Experiencing a road traffic accident can often be a frightening and distressing experience. Hopefully you or any fellow passengers will have escaped with minor injuries with little damage to your vehicle. However, in some cases the consequences of the road traffic accident can be far more serious. Whether you have been a motorcyclist, driver, passenger, or pedestrian, if you\\\’ve been involved in a road traffic accident that was caused by another vehicle in the last three years, you could be entitled to claim compensation. For your claim to be successful, you will have to show that the other party involved was at fault.
Impact of a whiplash injury
Whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with road traffic accidents. This type of injury can occur from a high speed impact or a forceful jerk. For example, when a car slams unexpectedly into the back of your car, or rear-ends your car. Whiplash symptoms can vary from victims suffering from pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Sometimes, the intensity of the injuries is not evident for days or even weeks following the accident.
In assessing the amount of compensation you are likely to receive, the severity of your injuries will be taken into account and how much you suffered as a result of the road traffic accident.
What to do if you are involved in a road traffic accident
All cars and motor vehicles should, by law, have insurance cover in case they are involved in any road traffic accidents. If a road traffic accident occurs, the first step is to exchange insurance details with the other party, as your claim for personal injury will be made against the insurance company of the third party. The best information to exchange is as follows:
- Obtain their registration number (crucial) and make and model of their vehicle;
- Their name, address and phone number;
- Their insurance details.
In some road traffic accidents, it will be agreed by both parties on who is to blame for causing the accident. If this is the case, then, it is useful to make note of what was said following the accident. However, quite often both parties will blame each other; in these types of situations a further more detailed investigation will need to be carried out. It will help your case if you can take photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident. Photographs should be taken of the cars/motorbikes and any skid marks on the road etc
On some occasions the vehicle owners will not be present at the scene of the accident, as such you should make a note of their details. If there were any witnesses present at the scene of the accident, it is highly recommended that you write down their names, addresses and phone numbers as well. As with most personal injury claims, in order for your case to be successful, it will be necessary to prove the negligence of the other party involved which resulted in your injury. It may also be sensible to report the accident to the police.
You should make note of the fact that if the opponent is successful in demonstrating that the road accident was partly caused by contributory negligence on your part, then it is likely that the damages will be reduced accordingly.
