Lorry accident claims can help injured road users seek compensation after a collision involving a lorry or heavy goods vehicle (HGV). Due to their size and weight, lorries can cause serious injuries and significant financial losses when road traffic accidents occur. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian, our panel of solicitors can assess your case and explain whether you have grounds to claim compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Lorry accident claims may be possible against negligent drivers, haulage companies, vehicle operators, or other parties responsible for causing the collision.
- Compensation can help cover the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a lorry accident, including lost earnings, treatment and rehabilitation costs, travel expenses, care needs, and any future losses caused by your injuries.
- Drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians could all be eligible to claim compensation following a lorry accident.
- Accidents involving large vehicles can result in serious physical injuries, psychological injuries, and financial losses associated with life-altering injuries.
- No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of expert solicitors can guide you through every stage of the claims process, from gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement without charging upfront or ongoing fees for their services.
Our advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free advice and discuss your claim. Talk to our team today by:
- Calling 020 8050 4194.
- You can also contact us online by completing a callback form.
- Or, click the live chat button on your screen now.
Browse This Page
- What Are HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims?
- Can I Make A Claim For A Lorry Accident?
- Who Is Liable For Lorry And HGV Accidents?
- What If I Had An Accident With A Foreign Lorry Or HGV?
- Common Examples Of Accidents Involving A HGV Or Lorry
- How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For Lorry Accident Claims?
- What Evidence Will I Need To Bring A Lorry Accident Claim?
- How Long Will I Have To Claim For Lorry Or HGV Injuries?
- Why Claim For Lorry Accidents With No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s Panel Of Solicitors?
- Lorry And HGV Accident Claims On A No Win No Fee Basis
- Learn More
What Are HGV Or Lorry Accident Claims?
Lorry accident claims are legal claims made by people who have suffered injuries or financial losses as a result of an accident involving a lorry or heavy goods vehicle (HGV). These claims seek compensation from the party responsible for causing the accident, such as an employer or another road user.
If you have any questions about lorry accident claims or would like a free eligibility check, contact our advisors today. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your circumstances and explain whether you could have grounds to claim compensation.
Can I Make A Claim For A Lorry Accident?
Yes, you could make a claim for a lorry accident if you were injured because another party failed to take reasonable care on the road. All road users have a duty to use the roads safely and consider the safety of others. This duty applies to everyone, but because lorries have the greatest capacity to cause harm due to their size and reduced visibility, their drivers must take additional care. If a breach of this duty results in you suffering injuries, then compensation can be sought.
We’ve summarised the eligibility requirements for you here:
- A duty of care was owed. All road users have a duty to navigate the roads safely and avoid causing harm to others. This duty applies to everyone, so whether you were driving a lorry, car, motorcycle or bicycle, you have the right to expect other road users to act responsibly.
- This duty was breached in some way. In the context of a lorry accident, a breach of duty means that a road user failed to take the necessary care to avoid causing harm. Examples include speeding, driving while distracted, failing to check blind spots or driving while fatigued.
- The breach resulted in an accident in which you experienced injuries. As a direct result of the breach, an accident involving a lorry occurred, and you suffered injuries. Both minor injuries and more serious injuries can form the basis of a compensation claim, provided they were caused by the accident.
It is important to note that responsibility for a lorry accident does not always rest with a road user. In some cases, employers or those responsible for managing public areas may be liable for an accident. We discuss these situations in more detail later in this guide.
Can Lorry Accident Compensation Be Claimed On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, lorry accident compensation can be claimed on behalf of a loved one if they are unable to manage the claims process themselves. This applies where the injured person is a child under the age of 18 or where they lack the mental capacity to make decisions about their claim. In these circumstances, a responsible adult can act on their behalf throughout the claims process.
The person who represents the injured party is known as a litigation friend. A litigation friend is responsible for making decisions in the claimant’s best interests, communicating with the solicitor and helping to progress the claim. The role can be carried out by a parent, guardian, family member or another suitable adult.
If a family member has been injured in a lorry accident and cannot pursue a claim themselves, our advisors are here to help. Contact our advisory team today to learn more about acting as a litigation friend and how No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of solicitors could support you throughout the claims process.
Who Is Liable For Lorry And HGV Accidents?
Liability for lorry and HGV accidents depends on who was responsible for causing the accident. While liability often rests with a road user, responsibility can also fall on an employer or the occupier of a public space if their actions, or failure to act, contributed to the accident.
Road Users
All road users have a duty to use the roads safely and take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. To adhere to this duty, both the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the rules set out in the Highway Code need to be complied with. If a road user breaches these rules and causes a lorry accident, they could be held liable for the injuries and losses that result.
Employers
Employers also have legal responsibilities that can make them liable for a lorry accident. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities.
In the context of lorry and HGV accidents, this includes ensuring vehicles are properly maintained, providing suitable training and making sure the work environment can accommodate all work vehicles.
Occupiers Of Public Areas
The occupiers of public areas also have a duty to take steps to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors to the spaces they control, in line with the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. This could include local authorities, highway authorities and other organisations responsible for maintaining public land and roads.
If a failure to properly maintain or manage a public area contributes to a lorry accident, the organisation responsible for that space could be held liable for any resulting injuries. For example, if a local authority fails to repair a dangerous pothole on a road, causing a lorry driver to lose control and suffer injuries in a crash, the authority responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable.
The consequences of a lorry accident can be significant, particularly where serious injuries and financial losses are involved. Speak to our advisors today to find out whether you could be entitled to compensation and how No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of solicitors could help you pursue your claim.
What If I Had An Accident With A Foreign Lorry Or HGV?
If you had an accident with a foreign lorry or HGV, you could still be entitled to claim compensation. Road users driving foreign-registered vehicles on UK roads are subject to the same rules and laws as domestic drivers. Where a foreign road user is responsible for causing an accident, any claim will be handled through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an organisation that helps compensate people who have been injured in road traffic accidents involving uninsured, untraced or foreign-registered vehicles.
From the claimant’s perspective, the overall claims process is very similar to a standard lorry accident claim. However, there can be additional considerations when identifying the relevant insurer and dealing with a foreign-registered vehicle.
If you were injured in an accident involving a foreign lorry or HGV, speak to our advisors today. They can explain how claims involving foreign vehicles are handled and connect you with No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of expert solicitors for further guidance.
Common Examples Of Accidents Involving A HGV Or Lorry
Lorry and HGV accidents can occur in a variety of circumstances, from collisions with other vehicles to incidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance. Below are some common examples of situations that could give rise to a compensation claim.
- A lorry driver breaches their duty of care by failing to leave enough space while overtaking another lorry on a motorway. As a result, you are forced from the carriageway and crash, leading to a serious multi-vehicle accident in which you suffer a serious spinal injury.
- Your employer breaches their duty of care by failing to carry out the required maintenance inspections on a company lorry. A brake fault goes undetected, and the resulting brake failure causes you to collide with another vehicle at a red light, leaving you with a significant head injury and the other driver in serious condition.
- A local council breaches its duty by failing to repair a dangerous pothole despite receiving several reports about the risk it presents. A lorry strikes the pothole while travelling around a corner, loses control and collides head-on with your vehicle, causing serious injuries.
Collisions involving lorries and HGVs can occur in many ways. If you’re unsure whether your circumstances could support a claim, our advisors are here to help.
How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For Lorry Accident Claims?
Compensation following a lorry accident can reach tens of thousands of pounds, and in cases involving severe or life-changing injuries, substantially more may be awarded. Due to their size and weight, lorries and HGVs have the capacity to cause some of the most serious injuries seen in road traffic accidents. As a result, compensation amounts can be significant where a claimant has suffered substantial physical, psychological or financial harm.
Personal injury compensation is generally divided into two separate heads of claim: general damages and special damages. General damages compensate you for the injuries you have suffered, including both the physical and mental harm caused, while special damages compensate you for the financial harm caused by your injuries. We discuss this head of claim in more detail in the next section.
No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of expert solicitors can use your medical evidence and the guideline compensation brackets contained within the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to value your claim. The JCG is a publication used by legal professionals to assist in determining appropriate compensation awards for different types of injury.
A relevant selection of those brackets, not including the top entry, has been used to create this table. Also, note that the bottom 2 figures show tariffs from the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
Compensation Table
Please be aware that this information is provided as guidance only.
Injury Type and Severity Compensation Amount (Guidelines) Explanatory Notes
Multiple Very Serious Injuries with Significant Financial Harm Up to £1,000,000 + Multiple very serious injuries have been sustained together with equally serious financial losses including medical expenses, a loss of income and care costs.
Brain and Head Injuries - Very Severe (a) £372,570 to £533,720 Very little response to the environment, little to no language function and double incontinence requiring around the clock nursing care.
Brain and Head Injuries - Moderate (b)(iii) £56,890 to £119,860 Impacts on concentration and memory resulting in a reduced ability to work and a small risk of epilepsy, but with very limited dependence on others.
Neck Injuries - Severe (a)(ii) £86,860 to £172,970 Serious fractures and disc damage giving rise to major disabilities such as permanent brachial plexus damage or a substantial loss of neck movement.
Neck Injuries - Moderate (b)(i) £33,020 to £50,850 Fractures and dislocations causing severe immediate symptoms that may require spinal fusion.
Chest Injuries - Damage to Chest and Lungs (c) £41,370 to £72,440 Some continuing disability from damage to the chest and lungs
Chest Injuries - Relatively Simple Injuries (d) £16,640 to £23,730 Some permanent damage but no significant long-term impact on lung function.
Other Arm Injuries - Less Severe (c) £25,370 to £51,750 Injuries that resulted in significant disability, but a substantial recovery has occurred or is expected.
Whiplash Tariff - Whiplash Injuries with a Minor Psychological Injuries £4,975 Whiplash symptoms along with minor psychological symptoms lasting 18-24 months.
Whiplash Tariff - Whiplash Injuries £4,830 1 or More whiplash injuries lasting between 18 months and 2 years.
Can Lorry Accident Claims Cover Special Damages?
Yes, lorry accident claims can cover special damages. These payments are intended to compensate you for the financial losses caused by your injuries. Both past and future losses can be included as part of a special damages claim where they arise as a result of the accident.
Special damages can include:
- Loss of earnings and future loss of income if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Medical treatment and prescription costs.
- Rehabilitation expenses, including physiotherapy and specialist therapies.
- Travel costs for medical appointments and treatment.
- Care and assistance provided by family members or professional carers.
- The cost of adapting your home or vehicle following a serious injury.
- Damage to your vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or personal belongings caused by the lorry accident.
To recover special damages, evidence of your losses will be required. Depending on the expense being claimed, this could include copies of your bank statements or payslips, plus any receipts or, invoices or other relevant documents.
Do The Whiplash Reforms Impact Lorry Accident Claims?
Yes, the Whiplash Reform Programme may affect certain lorry accident claims involving road traffic accidents that occurred in England or Wales. The reforms apply if you were injured as a driver or passenger, were aged 18 or over, and your injuries are valued at £5,000 or less.
If these criteria apply, your claim will need to be made through a different avenue. This includes claims involving whiplash injuries and other injuries valued at less than £5,000, such as minor soft tissue injuries.
Whiplash injuries are valued using fixed tariffs set out in the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, while any additional non-tariff injuries are assessed in the traditional way. If these additional injuries increase the overall value of your claim above £5,000, the claim will generally proceed through the traditional route, although the whiplash tariff will still apply.
If you are unsure which route applies to your lorry accident claim, contact our advisors for guidance.
What Evidence Will I Need To Bring A Lorry Accident Claim?
To bring a lorry accident claim, you will need evidence showing how the accident occurred, who was responsible and the injuries or losses you suffered as a result. This could include photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage and any visible injuries, as well as medical records documenting the injuries sustained and any treatment received.
Following any road traffic accident, one of the most important steps is obtaining the relevant insurance, vehicle and driver details from the parties involved. This information can play an important role in establishing who was responsible for the accident and progressing your claim.
If you would like further information about the evidence needed for a personal injury claim, contact our advice team today. They can answer your questions and explain how No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of expert solicitors could help you build your case.
How Long Will I Have To Claim For Lorry Or HGV Injuries?
In most cases, you will have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a lorry or HGV injury claim. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and applies to the majority of personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents.
Exceptions can apply, however. If you would like more personalised information about the time limit that applies in your specific circumstances, contact our advisors today. They can explain the relevant deadline and answer any questions you may have.
About The No Win No Fee Claims Process
Free Case Assessment
The journey begins with a no-obligation consultation. We assess your injury and evidence to explain your options clearly. If suitable, you'll be offered a No Win No Fee agreement immediately.
Building Your Claim
Your dedicated solicitor gathers medical records and witness statements. We handle all communication with the negligent party and work tirelessly to prove their liability while you focus on recovery.
Settlement & Compensation
We negotiate your settlement to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. If successful, a pre-agreed success fee is taken, and the remaining funds are paid directly to you. No success, no fee.
Why Claim For Lorry Accidents With No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s Panel Of Solicitors?
Claiming for a lorry accident with No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of solicitors can give you access to experienced legal professionals who understand the serious nature of accidents involving HGVs and other large vehicles. Our panel can handle the legal aspects of your claim on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they work to secure the compensation you deserve. From investigating liability to valuing your injuries and financial losses, our panel can support you throughout every stage of the claims process.
No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of solicitors can:
- Connect you with the relevant medical specialists to help ensure you receive the care, treatment and support your injuries require.
- Help navigate claims through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) where the responsible lorry driver is uninsured or fails to stop at the scene of the accident.
- Obtain and review evidence relating to the lorry accident.
- Handle communication with insurers and other parties involved in the claim.
- Negotiate a settlement that reflects the full impact of your lorry accident injuries, financial losses, rehabilitation needs, and any future care requirements.
- Keep you informed throughout your lorry accident claim, providing regular updates and answering any questions about the process.
Every lorry accident claim is different, and the support you need will depend on the circumstances of your case. Speak to our advisors today to learn more about the services No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of solicitors can provide and how they could help you pursue compensation following a lorry or HGV accident.
Lorry And HGV Accident Claims On A No Win No Fee Basis
The solicitors on No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel work exclusively on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you can access expert legal representation without having to pay solicitor service fees at the start of your claim or while the claims process is ongoing.
The type of No Win No Fee agreement offered by our panel is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). A CFA provides several important benefits, including:
- No solicitor service fees at the beginning of your claim.
- No solicitor service fees while your claim is ongoing.
- No solicitor service fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
If your claim succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. The success fee is restricted by The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 to a maximum percentage of 25%.
To find out more about making a No Win No Fee lorry accident claim, speak to our advisors today. They can answer your questions and, if you have grounds to claim, connect you with No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct’s panel of expert solicitors.
Contact Our Advisors To Claim
We fully appreciate that we’ve covered a lot of ground here. For more information or to find out if you have a valid claim, talk to our advisors today. You can:
- Call the team on 020 8050 4194.
- You can also contact us online by completing a callback form.
- Or, click the live chat button on your screen now.
Learn More
See more of our road traffic accident claims guides here:
- Read our guide to fatal accident claims and learn more about how compensation is sought after a wrongful death.
- Find out how our panel of experts could help you to make a burn injury claim following an accident.
- Like lorries, buses are large vehicles with the potential to cause significant harm. You can learn more about bus accident claims on our website.
We’ve also provided a few external resources that we hope are useful to you:
- View the advice for road users from THINK!.
- See the guidance for HGV, bus and coach drivers on the government website.
- Providing first aid after an incident can make an enormous difference. The NHS has prepared this detailed resource on applying first aid.
Thank you for reading our guide to lorry accident claims. Our advisors are available at all times to provide additional guidance, address your concerns, or offer a free eligibility check. Get in touch with today to make a claim using the contact information above.