HGV & Lorry Drivers.

HGV Accident Claims & Commercial Truck Injury Lawyers.

Lorry Accident Compensation is a daunting prospect for truck drivers, but it does not have to be.

Driving large heavy goods vehicles can result in safety risks, if you have been injured whilst at work and feel you may be entitled to compensation contact the team at Lanyon Bowdler or complete the online enquiry form.

Driving 44 or 7.5 tonne articulated vehicles can be dangerous. According to data published by the UK Government, and the analysis by the charity Brake published in 2023, collisions involving LGV, HGV, and buses and resulting in fatalities have all increased between 2021 and 2022.

A commitment to the best practices surrounding health and safety should avoid many accidents, but unfortunately, there will always be occasions when things go wrong. And when this happens, lorry drivers and workers in haulage, logistics and other depots may have grounds to make a claim for compensation.

There is a duty of care owed by employers to keep their employees safe whilst they are at work, this duty also extends to those delivering to their premises, and the duty includes the loading and unloading of trailers as well as keeping drivers safe whilst on the road.

A lorry can, in itself, be classed as a place of work as well as a piece of work equipment.

Keeping Safe whilst Driving & Working with Lorries

There are various ways an experienced lorry driver could be involved in a road traffic collision. Tiredness and distractions can result in bad driving, the provision of poor or inadequate transport routes can result in accidents, failure to report/repair mechanical issues, plus the actions by other road users can lead to incidents.

Accidents don’t just happen on the roads; complacency can result in risks being taken by employers and drivers at haulage depots. Such risks may result in parts of the load falling, trips, falls, working at height without proper safety or access equipment, e.g. ladders, gantries or scaffolding. Injuries sustained could be from relatively minor to catastrophic such as head, spinal or amputation.

Training can be an issue and health & safety procedures may need to be tightened up.

Am I eligible for Truck Accident Compensation?

If you have been involved in an accident with a HGV, LGV, lorry or any other type of commercial vehicle, either as an occupant or driver, you may be eligible for compensation. There are a number of circumstances which make these cases more complex than other accident claims, so it is crucial to seek the support of expert Truck Accident Lawyers.

It is highly likely that a claim must be made against another road user or, sometimes, your employer. This often means the other party may reject blame entirely or attempt to negotiate a lower percentage of responsibility for the accident.

With Lanyon Bowdler, you have the support of expert legal professionals who can guide you through the processing of claiming HGV Accident Compensation, and give you the outcome you deserve for your accident. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation of your claim.

Your HGV Accident Compensation Questions Answered

What can cause a HGV accident?

Because of the size, weight, and usage of lorries, accidents can happen because of many different circumstances. These vehicles have also become more and more common in the last decade, meaning the overall figure of accidents has struggled to come down regardless of the improvements in safety protocols. According to the latest figures available, the leading cause of HGV accidents are:

  • Environmental factors: weather, road conditions, and visibility can all be dangerous factors.
  • Dangerous driving: speeding and mobile phone use while driving are leading causes of accidents.
  • Fatigue: especially for HGV drivers who often complete long trips without the necessary rest, ROSPA figures indicate this may cause up to 20% of accidents.
  • Inexperienced drivers: insufficient training of HGV drivers may cause accidents, even when manoeuvring at low speeds.

HGV Accident Compensation is an option for all those who suffered because of an accident involving a goods vehicle, not exclusively the driver or occupants. If you have been involved in an accident with a lorry, truck, or HGV, contact the car accident lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler today to find out if you are eligible for compensation.

What responsibility does my employer have to prevent a HGV Accident?

It is an employer’s duty to protect the health and safety of their staff as well as visitors and general members of the public. This duty extends to agency staff or self-employed workers, who are also owed a duty of care by the employer if they are provided with equipment to do a job, told where to go and what to do.

There is a legal obligation to consult with employees on health and safety related matters, where unions are involved this will be done via representatives; if no union is involved then the employer must consult directly with the employees, listen to any concerns and provide information when requested.

Under the management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992, an employer has to carry out risk assessments across all areas of health and safety and to then ensure measures are put in place to minimise risks identified. The employer must also advise employees of the risks identified. They must ensure adequate training and appropriate equipment is provided to deal with the risks. Measures may include:

  • Double checking traffic routes, including low bridges
  • Ensuring pedestrian, warehouse and delivery traffic is separated and clearly signposted, with appropriate lighting
  • Having marshalls or banksmen available to oversee reversing manoeuvres and to provide assistance during loading and unloading
  • Well lit parking areas with clear markings and appropriate surface
  • Training drivers and shunters in the coupling and uncoupling of any lorries they will be driving
  • Ensuring brakes on the trailer and in the tractor unit are always applied when parked
  • Complying with maintenance schedules and servicing of vehicles

In many circumstances, there is a duty on employers to warn employees of even obvious risks.

What responsibility do employees have to prevent a HGV accident?

Employees must safeguard their own health and safety, such as taking regular breaks as required by the law, as well as the safety of the general public, visitors and colleagues. They have to follow specific training, respect and obey site rules, e.g. loading and unloading procedures, parking, movement of vehicles, pedestrianised areas etc, and report vehicle defects.

How much compensation can I get for my Lorry Accident Claim?

It is impossible to give you an exact figure for your claim until we have talked with you and considered all factors related to your accident. Calculating compensation amounts for HGV accidents is complicated, and will require a thorough review of all the facts.

The Judicial College Guidelines set out ranges of compensation related to different types of injury, based on severity and length of the prognosis. This will be considered the part of your compensation known as General Damages, designed to compensate you for your injury.

Additionally, most claims of this nature will include Special Damages, which are calculated based on the total of all losses and expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Travel expenses
  • Loss of income – present and future
  • Property damage and item replacement
  • Cost of care
  • Cost of adaptation for vehicles and homes

Each HGV Injury Claim is unique, so it is important to seek the legal support of professionals who specialise in this type of injuries, and can value your claim accurately.

Can I make a HGV accident claim as a secondary victim?

In the event a severe or fatal accident is witnessed, or a close member of the family is exposed to the immediate aftermath, there may be entitlement for the pain and suffering endured.

Can I make a HGV accident claim if I can't return to work?

Not all accidents involving HGVs and lorries will result in the inability to return to work, the Disability & Equality Act 2000 is referred to in the event of a compensation claim, where special damages, such as past and future loss of earnings, may be adjusted to reflect the type of work someone is now able to carry out, if this results in a decrease of income.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.

Rachel Dodwell
Community Case Management Services Ltd

As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.

Shelley Lewis
AJ Case Management

Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.

Anthony Reddiford
Guildhall Chambers

The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.

Jenny Whittall
JMW Ltd

Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.

Professor Tony Elliott
Director UK Centre for Medico-Legal Studies

Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.

Matthew
via ReviewSolicitors

From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.

Jayne
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Examples of Compensation Recovered for our Clients

Experienced personal injury claims solicitor Phillip Roberts, a partner in our personal injury team based in Hereford, recovered in excess of £100,000 at a joint settlement meeting, a matter of weeks before a trial was due to take place, for a lorry driver who had developed back pain as a result of faulty seats within the HGVs he had driven for his employer.

Dawn Humphries, a senior solicitor and Head of the Department, who is based in Shrewsbury recovered damages in excess of £100k for a client whose fingers were severed as a result of strapping which was poorly fitted.

Is there a time limit for HGV Accident Claims?

The general rule for time limits on road traffic accident claims is that eligibility lasts for 3 years from the date of the accident. If you have been involved in a HGV accident, you must begin legal proceedings before then.

This limit may be extended in some cases, such as for injuries which are only diagnosed some time after the accident, or for cases involving minors. The courts may allow extensions for other reasons, but this is extremely rare; if you are approaching this time limit and have not begun your Truck Injury Claim process, please contact Lanyon Bowdler today and let our experts show you your options.

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s HGV Injury Lawyers

Claiming for compensation after an accident can be daunting, especially as, often, a claim must be made with your employer or trucking company. Our Work Vehicle Accident Lawyers have years of experience supporting claimants in these cases, and manage all communication to ensure your case proceeds smoothly and all friction between parties is minimised.

Our team of personal injury lawyers consistently achieves great results for clients. It is our long-standing commitment to excellent service and client care that has won us mentions in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as one of the leading firms in the country for many years. Our team is always ready to accommodate you in our offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales, with accessible spaces and parking. As a leading law firm in Shropshire, we can represent you in your case on a No Win No Fee basis across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, Midlands, and wherever you live in England or Wales.

If you have suffered a HGV or lorry accident which was not your fault, contact the team at Lanyon Bowdler or complete our enquiry form to begin your Truck Accident Claim for compensation.

Our people

Meet the team.

Dawn Humphries
Dawn Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Debbie Humphries
Debbie Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Phillip Roberts
Phillip Roberts
Partner
Personal Injury
Isabella Drummond
Isabella Drummond
Paralegal Apprentice
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
Amanda Clarke
Amanda Clarke
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Helen Gale
Helen Gale
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Kelly Gibbons
Kelly Gibbons
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Amy Burgoyne
Amy Burgoyne
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Karen Clarke
Karen Clarke
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Personal Injury
Phyllis Smith
Phyllis Smith
Senior Litigation Assistant
Personal Injury
Alexander Spanner
Alexander Spanner
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Morgan Thompson
Morgan Thompson
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Cameron Petch
Cameron Petch
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Tabassum Jamil
Tabassum Jamil
Trainee Solicitor
Personal Injury
Jo Kneller
Jo Kneller
Solicitor
Personal Injury
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Jane Miles
Jane Miles
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Miriam Homer
Miriam Homer
Solicitor
Personal Injury
David Hughes
David Hughes
Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£5,000 for Work Shoulder Injury

The claimant had not received training from his employers in the use of the truck, nor in manual handling....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Podcast icon Podcast

The Defiant Brain Injured Teenager: Dawn Humphries, Lucy Speed and Andrew Worthington

Brain injuries can have a huge impact on an individual. In this episode, special guest Professor Andrew Worthington from...
Published • 21 Oct 2024
Blog

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Members of the Armed Forces will often be placed into high-risk scenarios and can suffer significant, disabling inj...
Alexander Spanner • 11 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Fatal Accident Claims – What You Need to Know: Miriam Homer and Dawn Humphries

Discussion of fatal accident claims. These claims need to be made where there has been a loss of life. We talk about the...
Published • 07 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

How to Prove Negligence in Sporting Injuries: Alexander Spanner and Cameron Petch

Negligence claims in sporting activities and how certain levels of risks are applied to different sports. They discuss a...
Published • 30 Sep 2024
Blog

National Road Victim Month – August 2024

As the summer holidays draw to a close and we approach the end of August, we also approach the end of National Road...
Debbie Humphries • 29 Aug 2024
Blog

Busting Myths and Misconceptions about Pers...

With numerous myths surrounding the complexity, cost and time involved in bringing a personal injury claim, people ...
Claudia Booth • 22 Jul 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Process of Disclosure in Personal Injury Claims – Miriam Homer and Amy Burgoyne

They explain their roles, and the process of disclosure, where the parties involved exchange documents in relation to th...
Published • 09 Jul 2024
Blog

The Most Important Law of Our Generation? –...

According to the Labour Force Survey for Great Britain during 2022/23, 561,000 workers were injured in the workplac...
Lauren McCarthy • 28 Jun 2024
Blog

Health and Safety in Construction

As with many other areas of work, anyone deemed to be controlling a construction site has responsibilities to keep ...
Alexander Spanner • 27 Jun 2024
Blog

Who is Responsible for Injury Awareness?

In 2021/2022 health and safety statistics suggest that there were 565,000 injuries sustained at work, with 61,713 n...
Karen Clarke • 26 Jun 2024
Blog

Accidents at Work: Falls From Height

We've all seen action movies and spy dramas where the lead character takes a dramatic dive off a building or bridge...
Morgan Thompson • 25 Jun 2024
Blog

Workplace Injuries: HGV Drivers

Sometimes there is no claim, as the accident could be the fault of the driver, but often the employer, or the emplo...
Phillip Roberts • 24 Jun 2024
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