We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
A road traffic accident can completely change the life of a victim and their family because of the effects of personal injury and, once the initial trauma has passed, many people will think of making a car crash claim against the person or people who were at fault in the incident.
Sometimes the situation is quite clear-cut, such as if the driver of a lorry in a side road pulls out without looking and collides with a car which was travelling quite properly along the major road.
On many other occasions, though, the situation will be confused, especially if more than two vehicles are involved, as happens with a "shunt". A vehicle at the head of a line of cars may brake suddenly, causing the one behind to collide with its rear end then the one following that does the same, leading to a chain of events which will only cease when one driver is quick enough to stop without hitting the car in front.
Depending on the speed of the vehicles and other factors, such as weather conditions, the road surface and the amount of traffic, the chances of the various drivers and passengers suffering serious injuries will range from slight shock and, perhaps, a few bruises to whiplash, broken bones and, possibly, death if a lightweight car runs into the back of a lorry.
Knock-on effects of a shunt accident may mean vehicles are spread across a motorway or major road, leaving them vulnerable to further collisions with oncoming cars.
In the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident, especially on a motorway, the emergency services will soon be on the scene to help all those affected and, as with any crash, the needs of the injured come before any other considerations. But, when the debris is cleared and questions are asked about the circumstances, it may be difficult for those involved to recall the details.
The police, of course, are used to gathering evidence and will seek information from all witnesses, including those not directly involved in the road crash, and their reports can form the basis of claims made to vehicle insurance companies.
Specialists at insurance companies who need to decide payment for damage to the vehicles have rules which they use to decide on blame if it not immediately obvious. Usually in a shunt, it will be the driver who hits the car in front who will be deemed at fault because he should have been aware of the likelihood of an accident and taken preventative measures.
Once it has been decided where the fault for a car crash lies, this is likely to be the same person who will also be liable for any personal injury compensation claims resulting from the accident. However, there may well be conflicting opinions and other contributory factors which may not be known to the insurer but could be revealed in a subsequent legal case for damages.
YouClaim's experts on making a car crash claim
If, you or a loved one, have suffered as a result of a shunt accident and are not sure who was at fault, the experts at YouClaim can guide you through all the steps in establishing blame and making a claim.
Wherever you live in the UK, we can offer approachable, professional advice on all aspects of car accident claims. Our lawyers are supervised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority so you have peace of mind about their high standards of advice and representation.
Should you decide to proceed with a claim following a road traffic accident, whether from a shunt or other cause, you can rely on a further promise from YouClaim that, because of our no, win no fee system, you can be sure of receiving 100% of all compensation awarded.
There are several ways to contact us to find out about the procedure. You can complete the online claim form, start an e-chat on this page, ask us to telephone you back at a convenient time or just call us free on 0800 10 757 95 and we'll be happy to help.
