Why do road traffic accidents happen while working?
Road traffic accident claims are, sadly, common. They can happen anywhere at any time. Road deaths are a real threat, regardless of whether you are driving during or outside of work hours. The Department for Transport stated that the number of people killed in crashes on Britain’s roads rose by 10% between 2021 and 2022.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lays out key hazards that can compromise a person’s health and safety while driving during work hours. These include:
- Vehicle condition
- Fatigue and distraction
- Time pressures
- Weather
If you experience a work-related car or road traffic accident, you could be eligible for compensation.
Can I make a road traffic accident at work claim?
There are several reasons why your employer might be at fault for a work-related traffic accident.
You may have been provided with a vehicle that is unsafe for the roads, or you might not have received the correct level of training to drive a particular vehicle. Passengers travelling in company cars may also be able to make a claim. Either way, it is recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to confirm whether you might have a valid road traffic accident at work claim.
Our solicitors can also handle claims for accidents involving vehicles in the workplace (e.g. in factories), rather than on the road.
Your employer is responsible for keeping you safe at work in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means they need to be following official guidance and conducting risk assessments with clear actions off the back of these. The workplace injury claims process exists to ensure that employees receive the compensation they deserve.
How should workplaces be monitoring road safety?
Employers have a responsibility to help prevent car accidents during working hours or in work vehicles from happening.
Vehicle safety should be taken seriously both in the workplace and out on the roads in line with road traffic law and occupational health and safety law.
Regardless of whether employees are driving in their cars during work hours or a vehicle belonging to the company, the employer is legally required to protect employees from harm where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
Employers should address the following to help reduce the chances of a road traffic accident at work:
- Recognise the impact that time pressures can have on employees while driving
- Recognise the dangers of employees driving while tired and ensure the risk of driver fatigue is addressed
- Check whether employees are competent to drive by checking whether they have the relevant documents
- Provide training for drivers where it is necessary to do so
- Pay extra attention to those who are more vulnerable, such as lone workers
- Maintain and inspect work vehicles in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Assess and plan journeys so that drivers take the safest routes
- Cover road safety in health and safety policies
- Encourage workers to report all incidents or near-misses
How can road traffic accidents at work compensation help you?
Car or vehicle accident at work compensation can help those who have suffered life-changing injuries take the next step on their road to recovery. It can help victims gain access to vital rehabilitation and support, allowing you and your loved ones to move forward.
In some instances, these accidents can be fatal. While compensation can’t undo the damage that’s been done, it can hold those responsible to account. It can also prompt action to reduce the likelihood of this kind of incident happening again.
To speak with a specialist solicitor about a car accident at work or during work hours, get in touch today.
Success stories
Fibromyalgia for taxi driver involved in collision
Our client was driving his taxi when the Defendant didn’t give way and crashed into the side of the taxi. Soon after the accident, our client’s left arm and hand began to swell and he gradually developed pain all around his body. About a year after the accident, our client was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. He also suffered fatigue and issues with sleep, memory and mood.
We instructed a pain management expert along with other specialists to report on the extent of our client’s injuries and losses. Whilst evidence was being gathered, we obtained interim payments totalling £16,000. Despite complications, we negotiated a settlement of £140,000 for our client.
Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp for your car accident at work claim?
We can support you in your claim for compensation after a work-related car accident. Our legal experts are highly experienced in dealing with complex work-related cases. Here’s how our specialists at Bolt Burdon Kemp can support you:
- Experience: More than three decades of legal work means we’re well acquainted with a variety of personal injury claims.
- ‘No win no fee’: We offer funding structures, so you won’t have to pay unless you win your case.
- Understanding: No matter how sensitive your case is, your road traffic accident at work lawyer will be compassionate and understanding.
- Partners: Our partnerships with organisations such as Brake and Headway allow us to give clients additional support outside of the case itself.
- Awards: We’re proud to say that Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 recognise us as one of the leading personal injury firms in the UK.
- Accredited: As members of The Law Society’s Personal Injury Accreditation Scheme, we’re assessed and accredited annually in line with Lexcel practice management standards.
- Testimonials: We have hundreds of testimonials that point to the level of care we’ve shown our clients across a range of cases.
Get in touch to start your road traffic accident at work claim
Want to speak to a specialist lawyer with experience in road traffic accident at work claims? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation chat to see whether this is something you’d like to pursue.
The majority of our cases are taken under Conditional Agreements called ‘no win no fee’, but you can choose from other funding options if you prefer.
Get in touch online or call us on 020 3773 9281 today.
