We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
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If you have been unfortunate enough to suffer a road traffic accident because of poor road markings, you may be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim with our expert solicitors.
Markings on roads are present for a number of reasons including; to indicate to motorists where the centre of a road is, to show stretches of road where it would be dangerous to overtake, to warn when the vehicle is approaching a hazard, to help identify separate lanes, junctions and areas in which stopping is forbidden and many other warnings and information helpful in assessing the road ahead.
If, however, road markings are badly laid out or unreadable, then they can become a distraction or confusion to drivers and might cause an accident rather than prevent one.
The Highway Code contains all the markings a driver is likely to encounter during their time behind the wheel on the UK's roads, and a motorist will hopefully begin to familiarise themselves with all, or most of the markings during driving lessons and the first few years after receiving their licence.
New motorists, and individuals driving in an area which they are unfamiliar with, may be hindered by confusing or unclear road markings which they might pay greater attention to, and rely on to a greater extent than usual, when unsure of their surroundings. Taking this into account, encountering such road markings may misdirect or distract the driver long enough to cause a car accident.
Statistics for road-marking related accidents
The Road Safety Markings Association state that in 2010:
The Department for Transport (DfT) state in their Traffic Signs Manual that "road markings serve a very important function in the conveying to road users information and requirements which may not be possible using upright signs".
The DfT add that "road markings, including reflecting road studs, must be well maintained if they are to fulfil their purpose," and should be "inspected at regular intervals both by day and, where appropriate, for reflectance by night".
The DFT advise that it is not possible to recommend an appropriate interval between each inspection because what is appropriate for one road will not be suitable for all roads. Therefore, "traffic authorities should keep their carriageway markings under review (particularly on heavily-trafficked roads) to ensure their effectiveness is maintained at all times".
Making a road traffic accident claim
If you have experienced a car crash due to poorly maintained road markings, then you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim, and our expert solicitors could help you receive 100% compensation.
If you want to contact us regarding your case, then phone us direct on 0800 10 757 95, or use live help to talk over the internet to one of our helpful advisers. Alternatively, if you wish to be contacted at a later date, fill in our short online claim form, or request a call back.
