Taking time to prepare your car and yourself will help you stay safe on the road this winter. Unfortunately there is a greater increase in the number of road traffic accidents during winter.

Read our tips on how you can stay safer on the roads this winter:

• Take extra precautions such as lowering your speed and keep a safe distance between cars. Speed is one of the most important factors in road traffic accidents.
• Ensure your winter car preparations are complete including making sure all tyres have adequate tread and lights are working. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter.
• Listen to weather warnings being issued and if possible, avoid driving in dangerous conditions.
• Ensure you keep a de-icer and ice scraper in your car and do not attempt to drive until your car is fully deiced.
• Always clear windows of ice, snow or mist. 
• Check fuel levels and be prepared for un-expected delays.
• If you need to use fog lights, remember to switch them off when visibility improves so you don’t dazzle other drivers or obscure your brake lights.
• Keep a winter emergency kit including high visibility clothing and warm coat/ blanket, food and drinks in case of breakdown. Don’t forget to add jump leads and a warning triangle in the event of a breakdown.

How Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors can help you if you are involved in a road traffic accident

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, we can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to, including compensation for injuries caused by the accident. Whiplash, head and spinal injures are common injuries sustained in road traffic accidents. To speak to a member of our team, please call us on 028 7963 2030 or email info@bernadettemulholland.com.

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Yes you can. If you were involved in a road traffic accident and sustained injury caused by an uninsured driver, you can claim for compensation for personal injury and loss. The claim would be submitted to the Motor Insurers Bureau which covers claims for victims of uninsured drivers.

My own insurance company said they would appoint a solicitor to represent me. Can I use my own solicitor?

Yes you are free to choose your own solicitor to represent you. Your motor insurance policy may include the coverage of legal expenses should you be involved in an accident. You are not obliged to use the solicitor they appoint.

Following a RTA, record details of losses

Following a road traffic collision, it is important to keep records of financial losses associated with the accident. This can include medical expenses, income lost due to time off work etc. This can be included in your compensation claims and maximise compensation you receive.

Why should I seek my own independent legal advice following a collision?

If you have been involved in a road accident, you may be contacted by solicitors who have received your details by the opponents insurance company. However, it is important to be aware that the insurers and their solicitors are acting in the best interest of the insurance company and not in the best interests of you the injured party. This often results in offers to settle a claim at an amount which is much lower than the amount to which you are entitled. We highly recommend you seek your own independent legal advice and at Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors, we are available to advise you on this and act on your behalf. Contact us on 028 7963 2030 or email us info@bernadettemulholland.com.

The post <strong>Road Traffic Accident Compensation Frequently Asked Questions</strong> appeared first on Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors.