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Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are the largest vehicles found on UK roads. They are necessary for the haulage of goods and a vital part of Scottish life, but a collision involving these types of vehicles is likely to have very serious consequences.

When an innocent road user sustains injury through no fault of their own, access to an experienced HGV injury lawyer becomes essential.

Serious and fatal injuries

Road traffic accidents involving HGVs, trucks, vans, and lorries all have the potential to cause serious and catastrophic injuries because of their size and weight. And it's the occupants of the smaller and less robust cars who are likely to suffer the worst injuries. The size of HGVs often means that several vehicles, and therefore passengers, are likely to be caught up in an accident.

Because of the high risk, all HGV and lorry drivers are required to undergo special training – they must acquire a professional driving qualification known as the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which involves the passing of four tests. But even with such rigorous training, mistakes can, and do still happen. And, of course, there are many international long-haul drivers on the roads of Scotland and the wider UK.

Common causes of a lorry injury claim

Many of the contributing factors involved in HGV accidents are the same as in other road traffic accidents, such as a negligent driver using their mobile phone at the wheel or driving inappropriately for the weather conditions. However, there are some causal triggers which occur with larger vehicles. Here are just a few examples:

  • Blind Spots: HGV drivers have bigger blind spots than most other drivers. Therefore, they may fail to see other road users when changing lanes or pulling out onto a roundabout.
  • Weather: Vans, lorries and HGVs are also particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions. The length and height of HGVs means they are highly susceptible to strong winds, which can cause them to veer into another vehicle's path or be turned over. And stopping distances in wet and icey weather are long for these weighty vehicles.
  • Fatigue: It's usual for HGV and lorry drivers to have to make very long journeys when transporting goods. As a result, many operatives are likely to drive while tired, which can greatly affect their concentration on the road. This may lead to them making an avoidable error which causes an accident.
  • Poorly loaded vehicle: The way goods are loaded into lorries and onto transports can affect their safety. Overloading can cause an HGV to become unstable, increasing the chance of it tipping over or of the driver losing control.

Claiming truck accident compensation with Thompsons Solicitors

Accidents involving HGVs are often serious, which is why it's necessary for all the victims involved to have an expert HGV injury lawyer on their side.

As one of Scotland's leading personal injury firms, Thompsons Solicitors has one goal: to help all personal injury victims, including those wishing to make a lorry injury claim, obtain the full amount of compensation they deserve. We approach each and every case with the utmost care and sensitivity, understanding that making a van injury claim is always going to be a very distressing time for you and your loved ones. With our help we hope that you'll be able to better cope with the consequences of the accident and, in time, move on with your life.

As haulage vehicles are used for business, you may, as an HGV or van driver, also find yourself in the position of needing to make a claim against your employer. For instance, the incident may have happened because the vehicle was overloaded under the instructions of the employer. The accident may also have been due to poor maintenance of the vehicle, which again would have been the responsibility of your employer, and they would be liable for any injury suffered by the driver and other road users. In cases such as these, Thompsons has many work accident solicitors who can help you make a successful van accident claim.

Call 0800 0891 331 today, and we'll put you in touch with the right injury claim lawyer for your case.

Legal services for Car Accident 5 1177
Based on 2020 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Excellent Service

We decided to use Thompsons Solicitors for our personal injury claim following a road traffic accident. The service was spot on from beginning to end, with excellent communication, timely responses & cleat advice that was easy to understand. It was evident Corinne was always acting in her clients best interests and she worked hard to ensure we got the compensation we rightfully deserved. We were delighted with our final offer and we would absolutely recommend both Thompsons and Corinne to others. We cannot thank her enough for all her help, support and advice during this experience.

Siobhan Kerr
15 October 2024
5 / 5

Road traffic accident

Jordan has been great and kept me informed all the way through and am happy with the outcome he has got me.

Ross Alexander
14 October 2024
5 / 5

Amazing service

Lauren and Scarlett were on the ball constantly, keeping me informed all throughout the process and explaining every detail.

Gary boles
27 September 2024
5 / 5

compensation claim

Thompsons was a very professional and approachable firm who ensured I got an appropriate settlement.

Fiona
12 August 2024
5 / 5

Traffic Accident

I can’t thank Corinne and the Team enough for all their help, support, hard work and perseverance with my case. Their belief in me and not giving up over 2 years won me my case and an out of court settlement. I am extremely grateful to Corinne and the team for providing a first class service at all times and keeping me constantly updated every step of the way over the past 2 years. Thankyou all so much and so glad with your expert advice and knowledge in your field it did not have to go to court and an offer was made which I am extremely happy with.

Anonymous
9 August 2024
5 / 5

Clear and helpful

A great company to deal with. The staff were extremely helpful and responsive. A fairly lengthy process but a positive experience after the accident.

Lois
31 July 2024
5 / 5

Review

Professional and friendly manner. Always willing to go that little extra. Kept well informed throughout claim

Alan Craig
17 July 2024
5 / 5

Service

First class firm, very helpful and if i ever needed to ask any questions I was always able to get an answer

Jordan
17 July 2024
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