HGV driver injury claims

HGV driver injury claims

For getting your life back on track

Being involved in an accident as an HGV driver can be a challenging and life-altering experience. The aftermath of such an incident can leave you dealing with injuries, emotional distress and uncertainty about what steps to take next. The consequences can extend to various aspects of your life, including physical pain, mental trauma, unexpected medical expenses and loss of income.

At Switalskis, we understand the unique challenges faced by HGV drivers and how your vehicle can have a greater impact on road collisions and accidents. Our expertise in handling a range of personal injury claims allows us to guide you through the process of seeking compensation. Our dedicated team of solicitors specialises in road traffic accident claims involving HGV drivers, and we're here to provide you with clear, concise and compassionate advice every step of the way.

We're here to support you if you’ve suffered an injury due to the negligence of an employer, mechanic or another party responsible for the safety of you and those around you. We take pride in simplifying complex legal matters, making sure that you fully understand each step of your claim. When you choose Switalskis, you're not just gaining legal representation; you're getting a team committed to securing the best possible outcome for you.

To learn more about how we can assist you in your injury claim, don't hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us at 0800 138 0458 or connect with us through our website .

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.

How Switalskis can help

Accidents involving HGV drivers can have severe consequences, and recovering from such incidents can be an uphill battle. At Switalskis, we specialise in assisting HGV drivers with their injury claims, and we're here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Our experienced team of solicitors understands that accidents can happen suddenly and range in severity. Whether you've been involved in a minor incident or a more severe collision, we're here to assist you in navigating the complexities of your claim.

Common injuries sustained by HGV drivers in accidents include:

  • Whiplash: often resulting from rear-end collisions, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden head movement.
  • Broken bones: from simple fractures to more complex compound breaks, accidents can lead to a range of bone injuries.
  • Head and brain injuries: these injuries can vary from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, impacting both your physical and cognitive functions.
  • Spinal cord injuries: road accidents may result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting your quality of life.
  • Cuts and bruises: while seemingly minor, these injuries can lead to complications if not treated promptly.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder: in addition to physical injuries, the emotional toll of an shouldn’t be underestimated. You may experience anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect your ability to drive and impact various aspects of your life. This can also happen in circumstances where a mechanical fault or other issue that is not your fault causes injury to someone else.
  • Death: serious road accidents can often result in fatalities, especially if a driver isn’t wearing a seatbelt, or if the collision is severe. You can claim on behalf of someone who has died in such an accident.

Accidents can also impose a significant financial burden. Medical bills, therapy costs, vehicle repairs and lost wages due to time off work can quickly accumulate. Pursuing a compensation claim may help alleviate these financial losses, aiming to restore you to the financial position you were in before the accident.

At Switalskis, our approach is compassionate and straightforward. We’re committed to understanding the full impact of the accident on your life, both physically and emotionally. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and explore the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

Making an HGV driver injury claim

Making a compensation claim after an accident may initially seem overwhelming. However, our team of legal experts is here to simplify the process for you. Here's a short guide to help you understand how the process of an HGV driver injury claim might proceed:

Step 1: Initial consultation

When you reach out to us, we’ll begin by discussing the specifics of your accident. During this initial consultation, we'll evaluate the potential of your claim and provide you with a clear outline of the necessary steps to move forward.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

If you decide to proceed with your claim, we’ll start the process of gathering essential evidence. This includes obtaining your medical records, collecting photographs of the accident scene, documenting witness information and obtaining relevant police reports. Our aim is to build a robust case and determine who is the party at fault, and why.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

With all the necessary evidence in hand, we will draft and submit your claim to the responsible party and their insurance provider. We'll handle all communications on your behalf to make sure the process is as smooth as possible, sparing you from the stress of direct confrontation.

Step 4: Defendant response

The defendant's insurer will assess your claim and provide a response, either accepting or disputing it. If the claim is accepted, we’ll then proceed with appropriate evidential steps and engage in negotiations.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

In some cases, reaching an agreeable settlement may prove challenging and we may need to escalate the matter to court. Rest assured, our solicitors are highly experienced in handling cases in court, and we’ll make sure that your case is thoroughly prepared. Throughout this process, we’ll represent and support you every step of the way.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Upon a successful claim, we’ll make sure that the compensation owed to you is paid quickly. Your wellbeing and financial recovery are our top priorities, and we’ll work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Navigating a HGV driver injury claim can be complex, but with our dedicated team by your side, you can confidently pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What are the time limits for making an HGV driver injury claim?

Understanding the time constraints for initiating an HGV driver injury claim is vital. In most cases, you have a three-year window from the date of the accident to start your claim. However, it's essential to be aware of potential exceptions to this timeframe:

  • Mental capacity: for people who lack the mental capacity to initiate a claim, there may be no fixed time limit. This makes sure that those who are unable to act independently are not unfairly restricted by deadlines.
  • Death: if you're filing a claim on behalf of someone who has tragically passed away due to an accident, the time limit may begin either from the date of their death or a later date that may be appropriate, depending on the circumstances.

Starting your claim as soon as possible will help you to maximise your chances of success. We strongly advise reaching out to our team as soon as you’re safe and able to do so.

What will HGV driver accident compensation cover? How much compensation can I claim?

Compensation is designed to restore you to the position you would have been in if the accident hadn’t happened. It consists of two primary categories:

  • General damages address the injuries resulting from the accident and their effects. It covers both physical injuries and the psychological trauma you may have experienced.
  • Special damages are intended to cover your financial losses due to your injuries. These may include medical expenses, loss of earnings, travel expenses, and any further costs due to care or issues that may be predicted to arise in the future.

The precise amount of compensation you may receive in a successful claim hinges on factors such as the severity of your injury, its impact on your life and the extent of your financial losses. Our team is here to provide you with clear guidance and help you understand the potential compensation you may be entitled to.

How are HGV driver injury claims funded?

Navigating an accident claim should never add to the financial burden you may already be experiencing. At Switalskis, we operate the majority of our personal injury claims, including those for HGV driver injuries, on a no win, no fee basis. If your claim doesn't succeed, you won't be responsible for covering legal fees. You can rest assured that there will be no upfront or unexpected costs.

In the event that your claim is successful, a percentage of your compensation will contribute towards the legal costs. This percentage is agreed upon at the start of your claim so you can be sure there are no surprises.

Making a personal injury claim with Switalskis is designed to be straightforward, safe and in your best interest. Our primary goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you.

What to remember when making an HGV driver injury claim

After being involved in an accident, there are some specific steps you can take to make sure you're well-prepared for making a compensation claim:

  • Prioritise your health: seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor or you feel okay. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, and early diagnosis is essential. By undergoing a medical assessment, medical records will be created, which are essential forms of evidence in a personal injury claim.
  • Report to the authorities: this will create an official record of the incident, which can substantiate your claim.
  • Document your injuries: take clear photographs of your injuries, including any scarring, shortly after the accident and throughout the healing process. Compelling visual evidence can be difficult to dispute.
  • Gather witness information: if there were witnesses to the accident, collect their contact details.

Making an HGV driver injury claim goes beyond seeking compensation. It's about securing the resources and support you need to move forward and recover. With the right approach and guidance, you can navigate this process with confidence and focus on your wellbeing.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our HGV driver injury claims specialists

Photo of Stephanie Veysey
Stephanie VeyseySenior Associate Solicitor
Katrina ElseySenior Associate Litigation Executive
Image of Johanna Caine - Solicitor in our Personal Injury
Johanna CaineSolicitor
Alex EdwardsSolicitor
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Why Switalskis?

Choosing the right solicitors for your HGV driver injury claim is vital, and here's why Switalskis is the right choice:

Clarity in complexity

HGV driver injury claims can appear daunting, but we're committed to simplifying the legal details and explaining them in clear, understandable language. We’ll explain all the complicated aspects of your claim and make sure you understand every step of the process.

Empathy at every step

We get that this is more than just a claim; it's a challenging period in your life. Our team is empathetic, listening to your concerns, respecting your emotions and offering tailored advice. You're not just a client - you're someone who’s facing a tough time and we're here to provide unwavering support.

Expertise you can trust

Dealing with an injury claim demands expertise and trust from legal professionals. With decades of experience and a proven track record in handling these claims, Switalskis is a name you can rely on. Many of our solicitors are recognised specialists in their field, accredited by the Law Society.

Championing your rights

Our team is driven to make sure your voice is heard. We'll stand by you through every stage of the claims process so you're well-informed and empowered to make the right decisions.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

The impacts of an HGV accident can be severe and traumatising, but our solicitors can guide you through the aftermath and make sure you have the best support in place to make your recovery. Call our team today at 0800 1380 458 , or get in touch with us via our website.

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