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London HGV Accident Claims

If you’re in London and need the help of specialist road traffic accident solicitors, you’re in the right place

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    It’s probably fair to say that driving a heavy goods vehicle or HGV around London’s busy roads can be an arduous task. However, despite the fact that HGV drivers are trained to deal with the difficulties of moving such big vehicles over long periods of time, accidents can still happen. Therefore, this article looks at when London HGV accident claims are possible.

    We are an experienced law firm that has represented clients in various types of road traffic accident claims. You can request a free assessment of your case and, if we offer to represent you, a No Win No Fee solicitor will manage your claim from start to finish.

    For further information on HGV accident compensation claims, keep reading. If you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, you can contact our team online or call 020 7362 2085 today.

    What Scenarios Could Allow You To Make A HGV Accident Claim

    Effectively, you could make an HGV accident claim if you were injured because of an HGV driver’s failure to protect you while (negligence). Examples include:

    • Rear-End Collisions: An HGV struck your vehicle from behind at lights or slow-moving city traffic.

    • Lane Change Incidents: The lorry moved lanes on the M25 or A406 without indicating or checking mirrors, hitting your car.

    • Pedestrian Accidents: You were hit while using a zebra crossing or pavement in areas like Croydon or Islington.

    • Cyclist or Motorcyclist Injury: An HGV failed to notice you, turning across your path or opening doors on busy streets.

    • Load Spills: Poorly secured cargo from an HGV led to injury or vehicle damage on busy London routes.

    We are happy to check if your case meets the eligibility criteria on a no-obligation basis. So, why not give us a call today?

    Common Forms Of Negligence Leading To An HGV Accident Claim

    Here are some examples of negligence that could allow you to claim:

    • Driver Distraction: Using a mobile phone, adjusting sat-nav or eating can cause a driver to miss traffic signals or fail to react quickly.

    • Driver Fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel, especially on main roads like the M25 or North Circular, increases collision risks.

    • Excessive Speed: Driving above limits on routes such as the A406 or A13 reduces stopping distances, often leading to severe crashes.

    • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Unserviced brakes, lights, or worn tyres create hazardous conditions, particularly in adverse weather.

    • Improper Loading: Loads not secured or exceeding limits may fall onto carriageways or destabilise the vehicle.

    • Driving Under Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair judgement and reactions in both urban and suburban areas.

    • Ignoring Traffic Controls: Running red lights or disregarding right-of-way at junctions like Elephant and Castle causes direct impact incidents.

    Many of these are examples of when an HGV driver may have broken the rules of the Highway Code. Importantly, this type of negligence could allow you to claim for any resulting injuries. For free advice on whether you can claim for a London HGV accident, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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    Meet Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors

    patrick mallon profile

    Patrick Mallon

    Patrick is the head of our personal injury claims department. He has been qualified as a solicitor for over 20 years and strives to get the very best result for his clients.

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    Emma Pomfret

    Emma is a Chartered Legal Executive with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about helping people claim compensation after suffering harm in car crashes

    Are No Win No Fee HGV Accident Claims Possible?

    Our solicitors provide a No Win No Fee service for HGV accident claims, meaning you can pursue compensation without any upfront legal costs. With this arrangement, you only pay a fee if your claim is successful, removing the financial risk and making it easier for you to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. This approach ensures you receive expert legal support throughout your claim, with no obligation to pay unless your case wins.

    How Much Compensation For A HGV Accident Claim?

    Compensation for an HGV accident depends on your individual circumstances and the specific losses you have experienced. Typically, you could recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings if you are unable to work, medical expenses such as hospital bills or rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments.

    Additionally, you may be entitled to claim for ongoing care needs, adaptations to your home or vehicle, and any future financial losses directly resulting from the accident. Insurers may try to settle your claim for less than it’s worth. Therefore, you might decide to ask one of our solicitors to try to maximise your settlement and try to ensure all of your suffering is covered.

    Time Limits For Road Traffic Accident Claims

    Strict legal time limits exist for HGV accident claims. Usually, you must begin your claim within three years of the incident date under the Limitation Act 1980.

    Two exceptions to this rule apply:

    1. While the claimant lacks mental capacity, there are no time limits at all.

    2. If the claimant is a child, an adult can act on their behalf at any point before their 18th birthday. After that, the 3-year time limit applies.

    To check how long you have to start an HGV accident claim, please feel free to contact us today.

    An HGV driving through London

    What Evidence Can Help With HGV Accident Claims?

    If you decide to seek compensation after being injured in an HGV accident, you’ll need evidence to prove your case. This may include any or all of the following:

    • Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries

    • Contact information for any witnesses

    • The other driver’s details, including name, address, insurance, and vehicle registration number

    • Dashcam or CCTV footage, if available

    • Police accident report or incident reference number

    • Medical records and notes of any injuries sustained

    • Receipts for any expenses incurred due to the accident (medical treatment, travel, vehicle repairs)

    • Notes describing what happened before, during, and after the accident

    Whatever amount of evidence you have, why not call our team today so that we can assess your case for free? If suitable, one of our solicitors covering London could help you to begin a claim to seek compensation for any suffering caused.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about our London HGV accident claims service:

    Can I claim if I was partially at fault for the HGV accident?

    Yes, you may still be eligible to claim compensation even if you were partly at fault. The amount you receive may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, known as contributory negligence.

    Yes, you can claim for associated losses such as psychological trauma, travel expenses, rehabilitation costs, and loss of future earnings caused by the HGV accident.

    If the HGV driver was uninsured or cannot be traced, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which handles claims for accidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers.

    The time to resolve a claim depends on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Straightforward cases might settle within a few months, while more complex claims can take longer.

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