In September the government released their annual report on 'Reported road casualties in Great Britain'. This report details that while the overall number of road traffic accidents and fatalities has remained relatively consistent in the last few years, the number of people attending hospital following a road traffic accident is increasing.
In the three years from 2015-2017, 40 per cent of people reporting a personal road accident injury attended hospital for their injuries - this was a rise from 36 per cent in 2014-2016. The publication also revealed that pedestrian fatalities increased from 448 in 2016 to 470 in 2017. Motorcyclists fatalities increased the most of road user groups in 2017 compared with 2016. In total, 349 motorcyclists were killed during 2017, up nine per cent from 319 in 2016.
In April 2019, Police Scotland also announced they would be targeting reckless drivers after 18 people died in road traffic collisions in Scotland in April alone.
Could this mean an increase in claims?
The increase in the number of people involved in road traffic accidents receiving hospital treatment has meant that the number of claims being made and the number of potential claimants seeking legal advice following road traffic accidents has remained high, despite the steady decline in accidents.
The Association of British Insurers, whilst commenting on the prevalence of claims, said that:
“Claim volumes remain significantly higher than should be expected given the continued fall in road traffic casualties. Despite the reduction in road casualties, whiplash-style claims reported to the Compensation Recovery Unit have been rising... Whiplash type claims have remained high in recent years, with over 671,000 people making a whiplash type claim in 2016/2017”.
Whiplash related injuries have consistently remained the most common basis for claims.
With an increase in those seeking medical assistance for their injuries following road traffic accidents, means we could potentially see a further increase in the number of claims.
The majority of road traffic accidents are a result of human error, and if you were injured as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.
How we can help
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn't your fault, our specialist team here at Calio Claims can help you get the compensation you are entitled to, to help you move on with your life.
When you contact us, we will discuss the circumstances surrounding your claim with you and will explain clearly and concisely how best to proceed. We will also be upfront about how likely your claim is to succeed, any costs involved, and whether we can offer to work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Contact our road traffic accident compensation lawyers in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee today
To speak to a solicitor who can help you claim the compensation you deserve, call us now on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you right away. We look forward to helping you.
