Pages On: Road Traffic Accidents

Cycling Accident Claims

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Cars, buses and motorcycles are often driven without proper care or consideration for other road users. Unfortunately, this results in a large number of cycling accidents every year. In addition, people in Aberdeen are increasingly using bicycles as a preferred mode of transport. Commuting to work or taking a cycle at the weekends, also leading to a greater danger of cycling accidents on the road. However, as a result, our specialist cycling accident injury lawyers have great experience in handling cycling accident claims, and if you have suffered an injury…

Motorcycle Accident Claims

Posted in: Motorcycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Being involved in a motorbike accident can be a very traumatic experience, especially where you have suffered a painful injury. However, if you have suffered an injury as a result of a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, our dedicated team of motorbike accident lawyers are here to help. Motorcycle accidents in the UK are becoming increasingly common. As a result, our expert team of personal injury lawyers have specialist knowledge about making motorbike accident personal injury claims. Injuries sustained from motorbike accident can vary greatly from minor bruising and…

Car Accident Claims

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents are all too common. Being involved in a car accident can have a significant impact on your everyday life, and the lives of those around you. While drivers are under an obligation not to do anything that may harm other road users, accidents do happen as a result of another driver’s negligence. Injuries sustained as a result of a road traffic accident vary greatly, from bruising and muscle strain right up to the most serious spinal injuries, brain injuries and loss of limbs. Regardless of what kind…

Tayside councils pay-out over £700K in compensation claims in 4 years

Posted: 2 January 2016

Posted in: Gym & Leisure Centre Accidents, Public Place Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, School Accidents, Workplace Injuries

Councils in Tayside have paid out more than £700k in compensation claims since 2012 according to figures just published. The council paying out the most in compensation is Angus who has handed out over £343,000. The local authority pay-outs have been to both members of staff and members of the general public. The claims relate to defective footpaths, theft, damage to property and cars by grass cutting as well as injuries caused in schools and parks. £16K paid out for defective footpath In excess of £100k has been awarded following employer liability…

Edinburgh tram extension must be bike friendly after hundreds of injury claims

Posted: 16 December 2015

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Public Transport, Road Traffic Accidents

It currently stands that over 100 injured cyclists are pursuing compensation claims against Edinburgh City Council after sustaining injuries on the city’s tram lines. Campaigners have warned the capital’s council that the planned extension of the lines, to Leith and Newhaven, must take a number of design improvements into account if injury and accidents are to be minimised. Prior to the construction of the current tram network, Dutch consultants recommended a number of design features that would minimise injury. It was recommended that safety would be maximised if cyclists never…

One killed and two injured taxi passengers in Glasgow crash

Posted: 30 November 2015

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

A car crash in the east end of Glasgow has left one passenger dead and another seriously injured. It was heard from police that a green Vauxhall Astra collided with a black Hackney cab at around 00:30 on Sunday. The accident happened at a set of traffic lights at the junction of Springboig Road and Stepps Road. It was heard that a 57-year-old woman, who had been travelling in the taxi, died at the scene. The other passenger, a 52-year-old man, was taken straight to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary with…

Pothole damage includes six-figure back injury claim

Posted: 28 October 2015

Posted in: Head and Brain Injuries, Pedestrian Injuries, Pothole Injuries, Public Place Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Spine & Back Injuries

A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed that a total of £610,000 in compensation claims was filed against the Highland Council in the last six years because of potholes and poorly maintained pavements. One of the claims saw a member of the public awarded a six-figure payout after falling in February 2012 and suffering a severe back injury. Inverness Central councillor Richard Laird said that the council was “reaping what it sowed” after years of failing to adequately maintain the roads and pavements. It was found that of the…

Villagers fight for improved road safety after another car accident

Posted: 24 August 2015

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Villagers continue to campaign for improved road safety on an infamous junction after yet another accident. The collision occurred between a van and a car at the Freuchie Mill Road junction on the A92, but luckily nobody was hurt. BEAR Scotland said that improvements were being made to the area’s roads, however, community council secretary Patrick Laughlin said that this is not enough. BEAR Scotland confirmed that better road markings and signage had been put in place in the area to prevent further accidents from happening in the future. Mr…

Girl’s car crash death sparks call for speed limit change

Posted: 27 July 2015

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

A 22-year-old woman died after suffering severe injuries in a car crash last week. Disneyland Paris performer Karen Gibson crashed into a tree on a notoriously dangerous road in Hamilton, and died in hospital two days later. Following the accident, a number of previous casualties were unearthed, inspiring her friends to draw up a petition to have the speed limit lowered on the road. The petition has already attracted over 2,500 signatures. The petition states that a total of five road traffic accidents had happened on Carlisle Road in Hamilton…

100's of cyclists claiming for injuries caused by tram tracks

Posted: 28 May 2015

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Finger Injuries, Leg Injuries, Public Transport, Road Traffic Accidents

Following a surge of cyclist injury cases since the opening of Edinburgh’s tramlines, lawyers have warned the city council that action must be taken to prevent a future fatality. Speculations have been made that the number of officially reported incidents on the tramlines is in fact a lot less than the reality of the problem. One legal firm told the BBC that they are currently dealing with 100 cases. It is estimated that the council could be facing a compensation bill of hundreds of thousands of pounds. One lawyer, Patrick McGuire,…

Sleepy driver awaits sentence after hitting couple on motorbike

Posted: 14 April 2015

Posted in: Arm Injury, Car Accidents, Head and Brain Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Having been found guilty of dangerous driving, Bridge of Allan resident, Christopher Thornton, 36, is awaiting sentencing by Inverness Sheriff Court. Thornton had sent a text message to his partner before leaving Elgin on 23 August 2013 stating that he was “Just leaving Elgin, hopeful of staying awake” and attaching a photograph of four caffeine drinks, the court heard. He was later spotted drifting onto the wrong side of the road by witnesses and went on to strike a motorbike carrying Malcolm Traquair and Ruth Keighley, of Bearsden, on the A9 near…

Pensioner hit by car whilst woman was texting

Posted: 9 February 2015

Posted in: Pedestrian Injuries, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

A motorist that knocked down a pedestrian in Aberdeen in 2012 has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. 21-year-old Rachel Forsyth, from Westhill, had been accused of killing 79-year-old Lillian Morrison as a result of driving while using her mobile phone. Despite denying the charges, she was found guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen last week. The accident happened on 27 December 2012 on Aberdeen’s Queen’s Road. Ms Forsyth had been on her way to work at a squash club when she decided to send her mum…

Coach company to compensate injured pensioner

Posted: 2 February 2015

Posted in: Bus Accidents, Public Transport, Road Traffic Accidents, Shoulder Injuries

A coach company has been ordered to pay £10,000 in compensation to an elderly woman who suffered severe injuries after falling on a coach in May 2013. The accident happened after the driver pulled away from the stop before she was properly seated, causing her to fall and severely injure her shoulder. 82-year-old Mary Steel had been travelling from Braehead shopping centre in Renfrewshire to Dunoon when the incident happened. Judge Judy Stacey ruled at the Court of Session in Edinburgh that the driver of the McGill’s bus was at…

Cyclists to sue Edinburgh council for injuries caused by tram tracks

Posted: 25 January 2015

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Bus Accidents, Foot Injuries, Head and Brain Injuries, Public Place Accidents, Public Transport, Shoulder Injuries

Following numerous cases of cyclists severely injuring themselves on Edinburgh’s new tram tracks, a lawyer is taking the City of Edinburgh Council to court. Stewart White said that the council was responsible for the injuries suffered by his 60 clients, and argues that something should be done about it. Injuries caused by the tracks include broken jaws, collarbones and cheekbones, as well as a broken foot after a bus drove over it. Mr White said the clients he will be representing are only a very small percentage of people that…

Bin lorry crash victim released from hospital

Posted: 30 December 2014

Posted in: Public Place Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Following the tragic accident that saw six killed on 22 December in Glasgow, one of the victims has been released from hospital. The 18-year-old was released today following the bin lorry crash that happened in George Square just before Christmas. The teenager had been receiving treatment in a Glasgow hospital. NHS Greater Glasgow Clyde said that three people are still receiving hospital treatment following the tragic accident. These include the 57-year-old driver of the bin lorry who is being treated at the Western Infirmary and is believed to be in…

Motorcyclist injured by 4x4 in road traffic accident

Posted: 14 November 2014

Posted in: Hand Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

A biker from Innerleithen suffered severe injuries in a motorbike accident when a 4×4 and trailer pulled out in front of him in 2012. 25-year-old Adam Russell had been on the A72 between Peebles and Innerleithen when the vehicle pulled out from a field just past the entrance to Glentress. He broke multiple bones in his right hand and required extensive surgery, which involved the insertion of metal pins into each finger. The accident happened in September 2012, after which Mr Russell could not use his hands for two and a half…

Motorcyclist left with severe brain injuries following car crash

Posted: 20 September 2014

Posted in: Car Accidents, Head and Brain Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

An Aberdeenshire man has been awarded compensation after he suffered serious injuries during a crash in October 2011. Graham Clark had been heading home on the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road when his motorbike collided with a car. He suffered severe brain injuries and several fractures from the collision, which have since forced him to leave his job. The driver of the car received a 50-day driving ban and a £750 fine after being convicted of dangerous driving. Despite the conviction, the motorist’s insurance company denied liability, which led to a…

Scientist admits blame for car crash fatality

Posted: 9 August 2014

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Leading scientist, Nathan Bailey, has admitted to causing a car crash that led to the death of an elderly man. The accident happened on the 28th of April last year on the M9 near Stirling. 34-year-old St Andrews University academic Nathan Bailey had been approaching junction 10 southbound on the M9 when he lost control of his car and crashed into a car being driven by 83-year-old Ronald Highcock. Sadly, Mr Highcock died in hospital a few weeks after the accident. Mr Bailey will be sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving…

12-year-old cyclist injured in hit-and-run on rural road

Posted: 1 August 2014

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Criminal Injury and Assault, Road Traffic Accidents

A 12-year-old boy was the victim of a hit-and-run incident yesterday while he cycled on a rural road near his home.  The police are currently looking for an orange Mitsubishi that had been overtaking the boy when he hit his bike at around 3pm yesterday afternoon. The accident happened in Dumfries and Galloway in Southern Scotland. Following the incident, the boy was taken to Dumfries Infirmary for treatment, and was later released. Police have launched an investigation, appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. They are currently trying to…

Motorsport safety review scheduled after 3 spectator deaths at car rally

Posted: 4 June 2014

Posted in: Car Accidents, Public Place Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Following the deaths of three spectators at a car rally in the Borders, the Justice Secretary has announced that a review of motorsport safety in Scotland is to be carried out. The individuals who lost their lives on Saturday were Iain John Provan (64), Elizabeth Allan (63), both from Barrhead, and John Leonard Stern (71) from Bearsden. Kenny MacAskill, the Justice Secretary, said that lessons had to be learned from the accident so that it does not happen again. The review aims to include Police Scotland, The Motor Sports Association, Scottish…

Ex Driving Instructor Turned Child Carer Hit Girl With Car

Posted: 24 March 2014

Posted in: Car Accidents, Leg Injuries, Pedestrian Injuries, Road Traffic Accidents

61-year-old Carol McGlone has lost her driving licence after hitting a six-year-old girl with her car in May 2013. The former driving instructor turned child-minder was on her way to work when the accident happened, hitting the young girl and knocking her to the ground. Ms McGlone had been driving on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow when she failed to spot a red light. A young girl and her child-minder stepped on to the road after the green man appeared, but Ms McGlone drove directly through the crossing, hitting the girl. The child…

Glasgow pothole problems reduced significantly

Posted: 10 February 2014

Posted in: Pothole Injuries, Road Traffic Accidents

A recent report by Glasgow City Council has found that the number of complaints made by the public concerning potholes is currently the lowest it has been in years. Over the last year alone, Glasgow City Council has injected a total of £5.3m into pothole repairs, with the number of compensation claims falling by 36%. Claims involved personal injury claims and compensation for damaged vehicles, both of which have seen a major decrease since road repairs. The council completed over 15,000 permanent pothole repairs, which is the greatest number ever managed…

Lorry driver dies in storm after HGV is blown over

Posted: 6 December 2013

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Yesterday’s (5th December) strong winds saw the death of a lorry driver when his HGV was blown on top of two cars in Bathgate. The storm conditions led to the closure of many public transport links, including trains and buses, and people were warned not to drive. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon and the driver of the lorry was reported dead at the scene. It was recorded by the Met Office that Edinburgh saw winds of 59mph, Glasgow 63mhp, and a gust was recorded in Glencoe, Stirlingshire that reached 106mph. At the height…

Pensioner’s wheelchair fall from medical lift on bus investigated

Posted: 25 November 2013

Posted in: Head and Brain Injuries, Leg Injuries, Medical Negligence, Public Place Accidents, Public Transport

The Scottish Borders Council is currently investigating why a 75-year-old pensioner fractured her skull when her wheelchair fell from a minibus just outside her care home. The incident occurred on Thursday the 14th of November, and Margaret Bell has remained in the Borders General Hospital since. Mrs. Bell, from Galasheils, was being assisted out of the minibus by a medical lift at the Oakview Day Centre when she fell to the ground. The Scottish Borders Council is investigating the incident so that it definitely does not happen again. The investigation will allow a…

Crown office wants firmer conviction for cyclist killer

Posted: 13 August 2013

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Gary McCourt’s driving has caused the deaths of two cyclists, twenty years apart, which the Crown Office feels should be punished with a less ‘lenient’ sentence. Following a previous conviction for causing death through reckless driving, the Crown Office argues that he should be banned from driving for life and should receive a prison sentence. Gary McCourt was banned from driving for five years and was punished with 300 hours of community service after he was found guilty of killing 75-year-old Audrey Fyfe in Edinburgh (August 2011). However, after prosecutors described…

One in three Scottish roads are still unsafe

Posted: 30 May 2013

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

Only two years after councils agreed to take a new approach to road repairs, one in three Scottish roads are still unsafe for motorists. Since 2005, the condition of Scotland’s roads has continued to deteriorate, from only 69.9% being classified as acceptable. Audit Scotland have recognised only slight improvements between 2009-10 and 2011-12 with an increase from 66.1% to 66.7% being deemed acceptable — far from adequate figures.  In 2011, an Accounts Commission audit report argued that changes were vital in order to prevent a further decline in the condition…

New EU rules for more fuel-efficient & safer lorries

Posted: 18 April 2013

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

The European Commission has proposed new rules to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries which will reduce fuel consumption by 7-10%, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and also enhance the safety of vulnerable road users. One of the main advantages of the proposal is that it will lead to better road safety. The current “brick shape” front of the cabin can increase the severity of injury to road users in a collision. It also reduces the driver’s sideways field of vision. This is particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians…

Scheme to award fatigue management in the railway industry continues

Posted: 9 April 2013

Posted in: Public Transport, Workplace Injuries

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced that its award scheme for innovative schemes to manage fatigue in the railway industry is to run for a second year. The prize aims to raise the profile of occupational health issues in the sector. IOSH Railway Group chair Martin Leeks said: “Fatigue can cause injuries and deaths to workers and passengers on our railways. It hampers mental alertness and affects performance, causing errors because of reduced concentration, perception, judgement and even memory. Ultimately, it can lead to drowsiness and…

Speaking out about drink driving

Posted: 19 March 2013

Posted in: Car Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents

Road safety charity Brake is urging people to speak out to friends who plan to drive after drinking even one drink, highlighting that this could save someone’s life or prevent a life-altering injury. The calls come as a survey reveals that although 96% of people would step in to prevent a friend driving if they’d been drinking, many would only do so after their friend has had several drinks. While 39% would say something right away if they saw a friend drinking alcohol when knowing they were planning to drive,…

More seatbelt action needed to save lives

Posted: 5 February 2013

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

Greater compliance with seatbelt legislation could help save lives in road crashes says Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), as it marks the 30th anniversary of the law coming into force.  Well over 60,000 lives have been saved by seatbelts since 31st January 1983, when RoSPA’s then-President, Lord Nugent of Guildford, won the day for compulsory wearing in the front seat of cars by introducing an amendment to the Transport Bill in the House of Lords. A law making it compulsory to wear seatbelts in the back of…

Call for telematics devices in fleet vehicles to make roads safer

Posted: 11 December 2012

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

A recent survey has found that 66% of respondents would feel safer on the road if fleet vehicles, vehicles that are driven for business purposes, were fitted with telematics devices to monitor their driver’s behaviour. A telematics device allows the quality of driving in terms of safety and speed to be monitored. Business insurance specialist, QBE, which carried out the survey, fully supports the use of this technology by the professional driving community. They believe that its introduction will lead to fewer road traffic accidents and safer roads, and ultimately…

Call for Scotland to lead the way on drink driving

Posted: 5 December 2012

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has called for Scotland to lead the way for the UK in its proposals to lower the drink-driving limit. “If the Scottish Government makes this move it would doubtless save lives, and we urge the rest of the UK to follow suit,” said Gordon Dalyell, Scotland representative of APIL. A Government consultation on lowering the legal drinking limit when driving from 80 mg to 50 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood has now closed. “Significant impairment to driving begins after the 50 mg limit is…

Concerns over health & safety in the railway industry

Posted: 22 November 2012

Posted in: Public Transport, Workplace Injuries

The 2012 Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Rail industry conference 2012 has recently taken place, at which concerns were raised about ongoing worker safety. Richard Price, Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) chief executive said: “Health and safety needs to remain at the forefront of everyone’s minds — an unsafe industry can’t be an efficient industry. Safety and occupational health management has a crucial role to play in improving value for money. “ Mr Price highlighted that although there has been a 12% reduction in the overall level of…

Road Safety Week launches in Scotland

Posted: 20 November 2012

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) have launched a campaign to raise awareness with drivers. It aims to illustrate how often unforeseen distractions, and driving at an inappropriate speed for the road conditions, can cause serious car accidents on country roads. In 2011, country roads accounted for 1,050 serious and fatal road accidents and the largest proportion — around 70% — of all road deaths in Scotland. Over half of the victims were aged between 22 and 40 years old, and three out of four…

Government must act to save motorcyclists' lives

Posted: 13 November 2012

Posted in: Motorcycle Accidents

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is calling on the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly, as new research from Sweden shows that modern crash barriers actually provide no safety benefits whatsoever to motorcyclists. Modern crash barriers are designed to save the lives of drivers, but hitting a crash barrier is a factor in 8-16% of fatal motorcyclist accidents, according to an IAM-sponsored study. Riders are fifteen times more likely to die after hitting a barrier than car occupants. Britain’s current barriers protect car occupants by…

Latest figures on Scottish road traffic accident casualties

Posted: 25 October 2012

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

Transport Scotland has recently published statistics on road traffic accident casualties in Scotland for 2011. The figures show that the number of fatalities on Scotland’s roads is down 11% on last year and 47% on 2001 data, and those seriously injured are down 5% on last year, and 45% on 2001. The figures also show that there were: 9,974 reported injury accidents in 2011 — 3% fewer than in 2010 and the lowest number since accident records began in 1966;176 fatal accidents — 7% fewer than in 2010 (note that…

Calls for Changes to British Summer Time To Decrease Road Traffic Accidents

Posted: 25 October 2012

Posted in: Bicycle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Road Traffic Accidents, Wrongful & Accidental Death

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has recently called for changes in the way British Summer Time operates, to give more daylight hours in the evening, when road traffic accidents are more likely to happen. The IAM would like to see the British time zone brought forward by an hour in both winter and summer. Figures from the Department for Transport show that this could prevent about 80 deaths and at least 200 serious injuries on our roads each year. Road casualty rates increase with the arrival of darker evenings.…

Road Traffic Accident Compensation

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents

If you have been injured in  a road traffic accident in the last three years, and it wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount you are able to claim depends on the type and severity of your injury. Personal Injury Claims Aberdeen can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Road Traffic Injury Lawyers Aberdeen A huge number of personal injury claims are as a result of injuries on the road. Of these, the most common is whiplash. Many drivers and passengers suffer…

Whiplash Injuries

Posted in: Road Traffic Accidents, Whiplash Injuries

If you have been injured in the last three years, and it wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount you are able to claim depends on the type and severity of your injury. Personal Injury Claims Aberdeen can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Our compensation guide outlines the levels of compensation for some of the most common types of injury. Whiplash Injuries Claims Whiplash is a common injury which is caused by road traffic accidents. In the event of a crash…