One in Five Motorists pressurised to take the blame in a Road Traffic Accident

A survey found that one in five motorists who have been involved in a road traffic accident felt pressurised by the other driver to take the blame. Yet in 71% of cases, the accident was not actually their fault.

The same study by the Norwich Union found that 40% of people who replied to the survey had suffered post-traumatic stress symptoms following a road traffic accident, including flashbacks, recurring memories and feelings of distress when recounting what happened. After a crash that wasn’t their fault, people also felt more unsure and fearful that future accidents may happen, hence becoming anxious and hyper-vigilant particularly around the site of the accident.

If you have been in a car accident or road traffic accident that was not your fault, do not admit liability. Call Lawson West and talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer or solicitor first. If you are pressurised into taking the blame and say it was your fault, it will be harder for you to claim compensation for your injuries.

The Norwich Union survey of 1556 drivers also found that 32% of drivers didn’t know what to do in the event of a crash or car accident. If you find yourself in a road traffic accident:-

• Always try to get the other driver's car registration number, name, address and insurance details. If the driver refuses to give you these details, make a note of the registration number.

• Take photos of the damaged vehicles – camera phone pictures are fine.

• Make a rough sketch of the road layout and show the path of the vehicles before and after the collision.

• Never admit liability. Even if you think you are at fault, always speak to a Personal Injury solicitor or lawyer first.

• Seek medical help – you need to have your injuries recorded. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussion, may not become apparent until 48 hours after the accident.

• Keep receipts of any expenses, such as painkillers, incurred. You may be able to recover compensation for these expenses.

• Let us know if there were any passengers in your car at the time of the accident, even children, as they too may be entitled to compensation.

Call Lawson West now on 0116 212 1000 for specialist advice if you have been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.