Truck & lorry accident compensation claim solicitors

What are the main causes of truck accidents?

In 2019, Department for Transport figures showed lorries travelled 17.4 billion vehicle miles on roads in Great Britain - an increase of 12.8% since 1994. During that same period, the number of large, four-axle lorries increased by 83%. 

Given their size and weight, trucks can be extremely dangerous when improperly handled - be that out on the road, outside your home or at your place of work. The reasons for truck accidents are varied:

• Weather - Inclement conditions can increase stopping distances and reduce visibility for lorry drivers, making accidents more likely.
• Dangerous driving - Actions like speeding, tailgating, mobile phone use, driving under the influence, or dangerous overtaking can all result in accidents.
• Driving while tired - According to 2020 figures from ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), driver fatigue may be a factor in up to 20% of accidents and 25% of incidents resulting in serious injury or a fatality.
• Poor driving skill - If a lorry driver isn't sufficiently trained or experienced behind the wheel of an HGV, they are more likely to cause road traffic accidents. They may also fail to check for other, more vulnerable road users and pedestrians when manoeuvring.
• Vehicle faults - If vehicles are poorly maintained, they can put both the driver and members of the public at risk of injury. In 2021, Department for Transport statistics showed 4,669 goods vehicle occupant casualties were reported in Great Britain.

Typically, the people who seek lorry accident compensation are the vulnerable party in the collision - the driver of a smaller vehicle such as a car, someone who is knocked off a bicycle or motorbike, or a pedestrian who gets hit. That said, employer or employee negligence can put drivers at risk too. For example, through poor vehicle maintenance.

Why should I make a truck accident compensation claim?

If you make a claim for truck accident compensation, you may be able to get money to help support your recovery and compensate you for errors made.

If you or a loved one was struck by a lorry or involved in a traffic accident involving an HGV, the recovery can be long and difficult - physically and mentally. 

The effects on your family and livelihood can be severe. Your ability to work might be affected and you might not have the same standard of living you had before the accident.

An accident can have far-reaching effects, but with the help of a truck accident law firm, you can pay for care and rehabilitation, make up for lost earnings and gain peace of mind.

How much truck accident compensation could I get?

The compensation you receive as part of your HGV accident claim depends on a few different factors. It's also important to bear in mind that every accident is different, so we can't say how much you could receive.

We assess all claims individually based on the Judicial College Guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Justice. These consider factors such as the severity of the injury, what the impacts were on you, your family or livelihood, and if the truck accident resulted in your property being damaged, such as if you were driving a vehicle at the time.

Based on these guidelines, below you can use the claims calculator to see potential damage amounts for lorry accident claims.

Is there a time limit for claiming compensation?

Typically, adults have three years from the date of the HGV accident or injury to make a claim. If a person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, they may be granted an extension. 

And if the accident happened before a person's 18th birthday, they have three years to claim once they turn 18.

Can I make a truck accident claim on someone else's behalf?

Yes, if someone close to you was injured in a truck accident but cannot make a claim themselves, you may be able to do so on their behalf. 

It is crucial, however, that you have all necessary details of the crash, alongside access to their medical records. This will help improve the chances of success for the lorry accident claim.

You can make a claim for a child if they were injured before their 18th birthday. 

And if an adult was injured and lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves (due to either the accident or a pre-existing condition), you can make a claim on their behalf under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.