HGV Accident Compensation

Although we all pass a driving license test at some point, there are factors which can affect our ability to drive such as being tired, being under the influence of alcohol, or having taken medication, and regardless of how good of a driver we are, there are many of these external influences that can cause use to lose attention for just one second.

HGV drivers usually have to travel long distances in short periods of time and they can frequently suffer from sleeplessness and various other health problems. But this is no excuse for them to cause an accident, and if you have been involved in a HGV accident which wasn’t your fault, then you could be eligible for compensation. 

What is a HGV?

A HGV or Heavy Goods Vehicle generally refers to any vehicle with a total weight which exceeds 3500kg. These vehicles are usually large trucks which are used to transport items over a great distance. 

To drive a HGV in the UK you must have the appropriate license which needs to be re-tested every few years to ensure that you are still able to drive the vehicle. 

Why might a HGV accident be more serious?

In general, accidents involving HGVs are more serious because the weight of the vehicle can easily crush or smash other smaller vehicles with occupants inside. In addition, if you crash into a HGV which is carrying a flammable liquid or gas, it could catch on fire which could cause an explosion, severally injuring the occupants of the other vehicle. 

What injuries can I incur?

Injuries that are commonly incurred in a HGV crash are not dissimilar to that of a car crash, but in many cases they are more severe. These include:

• Head and neck injuries including whiplash
• Broken or crushed bones potentially leading to amputation
• Scarring, cuts and burns
• In some cases death. 

Who can I claim against?

If you are involved in an accident which was not your fault then you may be able to claim against the owner/driver of the HGV who you collided with. Generally HGVs are company cars and are therefore insured as such, so you should not worry about making a claim against the individual driver, as the claim will generally go through the insurance company who will in turn look after your pay out. 

What should I do next?

If you are looking to make a claim against a HGV driver, then our experts at Legal Request can help. We are trained to deal with a whole range of personal injury claims and we will help to put the money back into your pocket and get you the compensation to which you are entitled. So what are you waiting for? Call the Legal Request team today on 0800 990 3500.