What are fatal car and road traffic accidents?
Road accidents are one of the most common causes of fatal injuries in Scotland. In fact, according to BRAKE, the road safety charity, five people die in road accidents every single day across the UK. In Scotland, the provisional Transport Scotland figures for 2019 show that 168 people died as a result of road traffic accidents; this represents a 4% increase from 2018.
Who are considered vulnerable road users?
Some road users are particularly vulnerable and these are:
- Motorcyclists
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
When these users are hit by a car or other vehicle they are much more likely to suffer a fatal injury.
What are the accident statistics for vulnerable road users?
In Scotland in 2019, there were:
- 46 pedestrian fatalities
- 25 motorcyclist fatalities
- 8 cyclist fatalities
While these figures continue to be much lower than in recent decades, in 1970 there were 815 deaths on Scotland's roads, we believe that even one death is too many and we make it our mission to help bereaved families seek the justice they deserve.
Amy Gannon
Amy Gannon
"I would recommend that as soon as they're able to do so… that they seek legal advice or instruct a family member to do so on their behalf."
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal road accident that was not his or her fault, then you may be entitled to claim compensation. However, it pays to speak to someone who knows the issues and the implications, someone with the experience to achieve the best result for you, in the quickest possible time
Our personal injury solicitors work from our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Peebles, Dundee and Galashiels and are available to help you wherever you are in the country.
Why speak to Thompsons, Scotland's leading firm?
Thompsons Solicitors is an award-winning firm of personal injury lawyers. We have a specialist Road Traffic team with extensive experience in dealing with fatal accidents .
For example, we helped Scottish cycling champion Jason McIntyre's widow successfully campaign for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into his death. Jason, who had high hopes of making Britain's cycling team for the Beijing Olympics, died in January 2008 after a collision with a council van that turned into his path while he was out on a training run near his home.
Our lawyers also represented many of the victims of the Glasgow bin lorry crash and were instrumental in calling for a Fatal Accident Inquiry.
Making a claim for compensation can be a daunting prospect, but an experienced accident lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and advise you on the best way forward.
If you have lost someone in a fatal accident, even if you are unsure whether you would be able to claim, contact our no win, no fee lawyers today on 0800 0891 331 .
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is most at risk on Scotland’s roads?
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are identified as vulnerable road users and face a higher risk of fatal injury.
Can I make a claim if a loved one died in a road accident?
Yes. Thompsons’ specialist solicitors can advise on bringing a claim and pursue it on a no win, no fee basis.
Why choose Thompsons for a fatal accident case?
We are an award-winning Scottish firm with extensive experience, including high-profile cyclist and public transport cases.
