We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
The initials RTA are used as an abbreviation for road traffic accident, a phrase often used by the police to define a crash which did not involve particularly serious harm to any of those involved, although the person or people responsible for the accident could still find themselves having to pay compensation to any victims.
Often an RTA will be a minor collision such as a rear end shunt or clipping another vehicle when passing too close to it.
It could be an accident on a roundabout when two or more drivers have a conflict of interest while going round the central circle. Depending on the speed of the vehicles and the exact circumstances of the incident, there may be no more damage than a dented bumper and hurt pride.
However, even a low-speed collision can lead to a whiplash injury, or cuts and bruises as well as the psychological damage inflicted.
Roundabouts are a safe form of junction where, usually, each driver should give way to traffic coming from the right. A regime which is listed in the Highway Code but which, in some circumstances, such as when there are lights or other controls on the roundabout lanes, should be understood by everyone who has passed a UK driving test.
As with any other accident, an RTA on a roundabout can be caused for a variety of reasons but the most common is driver error or misjudgement relating to speed or the intentions of another driver to change lane or exit or join the roundabout.
Sometimes lack of a clear signal by a driver to indicate his movements on the roundabout can cause a crash but, if this inaction is not acknowledged, the driver or passenger who has suffered an injury may have difficulty in proving this point.
Collecting the names and addresses of independent witnesses of the accident is important in case there is a dispute about the liability of one or more drivers. This information will be useful both to the insurance companies of the vehicles involved and where responsibility has to be established in a court.
A police report is also important evidence of how an accident occurred, although victims may have to wait until official inquiries are finished before the details are made available to them.
Photographs of the site of the accident , if they can be taken safely and accurately, may also help to recall the position of vehicles and state of the road should there be any doubt.
It is not unknown for a driver to admit liability while still at the scene of the accident but later, especially if a court case is likely or, possibly a large compensation payment will need to be made, for him or her to retract their statement and then it could be up to the other drivers to find evidence of his action.
Solicitors for an RTA compensation claim
The legal advice of an experienced solicitor should be sought as soon as possible after an accident, especially if a compensation claim for injury suffered by a driver or passenger is likely to be made.
Sometimes the full effects of a road traffic accident may not be appreciated until some time after it has occurred or the victim may require intensive rehabilitation to resume an active life.
Throughout the recovery period, YouClaim's sympathetic and helpful legal team will be available to provide support and information about the progress of a damages claim.
If you, or a close loved one, have been hurt in an RTA which was due to the actions or neglect of another, and would like further information about our special services, contact us for no-obligation advice.
You can speak to one of YouClaim's staff on 0800 10 757 95 or send us an email request and we'll get back to you at a convenient time.
