Personal injury lawyer warns motorists over icy claims
A leading personal injury claims lawyer group has warned that motorists, who fail to protect themselves properly when driving on ice, could risk a compensation claim.
The nation’s leading law firm have warned drivers that if they fail to insure themselves properly for driving hazards, then they could miss out on filing a successful claim, in the event of an injury.
The advice comes as Great Britain still suffers from the winter’s icy grip this 2010 and the roads become more hazardous due to potholes and lack of gritting.
Mike Gibson, from the lawyer firm, commented: “The number of car accidents has already risen sharply, and no doubt there will be a number of car accident claims. The important point drivers need to remember is that if they do not have the required level of insurance, they are unlikely to be able to claim compensation for time off work.”
Mike Gibson furthered: “One of the most common and debilitating injuries resulting from car accidents are whiplash related. While this can be minor if treated quickly, if left undiagnosed whiplash injury can become potentially crippling. This is especially why drivers must ensure their level of insurance cover can protect them to cover whiplash injury claims and provide whiplash compensation. Otherwise the danger is that the person may have to spend time off work, and be left out of pocket through lost earnings.”
He added: “It is especially important that drivers do not skip adequate insurance cover for their own sake, but especially for the sake of their passengers. This is especially the case where families and young children are involved.”
Nottinghamshire suffers huge crashes
The warning from the law company becomes apparent, especially after police were called to 123 car accidents in Nottinghamshire.
It is thought that black ice was the reason behind most of the crashes, with some reported at 6pm. A police spokeswoman commented that 92 of the collisions occurred between midnight and 10am.
Ambulance bosses stated that they had been struggling to cope with the soaring number of patients with personal injuries due to the winter weather.
A spokesperson said earlier today: “We are currently experiencing a significant increase in emergency calls mainly due to the bad weather and hazardous conditions on the roads and pavements as a result of black ice.
“We're sure the public will appreciate that our staff are doing the best they can in very difficult circumstances. It is taking us longer than normal to get to some calls where road conditions are particularly bad.
“Despite this we are responding to every emergency and getting to everyone who needs help. We would urge everyone to take extra care on the roads and pavements and remind people to only call 999 in a genuine emergency situation.”
The county's hospitals also faced a busy morning with an influx of patients with ice-related injuries. A total of 20 patients were treated for fractures at the Queen's Medical Centre between midnight and 10am.
Updated on 18/01/2010