The number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents on Wiltshire’s roads is sadly rising.
The most recent figures released by the Department for Transport reveal 23 people were injured and killed on Wiltshire roads in 2021, compared to 19 road accident victims in 2020.
Severe injuries are also increasing. There were 215 people seriously injured after crashes in Wiltshire in 2021, compared to 150 casualties the previous year – a 43% increase.
Claire Sagala is an expert road traffic accident solicitor from the specialist personal injury law firm Novum Law which has offices throughout the South, including Swindon and Salisbury.
She says: “Traffic collisions are a major cause of preventable injuries and deaths in Wiltshire. While the number of people killed or seriously injured is lower in our county than in other parts of the UK, every life-changing injury and death devastates families and communities causing untold suffering.
“As road traffic accident solicitors, we, unfortunately, know only too well the dreadful impact that crashes can have on victims and their families. People who have suffered severe injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal injuries, and limb loss after serious road collisions often contact us for help. And far too frequently, bereaved families get in touch for legal advice and support.
“While speaking to a solicitor and starting an injury compensation claim may be the furthest thing from your mind, we can help make things better, getting you the medical treatment, rehabilitation and support you need and the compensation you deserve.”
Here are six things Claire advises you need to know if you or a loved one is seriously injured in a crash:
1. Get specialist legal advice – If you are looking for a solicitor to help you, make sure you speak to an expert personal injury solicitor with lots of experience in road traffic accident claims. They will be able to help you secure the maximum level of compensation.
2. Don’t leave it too late – If you want to make a personal injury claim, you must act quickly. As a rule, you only have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim. There are some exceptions, so it’s best to speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible, without delay, while the details of your accident are still fresh in your mind.
3. Don’t ‘make do’ with your insurer’s solicitor – Your insurance company might recommend a solicitor, but you don’t have to go with their recommendation. Instead, get in touch with a solicitor specialising in road traffic accident claims that can guide you through the process step by step and help you get the maximum compensation and the best rehabilitation you need.
4. Ask about rehabilitation and support – If you’ve suffered a life-changing injury, such as a brain injury or a spinal injury, it’s vital to get the treatment and support you need as quickly as possible. A specialist personal injury solicitor can help you access the best rehabilitation services, physiotherapy, mental health support, and home care services before your claim has settled. They can also assist with any essential adaptations that need to be made to your home to make your daily life easier and connect you with local support groups and charities that can help.
5. You may not have to go to court – Only 2% of personal injury claims go to court. Most settle before they reach court and even if a court date is set, many claims will settle before the hearing date. However, if the person responsible for your accident won’t admit liability or they disagree with the value of your claim, court proceedings might be needed. But there is no need to worry if this happens – your specialist solicitor will help and support you every step of the way.
6. You don’t need to worry about legal costs – You can make a ‘No Win No Fee’ claim which is a risk-free way to get the compensation you need for injuries suffered in an accident that wasn’t your fault. It means you won’t pay any legal fees if your case is unsuccessful.
Whether you have been injured in a crash as a driver, a passenger, a cyclist, motorcyclist, an e-scooter rider or pedestrian, if the accident was not entirely your fault, Novum Law’s specialist team of road traffic accident solicitors can help you make a compensation claim.
We will guide you through the whole process from start to finish and explain things in a straightforward way so that your claim is as stress-free as possible.
If you think you may be eligible to make a road traffic accident claim, contact our friendly, expert solicitors today for a free, no-obligation chat about making a No Win, No Fee claim. Call us at 0800 884 0777, email [email protected], or complete our enquiry form.
