Road traffic accidents – they’re the most straight forward of cases to run when it comes to personal injury claims. In the vast majority of instances, the blame is easy to establish. And there are many ways a driver can be negligent and cause an accident – so here’s an example from the Daily Mail today!
According to sources from the Mail, famous British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has been allegedly involved in a multi-car head on collision after falling asleep at the wheel of his Jaguar (source)
The incident has left one driver with serious injuries, and a five year old boy was taken to casualty with minor injuries. Just hours before the accident, Sir Ranulph had completed a 42 mile overnight marathon across the Peak District – the plausible cause as to how he ended up snoozing behind the wheel! Another adult involved in the accident was described as “walking wounded”
So far police have not cautioned or detained Sir Ranulph in light of no intentional wrong-doing being evident. He will of course be formally questioned, and it is important to note that falling asleep at the wheel of a car is classed as dangerous driving, and carries penalties from a fine to two years imprisonment.
By no means of course is falling asleep at the wheel an excuse. An accident of this nature I am sure was not intentional. But Sir Ranulph it appears so far has been negligent in his duty of care to other road users. If he had have not driven after such a tiring event the previous day, the accident may not have occurred! And if negligence is proved, he is liable for any damages that may be claimed against him.
Road traffic accidents are not uncommon – and although in the majority of cases there is no intention by the driver at fault, there is the right to claim compensation from their insurance if they have been negligent. It’s what it’s there for! And I am sure many would agree that being injured in an accident is not a nice thing to happen – so it’s only fair you are compensated if the accident was not your fault!
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you are more than likely eligible to claim for the compensation you are legally entitled to! Speak to an independent expert personal injury solicitor for advice on what claiming is all about!
