Roundabout Accident Claims
Advice on when St Helens roundabout accident claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
Roundabout Accident Claims
Advice on when St Helens roundabout accident claims are possible and how solicitors can help secure the compensation you deserve.
It’s probably fair to say that roundabouts are one of the most common places where drivers interpret the rules of the Highway Code differently! As such, collisions at roundabouts aren’t uncommon. Therefore, we’ve written this article on roundabout accident claims. We’ll review what types of accidents can happen, when you can claim, and how compensation is calculated.
Our specialist advisors offer a free consultation if you have any questions about making a claim. As well as reviewing your case for free, they’ll explain you’re options too. Importantly, if you have a valid claim, we could connect you with a road traffic accident solicitor who covers St Helens. What’s more, if they agree to represent you, they’ll manage your case on a No Win No Fee basis.
Please continue reading to find out how roundabout accident compensation claims work. Alternatively, for free tailored guidance, why not call 01744 385105, or complete our Contact Us form today?
What Is A Roundabout Accident Claim?
A roundabout accident claim is a type of road traffic accident claim where you seek compensation for injuries sustained in a roundabout collision. Such claims can arise from incidents on any roundabout, whether on main routes like the A580 East Lancashire Road, the M62, or smaller local junctions.
Effectively, if another driver’s negligence caused your injury, for example, if they cut across you from a left-only lane, you may have grounds to claim. The aim is to compensate you for harm suffered because someone else broke the rules of the road, as set out by laws such as the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The solicitors on our panel cover claims in and around St Helens. They are able to work on all types of road traffic accident claims and may offer to help if you meet the criteria set out in the next section.
If you have had an accident at a roundabout in St Helens, you have nothing to lose by contacting us for a free initial assessment of your claim.
If you've suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you don't need to suffer in silence.
What Eligibility Criteria Are Relevant For Roundabout Accident Claims?
Here is a checklist you can use to check if you might have grounds to claim for a St Helens roundabout accident:
Did the other party involved in your accident owe you a duty of care at the time of the accident?
Did your accident occur because the other party was negligent?
Were you injured as a consequence?
If you are able to answer yes to all 3 questions, you are likely to have grounds to seek compensation for your injuries. Importantly, solicitors can help motorists, cyclist, pedestrians, and motorcyclists to claim.
Why not let us know how your accident happened by calling our advice centre today?
How Long Do I Have To Begin A Claim?
In most cases, you must start your claim within 3 years of the date of the accident. This rule is defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988.
A couple of exceptions exist, though:
If a child is injured, the time limit for claiming does not begin until their 18th birthday. However, a parent, guardian or responsible adult can claim on the child’s behalf before then.
Where the injured party lacks mental capacity (perhaps after sustaining life-changing injuries), there is no time limit. The 3-year time limit would only start again if they regain mental capacity.
To check if you still have time to claim for a roundabout accident in St Helens, please give us a call today.
Common Examples Of Incidents Leading To Roundabout Accident Claims
Roundabout accidents can happen in many ways. Some frequent causes that could lead to a claim include:
A driver failing to give way to vehicles already on the roundabout.
Entering the roundabout at speed and striking another vehicle.
Changing lanes carelessly or without signalling.
Rear-end collisions due to sudden braking.
Cyclists or motorcyclists being struck by vehicles merging or exiting without looking.
Pedestrians injured by vehicles mounting the kerb or using crossings incorrectly.
For instance, a crash on the St Helens Linkway roundabout might happen if another driver moves into your lane without warning. Or, you could be hit by another vehicle because its driver was distracted by their satnav.
As part of a free initial consultation, we are happy to check if your accident could lead to a compensation claim. Therefore, even if you’re not sure who is liable for your injuries, please feel free to contact our specialists.
What Evidence Is Required For Roundabout Accident Claims?
Gathering the right evidence is crucial for a roundabout accident claim. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Therefore, we’ve listed some important evidence that could strengthen your case:
Notes on weather/road conditions – Brief details about lighting, surface, and visibility can matter. Such information can provide essential context for the circumstances of the collision.
Dashcam or CCTV footage – Visual evidence can show exactly what happened. This type of evidence is unbiased and can be decisive in settling disputes.
Police reports – If police attended, get the incident number and a copy of their statement. Official documentation adds credibility to your account.
Witness contact details – Independent accounts support your version of events. Neutral witnesses can help corroborate your side of the story.
Medical records – Visit a doctor so your injuries are professionally recorded. Accurate records can strengthen your claim and document ongoing symptoms.
Vehicle damage reports – These can help show the force and angles of impact. Such reports are often useful for insurance and liability purposes.
Photographs – Take pictures of the vehicles, the roundabout, road markings, and any visible injuries. Clear photos provide a detailed visual reference for later review.
If you work with a solicitor, they may have better luck obtaining evidence that you’ve been struggling to secure. This means that you shouldn’t be too concerned if you don’t have everything listed here.
Can I Claim For A Roundabout Accident On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, the solicitors on our panel manage roundabout accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This is also referred to as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
Here’s how it works:
You do not pay upfront legal fees to start your claim.
If your case does not succeed, you generally won’t pay your solicitor’s fees.
If you win, a success fee (capped by law) is taken from your compensation.
By law, the success fee your solicitor can charge is capped at 25% of your compensation payout, ensuring you keep the majority of your award.
Such arrangements make it much easier to pursue justice, even if you are worried about the financial risk. Remember, our solicitors cover St Helens and the surrounding area. Therefore, if your claim proceeds, it will be managed on a No Win No Fee basis from start to finish.
What Does Compensation Cover?
Compensation for a roundabout accident claim typically includes two types of damages:
General Damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. The level depends on medical evidence, injury severity, and recovery time.
Special Damages: For financial losses, such as:
Lost earnings (past and future)
Medical expenses and prescriptions
Travel expenses for treatment
Property repairs (like vehicle damage)
Costs of care and support if you need help at home
As you might imagine, even if liability is accepted by the defendant’s insurers, they might try to limit how much compensation you’ll receive. For that reason, working with a solicitor who understands road traffic accident claims might be beneficial. In many cases, they can use their legal skills and training to negotiate a better settlement than the insurer initially offers. For more information, please get in touch.
Call Today To Start A Roundabout Accident Compensation Claim
If you think you have grounds for a roundabout accident claim, now is the time to act. Starting your claim is easier with expert support on your side. Our panel of solicitors covering St Helens can help you understand if you have a valid claim and what evidence you’ll need.
You can get free, no-obligation guidance, whether you want to start today or just contact us to ask a question. To do so, please call 01744 385105, or use the Contact Us form.
Don’t let worries or red tape hold you back, get the advice you need, and move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about St Helens roundabout accident claims.
How long does it usually take to settle a roundabout accident claim?
The time it takes to settle a claim varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether liability is disputed. Simple, straightforward cases may resolve in a few months, but complex cases or those involving multiple parties can take a year or more.
Will claiming for a roundabout accident affect my no claims bonus?
If you claim through your insurance policy, you may lose your no-claims bonus (unless it is protected). You might also find your insurance premiums go up as a result of the claim even if you weren’t to blame. Therefore, claiming through a solicitor and not your insurer may be the better option.
What if the other driver involved in the roundabout accident is uninsured?
If the other driver is uninsured, you may still make a claim through your own insurer, particularly if you have comprehensive or uninsured driver cover. Alternatively, you can apply for compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau in the UK, which handles claims involving uninsured or untraced drivers.
