subject: Road Accident Claim Helps Get The Compensation You Deserve [print this page] Every year, there are about 40,000 serious road accidents in the United Kingdom. Although the road safety record in the U.K. is significantly better than that of other European countries, this does not change the fact that many people do get hurt everyday because of vehicular accidents.
Studies show that households, who own a vehicle, figure in at least one road accident in their lifetime.
Whether you are the driver or the passenger of the vehicle, it is highly possible that at any time you are on the road, an accident might take place.
Why Do Road Accidents Happen?
There is no definite explanation as to why road accidents happen. It is an unplanned, spontaneous occurrence that we wish we would never have to face. Usually though, it happens because of the following reasons:
1. The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. The driver was not keeping eye on the road. Sending SMS or talking over the phone while driving can lead to accidents.
3. The road condition was not good - no visible signs, plenty of potholes, spills, and no streetlights.
4. The vehicle malfunctioned. Worn out tyres and brake failure are sometimes blamed for accidents.
5. Speed-driving. Driving too fast can increase the likelihood of road accidents.
When Road Accidents Happen...
The very first thing to do after realising that an accident has taken place is to have presence of mind. Look around you and check if anyone is seriously hurt. Often, people hurt during a vehicular accident will need medical attention and an ambulance should be minutes away.
However, before leaving the scene, take a good look at the surroundings and try to have a mental picture of everything. If possible, exchange information with the driver in the other vehicle and take note of their insurance company's name. Get the names of witnesses and their contact numbers as well.
If needing medical treatment, keep all receipts for your expenses at the hospital, from drugs, doctor's fees, and the use of hospital facilities. These receipts will be needed later on when filing a road accident claim.
When Filing Claims
To ensure that you file claims the right way, there are certain points you need to take note of. These are:
Understand that receiving compensation will take a long time to process, so be prepared to deal with this.
Gather all the information and data you have collected. These will help when making a road accident claim.
Get in touch with a solicitor who specialises in vehicular accident claims. There are many solicitors around and you will probably have one or two knocking at your door offering their services to you. Do not hire them right away. It is very important to have a highly qualified solicitor who will act in your best interest.
Solicitors offering no win no fee should be considered because that way you are assured that you will not suffer further financial setbacks should you have problems getting the compensation.
After all that you have been through, you deserve to be fairly compensated. Take all the necessary actions needed to make sure you get 100 percent compensation.
