Any accident on the road can have serious consequences, but when an accident involves a heavy goods vehicle, the risk of severe injury increases. If you’ve been injured in a lorry or HGV accident, our award-winning solicitors are on hand to support you.
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Lorries and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are a common sight on UK roads, and while most journeys made by these vehicles occur without incident, accidents are inevitable. Unfortunately, due to their size and weight, when accidents do happen the risk of severe injury is increased.
In 2023, the government announced a change of legislation that would allow longer lorries to be driven on UK roads. The move is thought to have the potential to boost the economy by £1.4 billion, while saving 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the air.
Lorry and HGV drivers are obligated to undergo training and to follow strict regulations regarding how long they are behind the wheel to ensure safe practices are followed and the risk of accidents is kept as low as possible. When the worst does happen, however, it’s important that those affected know how to react, and what help and support is available to them.
At Slater and Gordon, our dedicated team of HGV accident solicitors have supported countless clients across the UK to access the support and compensation they deserve following a collision with a lorry or HGV. We provide expert legal guidance tailored to your circumstances, ensuring you know exactly where you stand from the very beginning and supporting you in securing the best possible outcome at every stage.
What are the most common causes of lorry accidents?
As lorries and HGVs are so large and cumbersome, special care needs to be taken not only by the driver, but also by other road users when driving near or overtaking them. This is because lorry drivers often don’t have the same level of visibility in their wing mirrors and have no visibility of road users who get too close to the back of their vehicle.
Some common causes of lorry and HGV accidents include:
Tailgating: when a motorist drives too close to the rear of another vehicle, without leaving enough room for the front driver to react to potential hazards (such as emergency braking)
Failure to look or notice potential hazards: a type of negligent driving where a driver is not paying enough attention to what is happening around their vehicle
Driver fatigue: the driver of the lorry or HGV has not had enough rest and concentration begins to slip, making mistakes far more likely
Driver distractions, such as mobile phones, or use of alcohol or drugs: It is illegal for drivers to use mobile phones while driving, or to be under the influence of alcohol or drug
Vehicle condition: the lorry or HGV has not been properly maintained, reducing the functioning of the vehicle, or it has been poorly loaded, making it more prone to overturning
Weather conditions: bad weather, such as strong winds, can affect the balance of the vehicle, particularly at high speeds or in exposed areas
What can I claim for as part of a HGV accident claim?
When making a claim for a lorry or HGV accident, the damages you can claim for fall into two categories: general and special.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
If any of your property has been damaged in the accident – for instance, your car, bicycle or motorbike – you will also be able to claim for the cost of any repairs or, if the damage is too severe, you can claim the current market value towards a like-for-like replacement.
Why do I need a lawyer after a road traffic accident?
Cardiff-based personal injury lawyer, Nick Collins, explains the benefits of seeking legal advice after a traffic accident and the various options of compensation that a lawyer can provide.
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What evidence do I need to make a HGV accident claim?
To make a claim for compensation, we will need to prove that the lorry driver was responsible for the accident, either by negligence or because of poor vehicle maintenance, and you sustained injuries as a result.
To do this, we’ll gather any relevant evidence for your case to help establish the circumstances of the accident and how it has affected you. Our HGV accident solicitors will work with you to collect the evidence you need, though it is important that where you can, you try and collect as much evidence as you can from the scene of the accident. This should include the driver’s details, the number plate of the cab and of the trailer (these can sometimes be different), and any photographic evidence that shows the extent of the damage, as well as where and how the accident occurred.
Every case will be different, but evidence we will need typically includes:
Your medical records, detailing the nature and severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your day-to-day life
A medical examination carried out by an independent medical professional, who will prepare evidence for the court detailing the impact of your injuries and a full prognosis of expected recovery
Photographic and video evidence from the scene, including dashcam or CCTV footage where available
Financial records, evidencing any losses you have incurred due to the accident and your injuries, such as lost wages, additional travel costs, medical expenses, or mobility aids and adaptations
If the accident involved an international lorry, the driver should have a ‘Green Card’ to show that they are insured to drive in the UK. You should request this information from the driver if you can.
How much compensation can I claim for a HGV accident?
Every claim is different, so there is no fixed sum of HGV accident compensation. Instead, the value of your claim is determined by examining the severity of your injuries, the impact they have on your daily life, and the extent to which you can be reasonably expected to make a full recovery.
As a rule, the more severe your injuries, the more compensation you will be awarded. This is because severe injuries have a much more substantial impact on your life, often requiring longer recovery times and more time out of work, or even resulting in permanent disability or long-term pain.
When you make a HGV accident claim, your solicitor will examine the circumstances of your case, assessing the evidence carefully before advising you on what you may be entitled to claim.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose slater and gordon
Kenny Jackson
How do I make a claim for a lorry or HGV accident?
We understand that pursuing legal action can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly after you’ve suffered a serious injury and are still in recovery. However, making a HGV accident claim can be a critical step in supporting your recovery journey, which is why our leading solicitors are on hand to support you every step of the way, providing the legal expertise and guidance you need so you can focus on what matters.
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today for a no-obligation chat about your case with one of our industry-leading HGV accident lawyers
We’ll assess your claim and help you collect all the necessary evidence, working with medical experts and witnesses to support your case
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing legal evidence
Our experts will ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your solicitor will represent you through proceedings
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s HGV accident solicitors?
When not handled or maintained correctly, lorries and HGVs can present a significant risk to both the driver and other road users, and injuries sustained in a lorry accident can be severe. It’s therefore crucial that you have the right expertise and support at your side to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve.
Our lawyers are among the best and most experienced personal injury lawyers in the country, consistently receiving high rankings from reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic, collaborative approach to your road traffic accident claim, working closely with medical experts who can assess your injuries and determine the future care and rehabilitation you may require.
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of HGV accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different, so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
What does the law say about driving lorries or HGVs?
According to UK law, any vehicle that weighs more than 3.5 tonnes is classified as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
The government also places strict rules on drivers in terms of how long they are allowed to be behind the wheel within a given period. For instance, a HGV driver cannot drive for longer than 4.5 hours without a break of at least 45 minutes and can only drive for 9 hours a day. They must also not exceed 56 hours of driving in a week or more than 90 hours over the course of two weeks (so if a driver worked for 56 hours in the first week, they would not be allowed to work for longer than 34 in the second week).
By law, all hours driven must be logged and tracked, and any driver found to have broken the rules can be issued a fine of up to £1,500 for breaches within a 28-day period. If a driver has more than five breaches in any 28-day period, they can be taken to court and their vehicle immobilised.
Will I need to attend a medical examination as part of my claim?
For most personal injury claims, you’ll be required to undergo a routine medical examination by an experienced medical expert, who will discuss your injuries and their impact on your life in detail. They will then produce a medico legal report, which is used as evidence by the courts and solicitors to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you might be expected to recover.
How long do I have to start a claim for a lorry accident?
Under UK law, you have three years from the date of your lorry or HGV accident to make a claim. There are certain circumstances in which this time limit may change; for example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child under the age of 18, someone who lacks mental capacity to do so for themselves, or if your accident happened abroad.
It’s always best to speak to a specialist lorry and HGV accident solicitor to discuss your personal circumstances in more detail. To get in touch, call us on 0330 041 5869 or reach out online, and we’ll be able to help you start your claim.
Can I make a No Win No Fee HGV accident claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a conditional fee arrangement, more commonly known as No Win No Fee. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, No Win No Fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I make a claim for a HGV accident on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in an accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert solicitors will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can I claim compensation if the HGV driver at fault was from outside the UK?
Yes, you can. Many foreign-registered lorries and HGVs use UK roads, so it is not uncommon for HGV accidents to involve drivers based outside the UK.
In most cases, UK law will still apply as the accident happened here, which means your claim will be pursued through the UK courts regardless of where the driver or their company is located.
If you’ve been injured on the road by a foreign-registered HGV or a driver based outside the UK, speak to our dedicated team today to learn more about making a claim. You can call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a call back.
What types of injuries can a HGV driver claim for?
If you are a HGV driver and you’ve been injured in an accident on the road, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation no matter what injury you have suffered. Common injuries we see in HGV driver claims include:
Damage of the neck, back or spine
Fractures or broken bones, particularly in the arms or legs
Head or brain injuries
Soft tissue damage
Psychological injury, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress
In severe cases, injuries can lead to long-term disability or chronic pain. Having access to the right legal support and guidance can help you secure the compensation and treatment you need to aid your recovery.
How is compensation calculated for HGV driver injuries?
As with other types of claims, compensation for HGV drivers is made up of two separate awards: one for general damages, and another for special damages.
General damages are awarded for your injuries and the pain and suffering caused. This includes the impact they have had on your quality of life (known as loss of amenity), how long your recovery is expected to take, and whether there are likely to be any long-term effects.
Special damages are awarded for any financial losses you have incurred. This could include lost wages due to time out of work, any medical treatment such as physiotherapy, any mobility aids or home adaptations you may need, and any travel costs.
Will I need to go to court as part of a HGV accident claim?
It is very unlikely that you will need to go to court as part of a HGV accident claim, as most claims are settled through negotiations with the other side.
In rare cases, where the defendant disputes liability or an agreement can’t be reached on the amount of compensation due, it may be necessary to start court proceedings and have a judge rule on the case. Even then, it can still be possible to reach a settlement before the final hearing.
If court proceedings become necessary in your case, your dedicated HGV accident solicitor will guide you through the process and clearly explain what is expected at each stage. They will represent you during court hearings and continue to advocate on your behalf, working hard to resolve your claim smoothly and efficiently while securing the compensation you deserve.
Can I claim for lost income due to my injuries?
Yes, you can. The aim of awarding HGV accident compensation is to put you back in the position you would have been had the accident near occurred insofar as is possible.
Compensation can’t undo the pain and suffering caused, but it does provide the financial resources you need to support your recovery and cover any losses you’ve incurred, including lost income due to time out of work.
To learn more or to discuss your case with one of our specialist HGV accident lawyers, call our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a call back.
Can I get special damages compensation in HGV accident claims?
Special damages compensation is one of two categories of compensation awarded in every HGV accident claim. It provides recompense for any financial losses you have incurred due to the accident or the injuries you suffered, both now and in the future.
How much compensation is awarded in this category will depend on your circumstances, but it can include lost income, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, care, travel costs, and damage to property. Where injuries are more severe or expected to have a long-term or permanent impact, it can also cover adaptations to your home or even lost future earning potential.
Your HGV accident solicitor will assess the circumstances of your case and all the available evidence to determine how much compensation you could claim, making sure nothing is overlooked. To find out how much you could be entitled to, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What should I do if I’ve been involved in a HGV accident on the road?
If you have been involved in a HGV accident, your health and safety should always come first. Seeking medical attention is important, even if injuries seem minor at first, as symptoms can develop over time.
Reporting the accident to the police and ensuring it is properly recorded can help later if you decide to make a claim. If possible, you should also try to gather as many details from the scene as possible, such as the other driver’s information and any witness details.
Once you are safe, speaking to experienced HGV accident solicitors can make a real difference. Early legal advice helps protect your position, ensures evidence is preserved and gives you clear guidance on your options.
Our leading road traffic accident team is here to help when you need us. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a call back.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose slater and gordon Kenny Jackson