With winter fully settled in, the roads are becoming increasingly hazardous. With darker days, icy surfaces, and unpredictable weather conditions, the risk of road traffic collisions rises significantly. For many, what begins as a routine journey can quickly turn into a traumatic event, leading to injuries that range from mild to life-changing.
Reduced visibility, slippery road surfaces, unpredictable weather and increased traffic add to congestion and the increasing risk of collisions.
At Brian Barr Solicitors, we understand how devastating collisions can be, particularly when injuries result in chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, CRPS, or traumatic brain injuries.
What to do if you’re involved in a collision
Knowing what to do immediately after a collision can protect your safety and strengthen any legal claim you may need to make later:
- Check for injuries: Prioritise the health and safety of yourself and others. Call emergency services if anyone is injured.
- Move to safety: If possible, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents. Use hazard lights and warning triangles to alert other drivers.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the incident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries; exchange details with the other driver(s), including name, contact information, and insurance details; and if possible collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Report the incident: Notify the police if the collision involves injuries or significant damage. Inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visit a doctor to document your condition. Injuries like whiplash, concussion, or those leading to chronic pain may not become evident until days later.
- Contact a specialist solicitor: If the collision wasn’t your fault, a solicitor experienced in road traffic collisions and personal injury claims can help you seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial losses.
For some, the consequences of a winter road incident extend far beyond the initial crash. Injuries sustained in an accident can trigger or worsen chronic pain conditions such as:
- Fibromyalgia: Often linked to physical trauma, fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
- CRPS: A minor injury from a road traffic collision can develop into CRPS, a chronic and debilitating pain condition.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A collision can result in a direct blow to the cranium and depending on the extent of the force, can cause serious brain injury. Even mild concussions can have long-term effects, including headaches, memory loss, and emotional changes. The majority of brain injury cases that we see at Brian Barr are as a result of injuries sustained in motor vehicle incidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and other car passengers.
These conditions not only impact physical health but can also lead to mental health struggles, financial hardship, and a diminished quality of life.
At Brian Barr Solicitors, we understand the serious and long-term impacts of these collisions, especially for those suffering from chronic pain, catastrophic injuries, or ongoing health conditions due to the incident. We specialise in serious injury claims involving chronic pain, CRPS, fibromyalgia, and brain injuries. If you’ve been involved in a road traffic collision, our expert team can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for including:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings and future income
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle
With a deep commitment to both our clients and broader road safety initiatives, Brian Barr Solicitors proudly partners with some the leading charities and organisations in this field in the UK. We understand the complexities of chronic pain claims and work closely with medical experts to build a robust case that reflects the full impact of your injuries, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
