Can you claim for personal injury if you are at fault? Get the facts

When it comes to personal injury claims, many people are under the impression that they can only claim compensation if the accident was totally someone else’s fault. However, this is not always the case. Even if you might have contributed to the accident, you may still be entitled to claim compensation.

Can I make a claim if I contributed to an accident?

Firstly, it is important to understand that personal injury claims are based on the concept of negligence. This means that someone else, such as another driver, an employer or a property owner has a duty to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. If they fail in this duty and their negligence causes you to suffer an injury, you may be able to claim compensation.

However, if you were partially responsible for the accident, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot claim compensation. In the UK, the law recognises the concept of contributory negligence, which means that if you were partly responsible for the accident, you may still win your case but your compensation will be reduced to reflect your level of responsibility.

For example, if you were involved in a car accident and it was found that you were driving over the speed limit, but the other driver was also at fault for failing to indicate when changing lanes, a court may find that you were 30% responsible for the accident, and the other driver was 70% responsible. In this case, your compensation would be reduced by 30% to reflect your level of responsibility.

Or if you are injured in a public place because you were distracted and didn’t notice a hazard, it is still possible for you to bring a claim if the cause of your injury was a defect in a walkway or steps.

Ultimately, whether or not you can claim compensation for a personal injury will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. This is why it is important to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor who can advise you on your rights and help you to determine whether you have a valid claim.

Price Slater Gawne can help

If you have been injured in an accident that was partially or fully your fault, don’t assume that you cannot claim compensation. Speak to our specialist personal injury solicitors who can help you to understand your rights and determine whether you have a valid claim. With their help, you may be able to recover the compensation you deserve and move on from your injury with confidence.

Contact us today to discuss your case.