Accident Claims
Road traffic accidents are a serious concern across the globe, claiming millions of lives every year and leaving thousands of individuals suffering from injuries and causing financial burdens. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding road traffic accidents that mislead drivers, pedestrians, and policymakers. These myths result in the creation of false narratives about the reasons that cause More Than Road traffic accidents and prevent efforts to minimise their occurrence.
In this blog post, we’ll debunk the most common myths about road traffic accidents to prevent the occurrence of such accidents and ensure you get the right treatment and care.
There is no need to exchange information or file a police report for minor accidents.
Even if you’re involved in a minor accident, you must exchange information with the other driver and report the accident to the police. If you do not report the car accident or exchange information, the other driver may get an opportunity to initiate a claim against you for injuries and damages suffered. Therefore, it's vital to have a proper record of the accident even if you suffer no serious consequences or damages.
Minor accidents don’t cause severe injuries.
Minor collisions can also lead to injuries such as muscle straining, bruising, or swelling. The symptoms from minor accidents appear after a few hours, making it easy to believe that the injuries may not be severe until they become evident. Injuries caused by minor accidents, like whiplash, ligament tearing, or soft tissue damage, may lead to long-term consequences if they’re left untreated.
You cannot file a claim if the accident is partially your fault.
Many people think that if the accident is partially their fault, they cannot initiate a claim to seek compensation for the damages and losses. The UK legal system operates under the principle of contributory negligence, which means you can file a claim even if you’re partly responsible for the accident. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Any personal injury solicitor can handle a More Than road traffic accident claim.
Although many personal injury solicitors in the UK offer to handle road traffic accident claims, most of them don’t have the experience and expertise to deal with the complexities and hassles involved in a More Than road traffic accident claim.
Road traffic accidents have specific legal considerations related to injury assessments, handling insurance disputes, and determining liability. Therefore, you must hire a solicitor with extensive experience in handling road traffic accident claims. An experienced solicitor will have knowledge of accident-related issues, regulations, and protocols. They can expertly negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure the best outcome for your claim.
You can only initiate a claim to get compensation for physical damages.
If you’re involved in a no-fault car accident in the UK, your compensation is not limited to physical injuries. You have the right to seek compensation for a range of damages, including psychological, emotional, and financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident.
However, to get fair compensation for your losses and damages, you must gather crucial evidence, such as your medical reports highlighting your mental health conditions, witness statements to assess the changes in your emotional well-being, and expert reports indicating the extent of your psychological injuries. In addition, hire an experienced solicitor who can help you identify and calculate all possible damages and ensure you get fair compensation for the losses and injuries.
You have unlimited time to initiate a claim after the car accident.
You’re wrong if you think you’ve unlimited time to file a claim after a car accident in the UK. You have the right to file a claim within 3 years from the date of the car accident. If you fail to make your claim within this period, you lose your right to claim compensation for the losses and injuries suffered, irrespective of how strong your case is. However, if you're a minor or an individual with reduced mental capacity, you’re exempt from this rule.
If you’re unaware of your injuries or face delayed symptoms, the time limit to make a claim starts from the date of knowledge when you realise that the injuries you suffered are caused by the accident. You must immediately consult an experienced solicitor following a car accident to know your rights and options and start your More Than Road Traffic Accident
The myths surrounding road traffic accidents arise due to a lack of awareness and legal complexities in the claim process. Believing the road traffic accident misconceptions can lead to serious consequences and prevent you from getting deserving compensation for your losses and injuries. Therefore, you must address these myths head-on and take the right steps to safeguard your legal rights.
It’s best to seek professional advice from a dedicated, trusted, and experienced solicitor to understand your options better and maximise your chances of getting fair compensation. With an experienced solicitor by your side, you can tackle these myths, focus on recovering from the consequences of the accident, and ensure the best outcome for your More Than Road Traffic accident claims.