Effective from 19th July, our Edinburgh office at 16 - 20 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AT, will be temporarily closed as we are in the process of relocating. During this period, there will be no staff at this office.

Please be assured that it is business as usual. You can continue to contact your solicitor by phone or email for any assistance or to discuss your case. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring that our services remain uninterrupted during this transition.

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The law requires that all vehicle occupants are secured using an appropriate seatbelt or safety harness at all times when in a car, whether as a passenger or a driver.

To prevent injury, it is particularly important that you remember to ensure that all children are wearing a seatbelt, in a booster seat, or in a car seat appropriate for their age, size and weight.

If you are involved in a car accident and you are not wearing a seatbelt then your compensation may be reduced as a result. However our specialist lawyers can advise you as to how this fact might impact the sum of compensation you are likely to receive.

Exceptions to the seat belt rules

The are some situations in which a person does not need to wear a seatbelt. According to YouGov, these are as follows:

    • You are driver and are reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing
    • You are in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services
    • You are a passenger in a trade vehicle and you're investigating a fault
    • You are driving a goods vehicle, on deliveries, that is travelling no more than 50 metres between stops
    • You are a licensed taxi driver who is "plying for hire" or carrying passengers
    • You have a valid medical exemption certificate

The risks affecting back seat passengers

In a crash at 30mph, an adult back seat passenger is thrown forward with a force of three and a half tonnes, equal to the weight of an elephant. A child in the back seat will be thrown forward similarly, although because of their reduced weight the forces involved will be slightly less.

So, even if the front seat passengers are wearing seatbelts, a back seat passenger who is not properly retrained could cause fatal injury to the other vehicle occupants.

According to US research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the safest place for a child to sit in a car is in the rear. However, this is not the same for older adults. The study revealed that passengers of 55 and older who were travelling in the rear seats of cars were more likely to die in a crash than those passengers in the front seats even when wearing a seatbelt.

Car accident claims with Scotland's number one firm

If you have been involved in a car accident, but are unsure whether you would be able to make a compensation claim, contact our No Win No Fee lawyers today on 0800 0891331. We can investigate matters for you and advise you on the first steps towards receiving compensation.

Thompsons is recognised as Scotland's leading firm and each week secures its clients around £1 million in compensation.

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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