RTA Archives - Lacey Solicitors | Specialist Insurance Law Firm

However, attributing an accident solely to poor weather is not enough to explain why an injury or, in the worst cases, a fatality occurred. The key issue lies in the circumstances that allowed the dangerous weather conditions to have such an impact. Was proper risk assessment and preparation in place? Could negligence or oversight have contributed to the situation? These are critical questions to consider when determining the true cause of the incident and those questions can be answered by appointing specialist personal injury solicitors. Seek out a consultation with one of our lawyers if you wish to discuss a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland.

Bad Weather Worsens Accident Rates

Weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, and fog can significantly impair visibility, traction, and reaction times, leading to a higher rate of accidents. Additionally, adverse weather can cause dangerous falls, broken bones, and injuries from slipping on icy or wet surfaces. In fact, accidents related to weather conditions, including road traffic collisions (RTAs), hail, snow, and ice-related injuries, rise during colder months.

With the ongoing impact of climate change, extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent, exacerbating the risk of personal injuries in the coming years.

What Types of Personal Injury Happen in Cold Weather?

Winter and adverse weather conditions present various types of accidents. Here are some common weather-related personal injuries you may encounter:

Slipping Indoors or Outdoors

Slippery surfaces due to ice, snow, or rain can result in falls both indoors and outdoors. In shopping centres, supermarkets, and public areas, wet floors often cause people to slip, leading to broken bones, muscle strains, or soft tissue injuries.

Flooding Injuries

Flooding can lead to serious injuries, and has become a real threat in some parts of Northern Ireland where it is more prevalent. While drowning is a significant risk, floodwater often contains harmful bacteria, raw sewage, and debris, which can lead to infections and sepsis from cuts and scrapes.

Road Traffic Collisions

Bad weather is a significant factor in increased RTAs (Road Traffic Accident). Poor visibility affects drivers’ response times. Wind can flip tall vehicles and snow can bring traffic to a standstill. There were 4,977 road traffic accidents from 2023-2024.

According to leading UK insurers January is the month with the highest percentage of traffic accidents occurring in wet conditions, accounting for 15.3% of all incidents. It is followed closely by November (14.9%) and February (14.6%). Surprisingly, the warmer summer months still pose a risk, with July and August seeing 9% of accidents occurring in rainy weather. This shows that regardless of the season, drivers should always stay alert when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Outdoor Worker Safety Becomes Compromised in Bad Weather

If you are a bricklayer, a roofer, or a day labourer working in construction then the risks associated with the job sharply increase in high winds, rain, or snow. Your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe while you are carrying out your daily duties. Slippery surfaces, falling debris, farming and agriculture incidents, and construction site safety issues all occur in bad weather.

The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Solicitor

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to weather conditions, whether on the road or at work, seeking legal advice is crucial. Personal injury solicitors specialise in representing individuals who have been injured in accidents caused by another party’s negligence, including poor road maintenance, unsafe working conditions, or inadequate safety measures.

Our personal injury checklist can allow you to take the first steps towards recovery.

A solicitor will help you navigate the claims process, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Prioritise Safety in Bad Weather and Seek Legal Advice

You have only one obligation throughout periods of bad weather and that is to keep yourself and your family safe. Read our article on how to stay safe in dangerous weather conditions. Once the bad spell has passed and you are left to deal with the fallout from an injury, it is time to seek legal advice.

Lacey Solicitors Firm include skilled personal injury solicitors who can become your voice in the legal system. Seek out a consultation today to discuss your options.

The provisional road traffic collision figures for 2023-2024 have been released, revealing a concerning 7,833 recorded injuries resulting from 4,977 road traffic accidents. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) continue to account for the majority of personal injuries reported annually in Northern Ireland.

Road Traffic Statistics in Northern Ireland 2023-24

Provisional figures for road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland for 2023-2024 have been released, offering important insights into the latest trends surrounding road traffic accidents. The Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI) has broken down the data by age, gender, and month, revealing key patterns in fatalities.

During this period, 39 drivers tragically lost their lives in fatal road traffic accidents, while 8 pedestrians were killed, with a higher risk for males aged 25-64. In a surprising statistic, only one pedal cyclist died from injuries in a road traffic accident. A total of 68 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2024, a slight decrease from 71 in the previous year.

The report highlights a concerning increase in drink driving which is further supported by the BBC article which confirmed that an alarming 132 motorists were arrested for drunk driving between December 1st and 15th, 2024.

For those injured in a road traffic accident, many seek to pursue a personal injury claim if they were not at fault. Whether involving passengers, pedestrians, or no-fault drivers, road traffic accidents are common, and many individuals turn to personal injury solicitors to guide them through the process of compensation claims and protect their financial interests.

Can You Make a Personal Injury Claim for Car Accidents in the UK and Northern Ireland?

At Lacey Solicitors, our advice to anyone involved in a collision is to speak with a solicitor who specialises in road traffic accidents. A specialist solicitor can offer valuable assistance, ensuring peace of mind when dealing with any damage caused, injuries suffered, or financial losses incurred. They will provide expert guidance throughout the claims process, helping you navigate complex legal procedures and maximize your compensation entitlement.

After a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, you can make a compensation claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. In most cases, the at-fault party will cover any legal costs, allowing you to pursue your claim with minimal financial burden.

Can I claim Personal Injury even if the Accident was My Fault?

Even if you are largely at fault for a road traffic accident in the UK or Northern Ireland, you may still be able to make a personal injury claim under the principle of “contributory negligence.” This legal concept allows you to seek a percentage of damages from the other party if they share some of the responsibility for the accident.

For example, if you were making a right-hand turn and failed to check your mirrors, not noticing a vehicle overtaking you at the time, it could be argued that your actions contributed to the collision. However, it may also be argued that the other driver overtook you when it was unsafe to do so, which could share some of the liability.

Contributory negligence can reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to, depending on the degree of fault attributed to each party. It’s important to consult with a specialist road traffic accident solicitor to evaluate your case, as they can help you navigate the complexities of contributory negligence and ensure that your rights are protected.

How much Compensation can you get for a Personal Injury after a Car Accident?

The amount of compensation you could receive for personal injury after a road traffic accident (RTA) can vary, and it’s impossible to accurately predict without a detailed assessment. Even advanced road traffic accident compensation calculators can only provide rough estimates, as each case is unique and depends on various factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life and any medical treatment.

To get a clearer idea of your potential award, it’s essential to consult with a specialist personal injury solicitor. An experienced road traffic accident solicitor will offer valuable insights into the strengths of your compensation claim and guide you through the process, increasing your chances of success.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you deserve the best possible representation. Contact Lacey Solicitors Belfast using our online form to discuss your case and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Severe Weather Related Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland

Tag: RTA