Road traffic accidents are devastating for all those involved, and some individuals can be more vulnerable than others on our roads. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists tend to have little to no protection when using the roads, so when a collision with a vehicle happens, it can have serious and traumatic consequences.
We understand that if you or a loved one has experienced a life-changing incident of this nature, you will likely have questions and be facing a period of adjustment, financial worry, and emotional upheaval. Our specialist team of solicitors for vulnerable road users is here to help.
Whether you have questions about making a no-win, no-fee claim for compensation, rehabilitation and medical needs, future long-term care, or alterations to your home, our expert team is here to assist and support you.
You will receive a free review of your accident, during which we will discuss the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life and your family. We can then advise whether we can assist with your claim and provide further information and support regarding the process, as well as any additional rehabilitation needs you may have.
You can also find an estimate for the compensation you could potentially receive by using our Personal Injury Compensation Calculator.
Speak to our vulnerable road user accident solicitors today
To start your vulnerable road user accident claim today, call our solicitors in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, and Waterlooville on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.
How our vulnerable road user accident solicitors can help you
Our vulnerable road user accident solicitors have expertise in securing compensation and navigating the following:
- Road safety claims
- Road compensation claims
- Vulnerable road user claims
- Pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist injury claims
Our solicitors will assess your experience and ensure that you receive the care and protection that you are owed as a road user. Whether you are seeking compensation for an injury, for vehicle repairs, negligence, or other matter, we can help you.
Wherever possible, we will strive to prevent the need for court involvement and resolve matters through negotiation and other alternative dispute resolution methods. Rest assured, however, that we are prepared to provide strong representation should litigation become necessary.
Why work with our vulnerable road user accident solicitors?
Our solicitors for vulnerable road users have a high track record of success, with many of our team members being members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Law Society's Personal Injury Panel.
We are also accredited with the Lexcel Quality Mark and a member of LawNet, which means we have been recognised for our high-quality service and customer satisfaction levels.
Vulnerable road user accident FAQs
A vulnerable road user is a category of road user defined by individuals who are at risk of significant injury or death in the event of a crash because they are less visible, more susceptible to harm, and do not have physical protection or safety features in their vehicle.
This could include pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and horse riders. Special consideration should also be afforded to vulnerable individuals such as disabled people and children.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common in the UK. They normally involve a collision between someone on foot and a vehicle, such as a car, lorry, or bus, but could also include collisions with cyclists, motorcyclists, or e-scooter users, who are classified as vulnerable road users.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires all road users to take responsibility for the duty of care that they owe others on the road. The fault of such incidents can lie with either party, and if the fault was not yours, you may be able to claim compensation from the other party.
Causes of accidents attributed to drivers could include:
- Speeding
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Alcohol and drug impairment
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Impatient or aggressive driving
In terms of pedestrian fault, causes of accidents could include:
- Jaywalking
- Distracted walking
- Listening to music or phone use
We can discuss the event with you when you contact us and help you understand the likelihood of success for your compensation claim.
After an incident, you may experience shock. To the best of your ability, after removing yourself and others from any remaining danger and contacting the relevant authorities, you should obtain as many details as possible, including:
- The name, contact details, and insurance details of the other party involved in causing the incident,
- The details of the vehicle involved, including make, model, colour, etc.
- Statements from others around you who may have seen the incident, along with their names and contact details, and;
- Photos or videos of the scene and any CCTV that may be located nearby.
After this, in order to support your claim in the future, we may ask you to:
- Report the matter to the police, if you have not already done so at the scene, and keep a copy of their report.
- Seek medical attention if this was not already sought at the time of the incident.
- Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your recovery, including medical bills, medication, and travel costs.
- Keep a record of any changes to your work, such as a reduction in hours or wage losses due to the injuries you have sustained, as you may be able to claim for loss of earnings.
As with any injury sustained, the amount of compensation you are likely to receive will depend on a number of different factors, including, but not limited to:
- The nature of the incident,
- The severity of your injuries,
- The level of care you are currently receiving and are likely to need in the future, and;
- The impact the injuries have had on your day-to-day life, including your ability to work and perform your usual duties.
While it is impossible to specify how much you could be entitled to, you can use our Personal Injury Calculator for a guide as to how much you may receive.
Cyclists are considered vulnerable road users because, except for helmets, they have limited protection on the road. Incidents with cyclists can be caused by the negligence of other road users, such as vehicles or motorcyclists.
Furthermore, cyclist accidents can be caused by the negligence of local authorities, such as the presence of potholes or road damage, inadequate lighting, or missing road signs. In addition, you could also be eligible to bring a claim if you have sustained injuries due to a faulty bike or helmet.
There are several stages involved in making a compensation claim, starting with contacting a member of our team for a free review of the accident and your injuries. During this review, we will ask for the following details, which we know may be difficult to discuss, but we will go at your pace and reassure you throughout:
- The circumstances that led to the accident,
- The injuries you sustained and the impact they have had on your life and those around you,
- The medical support you have received so far,
- The change to your working life, and whether you have been unable to work,
- Any alterations you have had to make to your home, or are required to make to your home, to assist with your care,
- The contact details for the person or organisation that is supposedly liable for the incident,
- Any medical evidence you have to support your claim, and;
- Records of the expenses involved in your treatment so far, loss of earnings, and damage to your bike, helmet, and clothing.
We will then contact the person or insurance company representing the party to seek liability.
The subsequent stages will then be determined by whether they accept liability. However, we will guide you through every step and answer your questions with compassion, understanding, and respect. During these initial stages, we will work closely with you and connect you with our network of medical, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care for your recovery.
When discussing your claim with you, we will consider any factors that could impact it, such as a lack of helmet or precautions, and take them into consideration with our approach.
A motorcyclist may have protective clothing and a helmet, but accidents often occur at speed, which can lead to catastrophic injuries ranging from ‘road rash’ to broken bones, or serious head, spinal, and brain injuries. There are numerous ways in which a motorcyclist can become injured on the roads, including:
- Road defects impacting your bike’s stability, for example, potholes, broken tarmac, or spills,
- Negligence due to another road user causing you to crash,
- Lack of proper road signage or lighting, or;
- Defects to your motorbike or protective equipment.
Speak to our vulnerable road user accident solicitors today
To start your vulnerable road user accident claim today, call our solicitors in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, and Waterlooville on 023 8063 9311 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk.