Road Traffic Accidents – A Refresher

Sadly, every year thousands of people are injured on the roads around the UK, and many of these people have been injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault. What is even more unfortunate is that some of these accidents lead to fatalities and/or life-changing injuries and in this regard the law has recently changed in an attempt to make the streets safer for all road users.

The Law

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has recently been amended in an attempt to bring to justice dangerous drivers. Following the changes in law, Judges will now be able to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill others on UK roads, and this extends to young adults (aged between 18 – 20 years).

Courts also have the power to impose life sentences to those convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This is welcome news. It means drivers who cause death (whether through dangerous or careless driving (if found to be under the influence of drink or drugs) can have the highest sentence imposed.  Whilst that does not change what happened for the families of those killed, it offers some consolation that justice has been served.

Making a claim

It is important for you to note that if you intend to make a personal injury claim that you seek legal advice sooner rather than later and this applies even more in cases involving a road traffic accident where you might have sustained catastrophic or life changing injuries or a loved one has been killed. An experienced legal team is crucial in these circumstances, to ensure that nothing is missed in the investigation and negotiation stages of a claim.

What you need to know

• Many people assume road traffic accident claims are limited to individuals who are in a vehicle and involved in an accident with another vehicle. However, whilst it is usually the case that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident caused by another road user can bring a claim, there are other circumstances in which a claim can be brought. For  example a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident is entitled to make a claim.  In these circumstances, it does not matter which driver is to blame for the accident, provided negligence has occurred.
• A cyclist injured by the negligence of another road user is entitled to make a claim. Whilst accidents involving cyclists most commonly arise from a car driver negligently colliding with them, claims are not limited to injuries caused by car drivers.   The negligent riding of a bicycle by another cyclist, causing an accident may have a valid claim. A cyclist injured by attempting to avoid a pedestrian stepping into their path may also have a valid claim.
• A pedestrian hit by a road user is entitled to make a claim and again the person against whom redress is sought is not limited to car drivers.

If you are considering making a claim, or know someone who is, then you need to seek guidance from an experienced legal who team who can guide you through the all too often complex process of making a legal claim.