DURING winter, hazardous driving conditions can increase the risk of being involved in a road traffic accident.
There are however a number of practical steps you can take to minimise this risk. Before setting off you should make sure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, clear all windscreens of ice and snow and ensure that you have topped up your washer fluid levels.
It is important to plan your route in advance and to ensure you are carrying a torch and any necessary supplies. Whilst driving, you should ensure you leave plenty of room to stop and brake gently to avoid skidding.
The PSNI has recently launched its annual winter driving campaign. Superintendent Gary Busch advised the key message from police this year is to “slow down, pay greater attention to your surroundings, always wear your seat belt and never drive after drinking or taking drugs”.
Despite the best endeavours of all, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a road traffic collision your initial concern will be to check the wellbeing of anyone involved in the accident, and to seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
Once any injuries have been dealt with, there are a number of helpful things you can do which will assist you, your insurance company and solicitor in dealing with the matter.
The police should be notified of the collision and will usually attend the scene if there is suspicion that a criminal offence (such as drink driving) has been committed, or if the vehicles are obstructing traffic.
If it is safe to do so, you should take photographs of the vehicles involved before they are moved.
You should also ensure that you record the name of other driver(s), and details of the make, model and registration number of their vehicle(s).
It is important to contact a specialist road traffic accident solicitor as soon as possible after the accident to obtain legal advice.
A solicitor will be able to advise you throughout any police investigation, and assess whether you have a viable claim for the damage to your vehicle or in relation to any injuries sustained.
If you intend pursuing a claim, a solicitor can deal with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf and ensure that payment for your vehicle damage is made promptly.
If liability for the accident is disputed, the case may progress to a court hearing and your solicitor will ensure you are properly guided through this process.
If you were injured a solicitor will arrange medical examinations on your behalf and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Being involved in a road traffic collision can be an upsetting and stressful experience. At the risk of appearing biased, my top tip is to contact a solicitor to help guide you through the process!
:: Harry McAleese (harrym@mtb-law.co.uk) is a personal injury solicitor at McCartan Turkington Breen Solicitors (mtb-law.co.uk)
