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Driver Making Phone Call After Traffic Accident

How to Make a Road Traffic Accident Claim

Road traffic accidents can happen at any time, anywhere, to anyone. You can try to avoid them as much as possible, but sometimes it is simply not in your control to avoid them. In incidents such as these, you will have to follow a few steps to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and then claim for the damages you have faced.

An accident claim lawyer such as us at Bonnar Accident Law will ensure that you get the compensation claim that you deserve. Assessing the situation, the road traffic accident, and how it affected you, the personal injury lawyer will do their utmost to ensure you are compensated appropriately.

How to claim compensation for a road traffic accident in Scotland

Keep in mind that a road traffic accident (RTA) can result in injuries as minor as relatively mild whiplash to life-threatening multiple fractures. These may also include critical-care spinal or head injuries, and at worst, may lead to an unfortunate fatality.

Our personal injury solicitors are equipped with the expertise and experience to accurately value every RTA claim. We manage every case to a successful conclusion, no matter how complex or difficult it may be.

A few simple steps to take immediately following a minor road traffic accident

Here are a few steps you should immediately take following a road traffic accident:

  • Check for injuries
    Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Don’t make sudden movements in case of a puncture wound or a fracture. Slowly get up into a comfortable position. If you or any other passenger is hurt, don’t hesitate to call for medical assistance. Even a fraction of time can make a life-changing difference when it comes to medical emergencies.
  • Move to a safe location
    If your car, bike or vehicle is drivable, pull over to the emergency lane if it is safe to do so. You should attempt to move your vehicle if it may cause a further potential road hazard. Ensure you have your hazard warning lights turned on to let traffic know that your vehicle has made an emergency stop.
  • Document the accident
    If you have your phone or tablet device handy, take photographs of the crash scene. This photographic evidence will help to support your compensation claim and will be useful for your insurance. The evidence should include photos of all involved vehicles taken from different angles. Be sure to photograph licence plates, visible damage, and the surrounding streets/areas of the incident.
  • Call the police
    Always call the police to the scene of a road traffic accident, no matter how minor it may seem. The police report will help the insurance companies determine which party will be responsible for the damages incurred. Also, a police record will keep every legal documentation in line for you.
  • Exchange information
    If there is another vehicle or driver involved, make sure you exchange your information with them. This should include contact details and insurance information.
  • Look for witnesses
    If the road traffic accident happened in the presence and line of sight of people nearby, do ask them to provide you with a statement, if they can. Ask the likes of shop owners, pedestrians, other vehicle owners and drivers. It’s good practice to ask them to stay on the scene to provide a statement to the police when they arrive.
  • Report the accident
    Always report the road traffic accident, no matter how minor, to the police as soon as possible. Reportable road traffic collisions have to be logged as soon as practicable or within 24 hours, in any case.

Hammer gavel judge with car vehicle accident, insurance coverage claim lawsuit court case.

How to make an RTA compensation claim if you are:

  • Car and other vehicle drivers

In a road traffic accident in which you were driving but where you were not at fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation from the other party’s insurance company.

Here are a few steps you should take if you have been injured:

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and report to your GP following a hospital admission
  • Exchange insurance details
  • Take photos, only if it is safe and appropriate
  • Obtain the name and contact details of any witnesses
  • Inform the police

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not accept an offer from the other driver’s insurance company. The acceptance of an initial offer immediately after an accident is a major mistake!

Seek independent legal advice from our accident claims lawyers.

  • Pedestrians

If you were an RTA victim as a pedestrian, you may also have a claim against the driver.

If you’re a senior citizen or have a minor, you may have a potential risk every time you step on a busy road. All it takes is a small lapse in judgement or attention on the driver’s part to ruin any pedestrian’s life forever.

It is not uncommon for pedestrians to get injured while crossing a road as cars or other vehicles may swerve or mount a pavement.

If you are a victim of this type of RTA, contact our personal injury solicitors in Scotland to help you win your claim compensation.

  • Car passengers

In case you are a passenger in a van, car, or any other vehicle, and you are in a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to claim against the driver. If that driver is an Uber or any other service, you may easily win a claim. And in case the driver is a relative, family or loved one, don’t hesitate to claim since it will be paid by the driver’s insurance company.

Remember, whiplash injuries may seem minor but these are painful and may cause long-term muscle or fibre damage. Get yourself examined by a medical practitioner after the RTA and then give our personal injury solicitors a call. We will advise you on the merits of your claim.

  • Bus or coach passengers

Being a passenger on a coach or a bus that faces a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to a compensation claim.

A simple injury may occur in the unfortunate event of a collision, an emergency stop, or even a minor or a proper accident.

You may be thrown around in the large vehicle which may result in common injuries such as brushes, whiplash, cuts, fractures, or even head injuries.

These compensation claims can also be made by tourists who travel on a sightseeing tour or holidaymakers. It may also be made by teachers or schoolchildren who go on trips.

  • Taxi passengers

Despite wearing your seatbelt in a taxi, an Uber, or a similar car-hailing service vehicle, you may suffer minor or serious injuries if the vehicle collides on the road. A hard-hitting emergency stop may also injure you.

In case you have suffered minor or serious injuries when inside a taxi or car-hailing service vehicle, you ask our personal injury solicitors in Scotland to help you make your claim.

  • Hit-and-run victims

As a victim or a hit-and-run driver, or if the vehicle was stolen or driven by an uninsured driver, you may be entitled to a personal injury claim.

May uninsured drivers flee the scene after an RTA to escape the consequences of their actions. Sometimes the vehicle in a hit-and-run is stolen. In any case, you have the legal right to make a claim.

Bonnar Accident Law can help you claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

  • Cyclists

In Scotland and the UK, cyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users. Any slight inattentiveness or recklessness by a larger vehicle driver may result in an injury for you. Other reasons may include faulty equipment or poor road surface conditions.

As a cyclist, a minor accident may lead to minor injuries such as cuts and bruises to major injuries such as fractures, head or spinal trauma, etc. In extreme cases, the RTA may result in a fatality.

As a cyclist, you may be entitled to claim compensation if:

  • The accident was caused by another road user or vehicle driver
  • The road or cycle lane was in poor condition
  • The equipment you were using was faulty

Our personal injury solicitors at Bonnar Accident Law will investigate the claim free of charge and give you expert legal advice.

  • Motorcyclists

Even the most skilled motorcyclists, wearing the correct protective gear, may face injuries or even death, when they are involved in a road traffic accident.

Actions of other road users and hazardous road conditions are two of the main reasons behind motorcyclist RTAs. The sustained injuries may be minor, serious, life-altering, or even fatal.

In case you or your loved one has been in RTA as a motorcyclist, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Bonnar Accident Law is a corporate member of Headway, The Brain Injury Association, and we know how to help people and families who have to deal with the aftermath of a serious injury.

Contact our personal injury solicitors in Scotland to make the right claim for compensation in a road traffic accident as a motorcyclist.

How to claim with an accident claim lawyer

There are various methods to seek compensation after a road traffic accident. In most cases, you can contact a traffic accident claim solicitor or personal injury solicitor. The initial consultation to discuss your case may be free of charge. But to clear ambiguity, always call the solicitor beforehand to confirm.

To claim compensation through a no-win-no-fee accident claim solicitor in Scotland, remember to take the following actions:

  • Contact a solicitor
    Contact a personal injury solicitor who offers a no-win-no-fee arrangement. This agreement will allow you to claim compensation without worrying about how to pay for it.
  • Provide the required information
    It is paramount that you provide your solicitor with all the information and evidence collected at the scene of the accident. Even if it is a minor detail that you want to overlook and not mention, mention it to the solicitor.
  • Follow the solicitor’s advice
    Once the solicitor is on your case, and it begins, make sure that you follow every advice your solicitor gives through the claim process. If they give you directions on your words and interactions, take the advice. It will benefit you by the end of the claim.

Remember, the actions you take in the hours and days after a collision can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. It’s important to keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, including photographs, medical history, prescriptions, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

What would a traffic accident solicitor do for you?

When you talk to a traffic accident claim solicitor, they will listen to your account of the traffic accident. Remember to provide them with evidence, and recount the traffic accident in complete detail. Remember to recall every detail to help them highlight how your claim can increase based on the injuries incurred.

The road traffic accident solicitor will provide you with the necessary steps you need to take to take your case to court. Write them down and ask them to provide you with a checklist of documents and necessary evidence you will require in court.

Will your case be on a no-win-no-fee basis?

Most road traffic accident claim lawyers take the cases on a no-win-no-fee agreement. It means that if your claim isn’t successful, they will not charge you any solicitor fee. Ensure that you have got this point cleared out in the initial discussion with your solicitor.

In case your road traffic accident claim is won, the solicitor will charge you a percentage from your awarded claim. But don’t worry, there is a cap that keeps the percentage within an acceptable limit. Discuss clarity on the percentage in the initial discussion as well to avoid any unwanted surprises later on.

In case your road traffic accident claim solicitor asks for a fee, you may be able to apply for legal aid to help you with the expenses and fees incurred. In case of winning your road traffic accident claim, you may have to give a share of your awarded claim towards the legal fees and damages. You can find more information on the website of The Scottish Legal Board.

Contact Bonnar Accident Law for a no-win-no-fee road traffic accident claim

Bonnar Accident Law has been helping people in Scotland, who have been injured or affected in a road traffic accident and helping them claim their compensation since 1977.

Our solicitors are all members of APIL, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the firm is a corporate partner of Headway UK, the Brain Injury Association.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident and would like to discuss your options for making a compensation claim, please do not delay. Call us free now on 0800 163 978 or complete our free online claim enquiry and we will contact you by return.

How to Drive Safely on Rural Roads

How to Drive Safely on Rural Roads

Whether you live in the country or want to experience the beautiful countryside, driving in rural areas can be dangerous if you are not careful, especially if you’re used to driving in more metropolitan areas. Scotland has some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the UK, and with the boom of ‘staycations’ more and more tourists are flocking to drive the famous North Coast 500. The UK’s National Statistics reported that although in 2020 a majority of causalities occurred on built-up urban roads, the majority of fatalities occurred on rural roads. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you are safe on the road. 

 

1- Be Aware of the Speed Limit 

The first thing that is often forgotten when driving out the country is the speed limit. There’s usually little to no sporadic traffic which can often lull drivers into a false sense of security. Rural roads often have higher average speed limits (compared to urban roads) that are sparsely posted so it’s important to make sure you drive below the speed limit. This is because there are often agricultural vehicles, as well as winding roads to be aware of.  

 

2- Road Quality 

Roads in the country are often old and somewhat neglected compared to those in the city or suburban areas. It’s important that you drive carefully as these roads can be unpaved, have potholes, and no road markings. Rural roads are also often more sinuous and narrower in nature with blind bends, dips, and other distractions. 
 

3- Use Passing Places

 
Always make sure you are using caution when passing vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders etc. on the road. Rural areas often have long stretches of one-track road that have small laybys for slower vehicles to use, so faster ones can pass safely. 
  

4- Watch for Hidden Driveways 

Rural areas often have scattered residences, farms, and villages. When driving on countryside roads, watch for hidden driveways that could contain hidden vehicles waiting to come out onto the road. These driveways are often hidden by hedges, fencing, or even curving roads or hills. 
 

5- Be Aware of Agricultural Vehicles 

Tractors, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), residential cars are often found on rural roads. Remember that often these vehicles, like tractors, often travel well below the speed limit as they may have limited visibility. Always make sure that you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, especially if you are wanting to make a manoeuvre like overtaking safely.  
 

6- Look Out for Livestock 

In the countryside, it won’t look out of place to see livestock being moved across rural roads from one field to another. There should be road signs marking these areas and warning drivers to slow down and use caution. Make sure you take corners slowly, and if you do happen to come across livestock being moved from one side of the road to another, make sure you stop leaving plenty of room between you and the animals. It’s important you wait patiently and avoid revving your engine or honking your horn to not spook the animals. You should also remain in your vehicle until it is safe to continue driving.  

 

7- Visibility 

Country roads often have fewer streetlights than cities or suburban areas. Expect darker conditions when driving at night. As well remembering to put your lights on, consider putting them on high beam to increase your visibility. You should also be cautious of residents out for walks or a run that may not be wearing hi-vis clothing, and even animals that may be on the road. 
 

Taking a drive in the country can be a wonderful experience as you enjoy the vistas, fields, and country houses. It’s important to remember that rural roads are not used to get places faster, they are often used as scenic routes, so make sure you pay attention to your surroundings are respect the people and animals that inhabit the area.  

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of ourNo Win No Fee solicitor  and Injury Lawyers Scotland today. 

How to Get Your Bike Ready for Spring 

How to Get Your Bike Ready for Spring 

Most bike users have had their bikes locked away in the shed or the garage over these cold winter months. Now that the first signs of spring are showing and the blue skies are starting to peak out, you may feel like it’s a good time to finally fish it out. However, when bikes are out of use for a while, certain parts can become loose or worn out, and this can cause discomfort to you as a rider and in the worst-case scenario, can result in an accident. Read our new blog on how to get your bike ready for spring to make sure your bike is in perfect shape before you begin your new season riding. 

Check Your Tyre Pressure 

One of the most important things to check this spring is your tyre pressure. Tyres loose air pressure over time so naturally will have with time in storage. Your bike’s manufacture guide should recommend what the correct tyre pressure is for your bike, and Cycle Guard recommend that you use either a floor pump or an electric bike pump to get it back to the right level. 

Adjust the Derailleurs and Shifters 

Your derailleurs are in charge of ensuring that your gears shift smoothly. If it has been a long time since you last rode your bike, your derailleur may need adjusting. This is pretty easy to check, simply hang your bike upside down using a bike stand and spin the bike pedals to run through the gears to check that they shift right. Any potential adjustments can be made using a Philips-head screwdriver. 

Check Your Brake Levers 

Your bike’s breaks not working properly is probably one of the quickest ways to get into an accident, so it is important that your breaks are working properly. Check your brake levers to see if they engage with the brake pads correctly, your brakes shouldn’t get stuck and should bring the wheel to a full stop when riding. Any adjustments that need to be made can be done so by unscrewing the barrel adjuster slightly.  

Check Your Brake Pads 

It is just as important to check your brake pads as it is to check your brake levers, they should not look worn or be loose at all. Replace your brake pads if they are worn before starting your spring ventures and similarly, you can adjust the brake cables with a screwdriver if the brake pads are not close enough to the rim. 

Check the Spokes 

Your spokes are supposed to ensure that your wheel stay straight. If your wheels don’t appear straight you need to tighten your spokes using a spoke wrench, but make sure that you do not overtighten as this can create too much tension resulting in cracks or deformities in the rim. 

Check Your Bike Chain 

Over time a bike chain can become loose and there is a risk that it could fall off your bike whilst you are riding, potentially causing serious injury. To check if your bike chain has become loose over time, check the chain tension by pressing your fingers against the top of the chain, it should not be more than a couple of centimetres. If it is, then you should get your bike chain replaced.  

Check Safety Gear 

Your safety gear includes your bikes light and reflectors, it is extremely important to check that these still work as they can reduce the chances of you being involved in an accident whilst riding. Additionally, in the UK, after sunset it is illegal to ride your bike on a public road without bike lights. 

Apply Dry Lubricant 

If your bike has been in storage for a while, the moving parts of your crankset may not be working in the right way. These parts include your bike’s chainring, chain and cog. Popular Mechanics advise that this can easily be fixed by applying some dry lubricant if they do not move properly 

Adjust the Bike Seat 

If your bike hasn’t been in use for a long period of time, your bike seat may become loose this will likely cause you great discomfort. Be sure to tighten your seat before you set off riding again. Similarly, if your bike seat has become worn it is a good idea to replace it to avoid the same issues. 

Secure the Child Seat 

This does not apply to all bike riders but if you have a child seat attached to your bike it is just as important to check it as it is to check your bike seat before you set off this spring. Similarly, if the seat seems damaged or worn it would be a good idea to get it replaced before riding. 

 

If you or someone you know has been injured in a bike accident, please get in touch with one of our  No Win No Fee solicitors  today. 

 

Working at Height The Steps Your Employer Should be Taking to Keep You Safe 

Working at Height: The Steps Your Employer Should be Taking to Keep You Safe 

Employers have a responsibility for the health and safety of their employees and there are a range of laws and regulations on hazards that employers must follow to keep you safe in the workplace. Employers must maintain their employee’s welfare and ensure that they are effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace. The main laws and regulations surrounding workplace safety in the UK are the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999, which set out the general duties which employers have to employees regarding their safety.  

In our latest blog, we’ll outline the steps employers should be taking to keep their employees safe if and when they are required to work at a height. 

There are specific Work at Height Regulations 2005 which set out in some detail the obligations on employers. 

Risk Assessments  

The most important step your employer should be taking to keep you safe are workplace risk assessments. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999, at a minimum employers must: identify what could cause injury or illness in the workplace (hazards), decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk) and take action to eliminate the hazard, or if not possible, at least control the risk. After identifying these factors, your employer must then make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as necessary by the risk assessment. 

 

Appointing Health and Safety Coordinator 

An employer must appoint a competent person or people to help them implement the arrangements identified through the risk assessment and help the employer meet their health and safety legal duties. Such individual(s) must have knowledge and experience that would allow them to be able to recognise any potential hazards in the company. 

 

Providing Information and Training 

All employees must be informed of how to work safely and without risk to their health. Employees must be given clear instructions and information as well as sufficient training to ensure workplace safety. Additionally, the law says that every business must have a policy for managing health and safety which sets out the workplace’s general approach to health and safety and explains how the employer will manage health and safety in the company, who does what, when and how. This must be accessible to all employees. 

 

First Aid and Emergency Procedures 

Employers must be able to ensure that employees are able to get immediate help if taken ill or injured at work. Measures that employers should take to ensure this include having a suitably stocked first aid kit, an appointed person or people to take charge of first aid arrangements, and information for all employees telling them about first aid arrangements. Similarly, employers should set up emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an injury or accident such as workplace safety routes and quick access to emergency services. 

 

The Regulations 

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 outline in detail the obligations on employers should their employees work at a height. However, employees should avoid working from height if possible. If it is not, employers should take the necessary steps to prevent anyone falling from a height and prevent anyone from being injured from a fall or falling object. Because of this, if you have suffered a fall from height at work, there is a good chance you will be able to claim compensation. 

 

If you or a loved one need advice on filing a claim for a violation of workplace safety, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitor today. 

 

The Impact of Daylight Saving on Road Accidents

The Impact of Daylight Saving on Road Accidents

Introduced during the first world war to increase productivity, daylight saving time also known as DST has continued to be used today. However, there has been debates on how useful it really is and the concerns for the hazards it facilitates for road users has only risen. In theory, losing one hour sleep may not seem significant, however in actuality the change it causes in our routine has been proven to cause mood disorders, effect mental acuity and can have negative effects on our health which can all lead to motor vehicle collisions. An individual who is suffering with exhaustion on the road is a danger, however when an entire population is affected the risks of road accidents only increases when the clocks go forward from standard time.

 

What are the Dangers of Daylight Saving Time?

Studies have shown that there is a 6.3% increase in fatal crashes in the six days following the daylight-saving time (DST) change. The stress that our bodies go under during time changes not only leads to road accidents due to exhaustion but can lead to serious health issues and even heart attacks.

 

Daylight saving time can cause jetlag-like symptoms which only increase with sleep deprivation and can result in drowsy driving which is just as dangerous as drunk driving. When fatigue from time changes occurs, drivers are more at risk of being involved in a serious road collision as they are not able to respond fast enough to pedestrian crossings or road hazards and drivers are even susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel. Studies by ROSPA have found that driver fatigue causes 20% of road accidents and over a quarter of fatal and serious accidents.

 

Daylight Saving and Drowsy Driving

The number of fatal accidents caused by daylight saving time are rising yearly caused by the effects of drowsy driving. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving can negatively impact how well you can make fast decisions, lead to delayed reaction times, and make it difficult to react and pay attention to road hazards which can have fatal consequences. The sudden change in time can disrupt sleep patterns which leads to a reduction in total sleep time and the overall quality of sleep. Studies by Sleepcycle how to reduce the effect that DST has on sleep and our bodies is to begin adjusting to daylight saving time a few days before it takes effect to maintain a regular sleep pattern for as long as possible.

 

How to Stay Safe on the Roads During Daylight Saving Time

The safest advice is to avoid driving when you are sleep deprived and take a different form of transport, however this is not always possible.

 

Some ways to prepare yourselves for daylight saving times and staying safe include:

  • Allowing yourself to ease into earlier bedtimes and earlier waking times, as good sleeping habits are the most important part of a safety plan.

 

  • Expose yourself to daylight as soon as possible.

 

  • Avoid using screens which emit blue light before bed as this can affect your natural sleep-and-wake cycle.

 

  • Refrain from consuming caffeine before bed.

 

  • Know the warning signs- yawning, excessive blinking, drifting into another lane, and missing an exit are all indicators that fatigue is affecting your ability to drive.

 

  • If you experience any warning signs of fatigue, then pull over where it is safe and take a short nap or a brisk walk which has been proven to help wake you up.

 

By thinking and planning for daylight saving time you can avoid the possibility of being involved in an accident at work or on the road.

 

What do I do if I am Involved in a Road Traffic Accident?

We completely understand how distressing it is to be involved in a road traffic accident. Just try your best to stay calm and remember as many details as you can, as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Try to record the following:

  • Names, addresses and contact details of all drivers involved
  • Vehicle registration details for all vehicles involved
  • Accident date and time
  • Accident location
  • Full contact details of any witnesses

Most importantly of course, if necessary, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any hospital admissions. And remember to always report the accident to the police.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.