Road Traffic Accidents
Here at Widnes Solicitors, we see a variety of road traffic accidents and incidents that can result in injuries that range from minor to life-altering for people and their families.
It is possible to recover compensation for the following types of road traffic accidents, commonly referred to as RTAs (road traffic accidents
- You suffer an injury
- Medical care costs
- Fees for general services
- A loss of earnings
- Providing MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) assistance when the other driver is uninsured.
- A replacement vehicle, repairs, or the loss and use of your vehicle.
- The excess insurance policy
What’s the legal definition of a road traffic accident?
Every 22 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads, according to the road safety charity Brake. Despite the pandemic, 1516 people were killed on the roads in 2020. Even with lockdown measures, it remains a frightening
statistic.
According to local figures from 2019, in a report from Halton Borough Council, there were 183 road traffic collisions involving personal injury, with 28 of the casualties classed as serious.
Types of RTA accidents
Car
Around 80% of all road traffic in the UK consists of cars, so it’s no surprise that car occupants make up the majority of road deaths.
42% of road deaths in 2020 involved car occupants when fewer vehicles were on the road. Almost 4,000 adults between the ages of 25 and 59 were seriously injured in a car accidents.
Motorbike
The number of motorcycles registered in the UK increased by 1.27 million in 2020, while fatal accidents decreased by 30%. Motorbike accidents occur on average every year, with negligence being to blame for 80% of them.
The negligence, however, is not necessarily the driver’s or rider’s fault. Potholes, debris, defects, and oil spills can cause highway accidents.
92% of all motorbike accidents involve males, with Friday being the most dangerous day of the week.
84% of road casualties involving a motorbike involved a car as well. Poor turning, maneuvering, and failure to anticipate the bike’s movement were the most common causes of accidents.
Bus
In 2021, nearly 4.5 billion bus trips will be made across the country, and the vast majority will be completely safe and incident-free. Accidents do, however, happen.
There were 1,774 bus and coach fatalities in the UK in 2021, according to the Department for Transport. Head and neck injuries are common in passenger accident claims. Even though spinal cord and back injuries are rare, emotional trauma and PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms.
Pedestrians and other road users are also at risk, not just passengers.
Train
Despite it is frightening to think about a train accident or an incident on a rail track, the government’s statistics for rail incidents and safety indicate 18 deaths combined for passengers and the public in 2021. However, it’s not a pleasant thought. Over 60 shock and trauma victims were among the 438 severe and specified injuries among passengers and the general public in 2021.
Depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained, rail accidents can result in a personal injury claim.
Bicycle
A cyclist is killed annually, 33 are seriously injured, and 103 are slightly injured on the UK’s roadways. Every year, there are more than 6.5 million cyclists on UK roads.
Cycling injuries can be caused by bicycle component failure, being knocked by a vehicle, or being thrown from a bicycle after hitting a pothole.
eBikes and eScooters
There has been an increase in the popularity of eBikes due to convenience and government schemes. In a study by Shimano, 38% of respondents chose eBikes over public transportation as an alternative.
As popularity increases, more incidents are inevitable. According to a study conducted in the Netherlands, accidents and injuries caused by eBikes have increased on bike-friendly roads. Accordingly, eBike riders were 1.6 times more likely to visit A&E than ordinary cyclists.
In 2021, there were 390 seriously injured eBike riders, up from 129 in 2020, demonstrating not only their popularity but also the number of accidents as well.
How do I have to make an RTA injury claim?
Claims for road traffic accidents must be filed within three years of the accident. If a child is injured, they have three years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. For advice on fatal cases or cases where the injured person lacks mental capacity (either before or after an accident), please contact our serious injury team.
If you have suffered a motorcycle injury or any other RTA injury, contact us immediately. We can begin your fight for justice and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our car and motorbike accident lawyers have years of experience handling two-wheel, four-wheel, and pedestrian accidents. In the aftermath of a road traffic accident, our Wides-based team will provide you with an empathetic and professional service.
To Find out more call Widnes Solicitors on 0151 541 3019