HAMPSON HUGHES: ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT 2017
Hampson Hughes Solicitors, a law firm which specialises no win, no fee personal injury claims, has revealed the most common types of accidents involving motorists.
The research, based on a sample of over 40,000 road traffic accident (RTA) claims from 2014 – 2016, highlights the top 15 accident types according to data from the Liverpool based law firm.
Hampson Hughes Solicitors’ Top 15 Types of Road Traffic Accidents* (RTAs):
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*Based on a sample of 42,427 road traffic accident claims received by Hampson Hughes Solicitors from 2014 – 2016.
Rear End Collisions Pose the Biggest Threat to Motorists According to Hampson Hughes Solicitors
Rear end collisions represent almost half of all road traffic accident claims dealt with by Hampson Hughes Solicitors (47% in total). From 2014 – 2016 the firm sought compensation for 19,807 people that had been injured in a car accident in which one vehicle had crashed into the back of another.
Lara O’Donnell, Head of Road Traffic Accident Claims at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said:
“If you’re driving too closely to the vehicle in front then the chances are you won’t have left adequate stopping distance should that driver need to brake suddenly.
“Rear end collisions represent the majority of road traffic accident claims dealt with by Hampson Hughes Solicitors so tailgaters should take note.
“If you want to stay safe on the roads, and avoid a claim on your insurance policy, keep a reasonable distance between yourself and the car in front.”
In the eyes of the law liability often lies with the driver of the vehicle travelling behind as they’re required to leave an adequate distance between themselves and the car in front. An extract from the Motor Vehicle Act says:
“A driver of a vehicle must not… follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the amount and nature of traffic on and the condition of the highway.”
Drivers Should Take Extra Care amid Weather Warnings According to Hampson Hughes Solicitors
Following the release of its Road Traffic Accident Report, Hampson Hughes Solicitors is warning motorists to take extra care on the roads amid severe weather warnings.
The Liverpool based law firm, which revealed that rear end collisions pose the biggest threat to motorists, said that drivers are at greater risk of this type of accident when there is rain, ice and snow on the roads.
Lara O’Donnell, Head of Road Traffic Accident Claims at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said:
“It’s even more important to leave a reasonable distance between yourself and the car in front during bad weather conditions. Rain, ice and snow not only increase your braking distance but also affect your tyres grip on the road.
“With the Met Office issuing severe weather warnings across much of the country drivers should take extra care.”
Hampson Hughes Solicitors’ Top Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads
1. Plan your journey
Firstly, is your journey really necessary? If yes, have you checked the weather forecast? Finally, have you planned the safest route? It pays to plan ahead and be prepared.
2. Check your car
Be sure to check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly as wet and icy conditions can affect your tyres grip on the road. Also make sure you lights and wipers are fully functioning and that your windscreen, windows and mirrors are completely clear.
3. Reduce your speed accordingly
Stay within the speed limit and keep an eye out for any temporary speed limit signs. Fog and heavy rainfall can affect visibility reducing your reaction time so it’s important to reduce your speed to improve your reaction times.
4. Keep your distance
Braking distances can increase by up to ten times in snow and icy conditions. Don’t just rely on brakes to bring you to a stop – make sure to decrease through your gears too to aid you safely.
5. Prepare for an emergency
In the event of weather worsening pack an emergency kit in case you get stuck or break down. This might include: a de-icer and ice-scraper; cloths for clearing windscreen and mirrors; a mobile phone charger; a torch and spare batteries; a blanket, warm coat and boots; food and water and a first-aid kit.
Hampson Hughes Solicitors Recent Success Stories
• Over £6,500 Secured following Non-Fault Collision
• Damages Secured for Whiplash Injuries Following RTA
• £3,850 Damages Secured for Client Injured in RTA
Expert Road Traffic Accident Advice from Hampson Hughes Solicitors
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