One of the most traumatic experiences that we endure in our lives is that of a car crash. The shock that we suffer can take some getting over, as can any injuries sustained. If the driver at fault fails to stop and instead opts to leave the scene of the accident it can prove even more alarming. Suddenly the victim is left with the worry of who they can bring an accident claim against. But help is at hand in the form of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Number of uninsured drivers on the rise

A large percentage of motorists that leave the scene of an accident do so because they do not have any car insurance. The number of motorists on our roads without insurance is ever increasing and it is believed that around 1 in 12 drivers do not have a valid insurance policy.

Financial worries

Following a car accident the victim can be left with injuries that mean they cannot work, as well as the cost of replacing their vehicle. This can leave the victim in severe financial difficulties if they can’t bring an accident claim against the driver at fault.

Help from MIB

The Motor Insurer’s Bureau is an organisation that was set up in 1946 with the aim of protecting motorists in the event they are hit by uninsured or untraceable drivers. The victim is compensated by the MIB, which in reality is funded by those motorists that do take out insurance policies. This is because all insurance companies are required by law to register with the MIB and contribute towards its running. The outcome of this is that every person taking out a motor policy pays about £40 more than they would if not for these rogue drivers.

Whilst paying this extra money may stick in our throats a little, you will be happy that the MIB exists in the event that you wish to pursue and accident claim following a hit and run car crash.Whilst the fact that you have to pay this extra on top of your insurance premium is frustrating, do not underestimate how thankful you will be of the MIBs existence if you are involved in a hit and run and wish to bring an accident claim.

Solicitors in the modern era are much more pro-active as seeking out customers than in the past. This has meant that phrases such as accident claim have become more recognisable to the general public and it is likely you are familiar with them yourself. Yet you may not be aware that it relates not only to injuries sustained through car accidents or in public places, but also ones sustained at work. This article looks at employers’ duty to protect their workforce and how failing to do so can leave staff the option of seeking compensation.

Health and Safety

In 1974 the Health and Safety at Work Act was introduced with the intention of making work places safer. The act’s objectives are:
• Securing health, safety and welfare of person at work
• Protecting persons, other than persons at work, against risks tp health or safety arising out of or in connection with activities of persons at work
• Controlling the keeping and use of explosives of highly flammable or otherwise dangerous substances, and generally preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of such substances

Relevant incidents

These laws mean that should you suffer an injury at work and you employer was negligent, you are entitled to compensation. The most common incidents in the workplace that lead to accident claims are due to defect machinery, trips and falls and ones involving fire. Hearing loss caused by a noisy working environment is another area that people are less likely to associate with this kind of compensation claim. You may believe that as hearing loss is usually caused by being subjected to noise over a prolonged period that it doesn’t apply in the same way – but your employer has still failed in their duty to protect you.

Burden of proof

Burden of proof lies with the employee and you must be able to show that your employer is negligent to bring a successful accident claim. Some instances where employer negligence can be proven are; lack of safety guards such as railings, not maintaining machinery, not rotating staff to give breaks from noisy areas and lack of training.

There are currently laws in place that are aimed at protecting the public from being the victims of dog attacks. In 1991 the Dangerous Dogs Act was passed, which set in place which dogs are considered to be of high danger to the public. In these cases the dog must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, registered and insured, tattooed and have a microchip implant. If a dog owner does not follow these laws and their pet attacks then they face a fine and possibly even imprisonment, in addition to any accident claim brought by the victim.

Escalation in canine attacks

A study in 2009 detailed how despite the introduction of the Dangerous Dog Act, attacks by dogs has still increased by almost 40% since 1998 It has been established that over 100 people in the UK are hospitalised weekly due to dog related injuries.

A case to answer

Victims of dog attacks are able to pursue and accident claim to seek compensation for any physical and mental injuries that they have suffered. The level of compensation due is dictated by the severity of the attack and the physical and mental injuries suffered by the victim. Claims can be brought against the owner of any dog that causes injury; not just those on the list of dangerous dogs.

Dog insurance

More and more dog owners in the UK are protecting themselves in the event that their dog commits an attack through taking out an insurance policy. Dog owners must meet the costs of any claim if they do not have special dog insurance and their home insurance doesn’t cover such an incident. Meeting these kinds of costs can prove very expensive.

Advice

It makes sense for all dog owners to have third party insurance, and if you own a dog that is considered a dangerous breed then this especially applies to you. We also recommend that you follow the guidelines in place to reduce the risk of your dog committing an attack. If you own a dangerous dog then muzzling it is certainly the most important action to take. Not following this advice can lead not only to a criminal conviction, but also an accident claim.

Whether we are walking down the street, or toiling away at work, we are always at risk from suffering an accident. No matter where the accident takes place it can put severe stain on the victim’s life, with many suffering pain, financial loss and as a result depression. Trying to bring a case against those that they hold responsible can mean additional strain to the victim. Contacting an injury claim specialist is the best course of action that a victim can take as they will offer assistance IN all areas of the case.

Legal transactions

The process of hiring an injury claim specialist means you don’t have to concern yourself with the details of filing an injury claim. Your solicitor will simply process the claim for your once you have given them the details of the accident.

Professional and legal advice

Your solicitor will give you advice relating to the case with the aim of giving you the best chance of winning it. This advice could centre round collecting all the evidence needed, such as keeping medical records, taking photos where necessary and recording any expenses relating to the accident. They will also contact the police in order to get a copy of any report relating to the accident.

Represent claimant

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your solicitor will also help by representing you in the courtroom. Due to the fact that most people don’t have a working knowledge of courtroom procedures they would struggle to represent themselves. Having an injury claim specialist represent you greatly increases your chance of victory and removes the stress of doing it yourself.

You may still be wary of seeking the assistance of an injury claim specialist with the reputation of solicitors not always being the best. But with no-win no-fee services being offered by a good injury claim specialist, there is no risk of cost to you as a victim.

Being the most vulnerable of all road users, cyclists will often find that any accident they are involved in turns out to be serious. The most common reasons for cycling accidents are being hit by turning lorries, collision with speeding motorcyclists, swerving into another vehicle to avoid a pedestrian not paying attention and being hit by the sudden opening of vehicle doors. In all cases this can lead to severe injuries, where the victim could be entitled to pursue an accident claim. What assistance can a solicitor provide in these circumstances?

Injury to person

The amount of compensation that is due will be determined by the severity of injuries sustained by the victim. By contacting a solicitor you will receive the right advice on how to make a record of your injuries improving the strength of your accident claim.

Medical expenses

Medical costs, such as from physiotherapy sessions, are often incurred following a cycling accident. Your solicitor will be able to seek recompense for these bills. Why should you have to pay for the mistake of another party?

Loss of income

Recovery from bike accidents often takes a long time and can lead to the victim being unable to work. In many instances this leads to a loss of income, which again can be recovered by your solicitor when representing your case.

Repair of bike

Bikes usually sustain a lot of damage in accidents involving other vehicles due to their size and weight. Your solicitor can seek damages in order that your bike is fixed fully, or if necessary is replaced with a bike of equal value.

You should never try to pursue a cycling accident claim without the help of a professional. If you have been a victim of such an incident then contact a solicitor with expertise in this field.