, an accident with a pedestrian, or a cycle accident today. This report will serve as an official record of the accident, which can be vital when pursuing compensation claims.

 

  • Seek appropriate medical help

Your health is always your top priority, so even if your injuries are not serious or don’t look severe, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications later on. Also, medical records will serve as evidence of your injuries for your compensation claim.

 

  • Gather evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage. Remember that eyewitness statements can also be invaluable!

 

  • Contact your insurer

You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Even if you were not at fault, your insurer must know about the incident. They will guide you through the claims process and may also provide temporary transportation if your vehicle is unfit to drive.

 

  • Seek legal advice

If you believe someone else’s negligence caused the accident and you want to pursue compensation, it’s advisable to consult a solicitor who specialises in personal injury cases. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the entire legal process.

 

  • Understand the types of compensation

In the UK, compensation for road accidents typically falls into two categories:

  • General damages: These compensate you for physical and psychological injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of amenity (the impact on your quality of life).
  • Special damages: This category covers financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and vehicle repair costs.

 

Make a compensation claim

Your solicitor will assist you in filing a compensation claim against the at-fault party or their insurer. It’s essential to provide all relevant evidence and documentation – such as medical records, witness statements, and financial records – to support your claim.

Keep in mind that in the UK, there is a three-year time limit to file a compensation claim for a road accident. This time frame begins from the accident date or the date you became aware of your injuries. Initiating the process as soon as possible is vital to avoid missing the deadline!

It’s essential to understand the types of compensation available and consider legal advice if you believe you have a valid claim. While the process can be complex, with the right guidance and support, you can receive the compensation you deserve to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a road accident.

 

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

 

Driving, News, North of England

North East Drivers Most Likely to Have Personalised Number Plates, Say Researchers

NORTHERNERS are the likeliest group to be driving around with a personalised number plate.

New data reveals people in Cleveland are splashing more cash than any other motorists on private plates.

It was one of five northern locations including Darlington, Crewe, Wakefield and Blackburn, to appear in a top ten hotspots for sales.

Walsall, Chelmsford and Telford, along with Tweedale and Harris in Scotland, completed the top-ten which has been compiled by analysts at National Numbers.

The UK’s personalised number plate market is now worth an estimated £260m a year, and the Treasury has cashed in on billions from private plate sales since their inception.

Now, after crunching data* from over 32,000 sales, experts at National Numbers are revealing who’s in the driving seat when it comes to the highest number of purchases.

Commenting, Paul Hill, from National Numbers, said: “The top areas for sales were actually found to be towns and rural areas – with the north of England and Scotland coming out on top.

“Big cities, like Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Bristol came lower down the list – possibly due to having lower car ownership per head of population as well as better public transport links.

“In England, there is still a strong presence in what might be called the ”Bollinger Belt” surrounding the capital. In particular, areas like Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, Sawbridgeworth and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire together with Ingatestone, Chigwell and Ongar in Essex.”

Explaining why private plate sales appears to be bucking the cost of living crisis he continued: “They are a great way of expressing their character out on the roads – whether that be with a name, their favourite hobby, or a joke.’

“Personalised plates are also a great gift, and a lot of our customers purchase them on behalf of a loved one. Ages, years of birth and nicknames are really popular for this purpose.

“We also see personalised number plates being bought for various other reasons. Lots of people buy a private plate in order to hide the age of their car, or to show prestige. We also see number plates that relate to the make of the vehicle, with combinations like BMW being fairly popular.”

Mr Hill said plates to indicate a driver’s favourite football team were also still hugely popular.

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*About the data: The number plate experts have consulted their extensive database and based the research on a sample size of 32,000 purchases made across the United Kingdom. The results are based on sales per head of population, and from this National Numbers have created this interactive map to showcase the data.