Road Traffic Injuries

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1 Road Traffic Injuries INJURY & NEGLIGENCE SPECIALISTS

2 Injury & Negligence They were so friendly and accommodating and answered all our questions with clarity. Sue Courtney - Rebecca s Mother (Wigan)

3 WELCOME TO PANNONE PART OF SLATER & GORDON It was in February 2005 when I received a call to tell me that my daughter, Rebecca, had been involved in a road traffic accident. Rebecca had been at the school where she regularly volunteered for a community project, when she was hit by a car and sustained a severe head injury. Pannone part of Slater & Gordon handled Rebecca s case. They were so friendly and accommodating and answered all our questions with clarity. Neither Rebecca nor I were ever made to feel like just another client. The team always asked about her wellbeing whenever we spoke to them, and it felt more personal. It took quite some time for Rebecca to pull through but after operations and rehabilitation, she is now moving forward with her life. We are so pleased with the service Pannone part of Slater & Gordon provided us with. We wouldn t hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Sue Courtney Rebecca s mother (Wigan) 3

4 Injury & Negligence ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES Road traffic injuries, no matter how minor, can be both upsetting and stressful, not only for the injured person but also for their family, and can have a massive impact upon their lives. TYPES OF ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES Whether you have suffered a minor whiplash injury, broken bones, or an injury resulting in disability, our specialist team are here to help. We also have specialists who deal with some of the more serious injuries, including: Brain Injuries Spinal Injuries Fatal Injuries Psychiatric Injuries Amputation Injuries Loss of Sight or Hearing Burns and Scarring They were professional at all times but still had so much kindness and compassion. Quote about Pannone part of Slater & Gordon, from Mrs T (Bolton)

5 WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? Medical Treatment If you have not already received medical treatment, it is important that you attend your GP or local A&E Department as soon as possible so your injuries can be treated and you can obtain a professional medical opinion. Report The Incident To Your Insurers If you have been involved in a crash involving your vehicle, you are contractually obliged to notify your insurers. Report The Incident To The Police If the police have not already been notified of the incident, you need to consider whether or not a police report should be made. If you are not sure, a solicitor may be able to help you make that decision. Instruct A Solicitor If you believe the other party is at fault, or partly at fault, for the incident, it is important that you contact a solicitor as soon as possible as there are various issues which will need to be addressed without delay. 5

6 Injury & Negligence Carol Jackson, Principal Lawyer & Road Traffic Injuries Expert MAKING A CLAIM Carol Jackson, Principal Lawyer & Road Traffic Injuries Expert in the Serious Injury Team, explains what is involved with making a claim for Road Traffic Injuries. We have years of experience in dealing with claims for people with road traffic injuries, no matter how serious. We are here to support you throughout your case. Talk to us Call us for a free, no obligation consultation with one of our team which includes a qualified nurse and a midwife. We can discuss what has happened to you or your loved one and how we can help.

7 Pannone were empathetic but at the same time professional. Client interviewed for Chambers (Independent Legal Guide) Investigation For your case to succeed, we have to prove that your injury or condition was the fault of another person. We will work with you to gather the evidence to support your claim. This will include taking witness statements, obtaining relevant documents including medical records and instructing independent experts to report. Funding a Case We understand that the cost of legal advice can be a worry, but if you do have a claim there are a number of options available to fund your case including no win, no fee and in some cases legal aid. For more information on funding options, please ask for our funding booklet. Supporting Your Case We know from years of experience how an injury can change your life and affect your family. We are here to support you. Our specialist solicitors will fight to prove your case and get you the best possible result. 7

8 Injury & Negligence WHAT IF MY ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF MY WORK? If the incident happened whilst at work and your employer was at fault, you may still be entitled to make a claim. We have a specialist team who deal with Accidents at Work claims and are here to help and support you. Don t be worried about making a claim if you still work for your employer. Your employer should have employers liability insurance in place to deal with this type of claim. WHAT IF MY ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES OCCURRED WHILST ABROAD? If the incident occurred whilst abroad you may still be able to claim. We have significant experience in dealing with accidents abroad and commonly deal with foreign incidents. WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT? Once we have considered your case we will: Assist you in reporting the matter to the police Arrange for your vehicle to be inspected Obtain your medical records Arrange for you to be examined by a medical expert Consider any rehabilitation necessary Consider any care, aids or equipment necessary In cases where the other side admits fault, it may also be possible for us to obtain an interim payment on your behalf.

9 STATE BENEFITS As well as making a claim for compensation you may also be entitled to claim state benefits. We have a specialist Disability and Welfare Rights team who can advise you on what you are entitled to. Don t worry that any compensation you receive will affect your means tested benefits. Our dedicated Trusts Team can provide you with specialist advice to ensure that any compensation you receive does not affect your benefits income. TIME LIMITS Please note, you must make a claim within 3 years of the date you suffered your injury. If you leave it longer than this, you may lose your right to make a claim. Different time limits may apply if your injury occurred abroad. In the event of a death, you must make a claim within 3 years from the date of death. The time limits for children do not run until they reach 18 years of age. In cases where a person lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit to bringing a claim. 9

10 Injury & Negligence From the moment my solicitor came to visit me, I knew they were different to other firms. They ve always been there for me since. Quote about Pannone part of Slater & Gordon, from Jenny (Warrington)

11 CONTACT US Highest quality advice (ranked in top tier by leading independent legal guides Chambers and Legal 500) Free no obligation consultation Experienced specialist solicitors and principal lawyers who are Leaders in their field We have a range of funding options including No Win No Fee. National UK coverage and home visits Offices in Manchester and London For more information, or to discuss your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us [email protected] Pannone part of Slater & Gordon have offices nationwide. To find your local office visit For further information, please go to:

12 For more information, or to discuss your claim, please contact us on or Slater & Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.